“How despicably have I acted!” she cried. “I who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities!” (205).
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them” (Mother Theresa). Elizabeth was too busy judging and criticizing Darcy, she never had time to love him. For the first time, Elizabeth realizes she is prejudice and has condemned Darcy for no reason. Since Elizabeth immediately accused Darcy of being proud, she never learned his true nature. Elizabeth chose not to see the truth; as a result, her inability to see people for who they truly are would hurt her greatly. Elizabeth trusted and admired Wickham because he was witty and good looking. She quickly learned that Wickham, not Darcy, was deceptive and misleading. Elizabeth has always been proud of her ability to judge right from wrong. This experience is an awakening to Elizabeth; she is not always right. Everything she accused Darcy of, his pride and his quick judgments, she is guilty of herself. Elizabeth has no right to criticize Darcy or others of their faults because she has her own faults to take care of.
Mr. Darcy writes a letter to Elizabeth for all the following reasons EXCEPT:
A.)He feels a desire to respond to Elizabeth’s anger
B.)He feels a need to clear things up with Elizabeth
C.)He wants Elizabeth to understand why he detached Mr. Bingley and Jane
D.)He needs to have Elizabeth marry him
E.)He wants Elizabeth to know Wickham’s true nature
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
P& P #7: 6-10
"There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me" (173).
Darcy once claimed that Elizabeth’s natural defect was to willfully misunderstand everyone. While this may be true for others, Elizabeth understands herself very well. When faced with a challenge, Elizabeth will always have courage. For example, Maria and Sir William were nervous and afraid to enter Lady Catherine’s home; however, Elizabeth was composed and her “courage did not fail her” (161). Every time someone tries to intimidate her, she gains more confidence. Catherine de Bourg makes it clear she disapproves of Elizabeth’s upbringing. Elizabeth could have been passive and let Lady Catherine insult her constantly, but instead she stood up for herself. She had to make an effort to inform Lady Catherine with the correct information, “We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle certainly might” (164). Elizabeth is not afraid to stand up to anyone, whatever their position may be. She stood up to Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins, her mother, and Caroline all with confidence. If any troubles are to come, Elizabeth will once again confront them with poise and valor.
“If his own vanity, however, did not mislead him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause of all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer” (185).
According to this passage Elizabeth attributes Jane’s suffering to:
A.) Mr. Bingley
B.) Mr. Darcy
C.) Mr. Collins
D.) Colonel Fitzwilliam
E.) Mr. Wickham
Darcy once claimed that Elizabeth’s natural defect was to willfully misunderstand everyone. While this may be true for others, Elizabeth understands herself very well. When faced with a challenge, Elizabeth will always have courage. For example, Maria and Sir William were nervous and afraid to enter Lady Catherine’s home; however, Elizabeth was composed and her “courage did not fail her” (161). Every time someone tries to intimidate her, she gains more confidence. Catherine de Bourg makes it clear she disapproves of Elizabeth’s upbringing. Elizabeth could have been passive and let Lady Catherine insult her constantly, but instead she stood up for herself. She had to make an effort to inform Lady Catherine with the correct information, “We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle certainly might” (164). Elizabeth is not afraid to stand up to anyone, whatever their position may be. She stood up to Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins, her mother, and Caroline all with confidence. If any troubles are to come, Elizabeth will once again confront them with poise and valor.
“If his own vanity, however, did not mislead him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause of all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer” (185).
According to this passage Elizabeth attributes Jane’s suffering to:
A.) Mr. Bingley
B.) Mr. Darcy
C.) Mr. Collins
D.) Colonel Fitzwilliam
E.) Mr. Wickham
Thursday, March 26, 2009
P& P #6: 2-5
“Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all” (154).
Elizabeth has given up on love. Wickham has left her for a girl who just inherited her grandfather’s fortune. Elizabeth believes marriage should be based on love, not money, unlike everyone else in society. Regardless of her haughty personality, Caroline wants her brother to marry Miss Darcy because of their affluence. The only reason Charlotte married Mr. Collins was for his ability to provide for her. Elizabeth was extremely disappointed by the behavior of the men she thought so highly of. She believes the best way to be safe in a relationship is to be careful. She has given up on all the intelligent men in society because she believes they will be the ones to hurt her the most. If their only purpose for marriage is mercenary, they are not worth it. Unlike Jane, who promises not to judge harshly, Elizabeth is brutally honest with how she feels. In regards to Wickham, she promises to “detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil” (149).
Mrs. Gardiner insists that Wickham is an unsuitable match for Elizabeth because he lacks:
A.) intelligence
B.) manners
C.) friends
D.) wealth
E.) confidence
Elizabeth has given up on love. Wickham has left her for a girl who just inherited her grandfather’s fortune. Elizabeth believes marriage should be based on love, not money, unlike everyone else in society. Regardless of her haughty personality, Caroline wants her brother to marry Miss Darcy because of their affluence. The only reason Charlotte married Mr. Collins was for his ability to provide for her. Elizabeth was extremely disappointed by the behavior of the men she thought so highly of. She believes the best way to be safe in a relationship is to be careful. She has given up on all the intelligent men in society because she believes they will be the ones to hurt her the most. If their only purpose for marriage is mercenary, they are not worth it. Unlike Jane, who promises not to judge harshly, Elizabeth is brutally honest with how she feels. In regards to Wickham, she promises to “detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil” (149).
Mrs. Gardiner insists that Wickham is an unsuitable match for Elizabeth because he lacks:
A.) intelligence
B.) manners
C.) friends
D.) wealth
E.) confidence
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
P& P #5: 21-1
“Caroline is incapable of willfully deceiving any one; and all that I can hope in this case is, that she is deceived herself.”
The people you trust will hurt you the most. Jane can only see the best in everyone, this may seem good, but what if the person you trust wants to hurt you? Unlike Elizabeth, Jane is unable to see the evil intentions behind Caroline’s actions. Jane and Bingley posses the same characteristic; they can only see the good in others. Why is this bad? It gives envious people, such as Caroline, to take advantage of you. People taken advantage of are always the one's hurt in the end. Thankfully, Jane has Elizabeth to inform her of Caroline’s plan: “She follows him to town in the hope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you” (118). Hopefully, Jane can learn an important lesson: you must see people for who they are and not what you want them to be. Once Jane realizes not everyone is as good as they seem, she can do the same as Elizabeth, and treat Caroline the way they way she deserves to be treated.
The only reason Charlotte Lucas accepts Mr. Collin’s proposal is because she admires his ability to:
A.) Provide for her
B.) Show his intelligence
C.) Flatter her
D.) Give her care and affection
E.) Cook for her
The people you trust will hurt you the most. Jane can only see the best in everyone, this may seem good, but what if the person you trust wants to hurt you? Unlike Elizabeth, Jane is unable to see the evil intentions behind Caroline’s actions. Jane and Bingley posses the same characteristic; they can only see the good in others. Why is this bad? It gives envious people, such as Caroline, to take advantage of you. People taken advantage of are always the one's hurt in the end. Thankfully, Jane has Elizabeth to inform her of Caroline’s plan: “She follows him to town in the hope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you” (118). Hopefully, Jane can learn an important lesson: you must see people for who they are and not what you want them to be. Once Jane realizes not everyone is as good as they seem, she can do the same as Elizabeth, and treat Caroline the way they way she deserves to be treated.
The only reason Charlotte Lucas accepts Mr. Collin’s proposal is because she admires his ability to:
A.) Provide for her
B.) Show his intelligence
C.) Flatter her
D.) Give her care and affection
E.) Cook for her
Sunday, March 22, 2009
P& P #3: 11-16
“There is, I believe in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome” (58).
No matter how intelligent or good-natured a person is, they are going to have faults. Darcy is the only one to admit his faults; however, that does not mean he is the only one with them. Though Darcy has a resentful temper, Elizabeth has a predisposed prejudice toward him. Elizabeth made up her mind that Darcy is proud and conceited; therefore, there is nothing respectable about him. Elizabeth claims that his “defect is a propensity to hate everybody” (58). Instead of defending himself, Darcy states that Elizabeth’s defect “is willfully to misunderstand them” (58). Darcy suggests that Elizabeth is purposely choosing to have the wrong impression of him. He wants her to know that even if she made up her mind about him, she is wrong and does not know everything.
The reader can infer that by Mr. Collins constantly mentioning his relationship to Lady Catherine de Bourg he views the class system as:
A.) extremely important
B.) absurd
C.) unfair
D.) ineffective
E.) tolerable
No matter how intelligent or good-natured a person is, they are going to have faults. Darcy is the only one to admit his faults; however, that does not mean he is the only one with them. Though Darcy has a resentful temper, Elizabeth has a predisposed prejudice toward him. Elizabeth made up her mind that Darcy is proud and conceited; therefore, there is nothing respectable about him. Elizabeth claims that his “defect is a propensity to hate everybody” (58). Instead of defending himself, Darcy states that Elizabeth’s defect “is willfully to misunderstand them” (58). Darcy suggests that Elizabeth is purposely choosing to have the wrong impression of him. He wants her to know that even if she made up her mind about him, she is wrong and does not know everything.
The reader can infer that by Mr. Collins constantly mentioning his relationship to Lady Catherine de Bourg he views the class system as:
A.) extremely important
B.) absurd
C.) unfair
D.) ineffective
E.) tolerable
Thursday, March 19, 2009
P& P #2: 7-10
“Nothing is more deceitful,” said Darcy, “than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion and sometimes and indirect boast” (48).
What good is humility if it is paltry? Darcy claims that pretending to be modest is just another way of being haughty. While this may be true, he has no right to criticize others before he takes care of his own impertinence. This little disagreement shows how much society values manners and etiquette. It becomes the center of their discussion and shows the true nature of Darcy and Bingley. Darcy’s insolent behavior is contradictorily to Bingley’s easy-going attitude. While Darcy is the one truly proud, he constantly accuses others of being vain. The most common characteristic in a proud person is their inability to recognize it in themselves. This argument provides Elizabeth with a prejudice toward Darcy.
Elizabeth’s refusal to dance with Darcy:
A.) made him even more attracted to her
B.) caused him to forget about her
C.) caused him to despise her
D.)Had no effect on him; it is common for women to reject his offers
What good is humility if it is paltry? Darcy claims that pretending to be modest is just another way of being haughty. While this may be true, he has no right to criticize others before he takes care of his own impertinence. This little disagreement shows how much society values manners and etiquette. It becomes the center of their discussion and shows the true nature of Darcy and Bingley. Darcy’s insolent behavior is contradictorily to Bingley’s easy-going attitude. While Darcy is the one truly proud, he constantly accuses others of being vain. The most common characteristic in a proud person is their inability to recognize it in themselves. This argument provides Elizabeth with a prejudice toward Darcy.
Elizabeth’s refusal to dance with Darcy:
A.) made him even more attracted to her
B.) caused him to forget about her
C.) caused him to despise her
D.)Had no effect on him; it is common for women to reject his offers
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Huck Finn 6: 185-109
1.) “No, there ain’t no good way but one. I got to steal that money, somehow; and I got to steal it some way that they won’t suspicion that I done it” (189).
The removal of Huck’s influences allows him to formulate his own ideas. His moral process now reflects who he is as a person, and not who someone else wants him to be. For example, when it comes to stealing, the widow said, “no decent body would do it” (76), but Pap says there is “no harm to borrow things, if you was meaning to pay them back” (76). Previously, Jim and Huck were faced with the decision of whether or not to steal food. They decided both Pap and the widow were right. They came to the conclusion that it is fine to borrow some, but leave the rest. Now, Huck is faced with a new dilemma. Two frauds stole money from three innocent girls. These girls showed Huck nothing but kindness; therefore, they do not deserve to be treated in such a way. Should he tell Mary Jane or the doctor the truth or should he steal the money from the frauds?
2.) “I reckon a body that ups and tells the truth when he is in a tight place, is taking considerable many resks, though I ain’t had no experience, and can’t say for certain; but it looks so to me…like the truth is better, and actually safer, than a lie” (200).
You can lie as much as you want, but it won’t get you anywhere. Lies have no future and will only hurt yours. Huck may be right; telling the truth is a risk, but it is a risk worth taking. Huck has more experience with this issue than he thinks. Everywhere Huck goes he tells a different story of his life. Every family he comes across, he has a new name. For example, when he first met a woman he said his name was Sarah Williams, when she asked again he said Mary Williams, and then clarified by saying Sarah Mary Williams. It was clear that his name was not Sarah, Mary, or Sarah Mary. Another example was when he made his friend Buck spell his name so he could simply remember it. Just recently, while Huck was having a conversation with Joanna he made up so many lies he couldn’t keep track of them. Not only is telling the truth safer, it’s easier. You don’t have to keep anything in mind when you are honest. Telling Mary Jane the truth might be a risk for Huck, but it will help her in the end.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Melodeum (Melodeon): a kind of accordion
“They had borrowed a melodeum-a sick one; and when everything was ready, a young woman set down and worked it” (194).
2.) Passel: a group or lot of indeterminate number
“March off like a passel o’ fools and leave eight or nine thous’n’ dollars worth o’ property lyin' around jest sufferin’ to be scooped in?” (190).
The removal of Huck’s influences allows him to formulate his own ideas. His moral process now reflects who he is as a person, and not who someone else wants him to be. For example, when it comes to stealing, the widow said, “no decent body would do it” (76), but Pap says there is “no harm to borrow things, if you was meaning to pay them back” (76). Previously, Jim and Huck were faced with the decision of whether or not to steal food. They decided both Pap and the widow were right. They came to the conclusion that it is fine to borrow some, but leave the rest. Now, Huck is faced with a new dilemma. Two frauds stole money from three innocent girls. These girls showed Huck nothing but kindness; therefore, they do not deserve to be treated in such a way. Should he tell Mary Jane or the doctor the truth or should he steal the money from the frauds?
2.) “I reckon a body that ups and tells the truth when he is in a tight place, is taking considerable many resks, though I ain’t had no experience, and can’t say for certain; but it looks so to me…like the truth is better, and actually safer, than a lie” (200).
You can lie as much as you want, but it won’t get you anywhere. Lies have no future and will only hurt yours. Huck may be right; telling the truth is a risk, but it is a risk worth taking. Huck has more experience with this issue than he thinks. Everywhere Huck goes he tells a different story of his life. Every family he comes across, he has a new name. For example, when he first met a woman he said his name was Sarah Williams, when she asked again he said Mary Williams, and then clarified by saying Sarah Mary Williams. It was clear that his name was not Sarah, Mary, or Sarah Mary. Another example was when he made his friend Buck spell his name so he could simply remember it. Just recently, while Huck was having a conversation with Joanna he made up so many lies he couldn’t keep track of them. Not only is telling the truth safer, it’s easier. You don’t have to keep anything in mind when you are honest. Telling Mary Jane the truth might be a risk for Huck, but it will help her in the end.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Melodeum (Melodeon): a kind of accordion
“They had borrowed a melodeum-a sick one; and when everything was ready, a young woman set down and worked it” (194).
2.) Passel: a group or lot of indeterminate number
“March off like a passel o’ fools and leave eight or nine thous’n’ dollars worth o’ property lyin' around jest sufferin’ to be scooped in?” (190).
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Huck and Jim Dialogue
Huck:
So today Jim and I was just being lazy when something happened I never thought ever would. So we was just sittin’ on our raft and talkin’. We weren’t sayin’ anything really important when we saw something floatin’ in the river. Jim said it was just a piece of wood, but I reckon he was wrong. So I says, “You's wrong Jim. I know it’s not a piece of wood. I think it might be a dog and always wanted a dog so I’m just gonna see what it is. I’ll be right back.” So I left Jim sleeping and swam down closer to the shore. By- and-by all that swimmin’ made me mighty tired, but it was worth it. By jinkins it was not a dog, it was a girl! She was restin’ on a piece of wood. At first I was scared becuz she might be dead, but she wasn’t floating on her back, so I knew she was alive. I was scared to pull her to shore because it was daytime, but the Widow Douglas always tells me to never leave someone behind especially when they are in trouble. By-and-by this girl looked in trouble. She was real pretty, smart too, she looked a couple years older than me. Her name was Sarah or something like that and she says she fell off a boat. She named where she was from, but I never heard of it so I reckon she was lying or it was far away. She kept cryin’ and sayin’ how she wanted to go home so badly. It was mighty annoying, but I felt bad so I told her we’d bring her home. So after I knew we was safe on the little island. I called Jim to come over with the raft. We never had a girl on the raft before and I hope we never do again. Jim says a girl on a boat is bad luck. I sure hope her home is close-by I can’t wait to get rid of her. Jim says the first thing he’ll do when he gets to a free state is buy a wife. I don’t know why he would want to do that. Seems like a waste of good money to me.
Jim:
Huck’s one of de bes chile’s I ever met. I jis settin on da raft when he says, “Jim, we gunna hava free life real soon” I was scar’d when a boat wit a man came up to us though. I knews he’d never tun’ me in. Huck’s real smart in dat way I reck’n. It was dark so I reck’n the man ain’t gonna see me. We been paddlin’ for a real long time when I jump of dat raft and I swam faster den I ever could. I had a feelin' I was free. I jis knew it. I doan’ know where I was, but nex’ thin’ I knows I’s a sure free man. “Dis ain’t no run’way slave” I says I’s a fin'lly free! I know no man could feel sich a way. I dream of dis momen’ my whole life. Ef you see a butterfly it’s a sign dat you’s agwyne have good luck. I jis knew I was gwyne have luck when I saws a butt’fly today. I doan know when it was gwyne happen’, but it did! I never has to see ol’ Miss Watson agin. I never been so excit’d. She’s agwyne sell me down South. I knows I doan belon’ down dere. I knows I’s gonna be rich real soon too cuz I got hairy arms en a hairy chest. Wunst, I git on shore I gweyne to buy me a wife. Not right ‘way thou. I ain’t spen’n no money at wunst. I might be po’ , but I need to inves’ some of it. I'll save up for a chile too. When I have a chile he’s gweyne be just like Huck. Always doin’ stuff for other peoples en not thinken’ ‘bout ‘self.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Huck Finn 5: 129-157
1.) "Make the best o’ things the way you find ’em, says I- that’s my motto" (136).
When you are faced with a situation that you have no control over, it’s better not to complain and make the best out of the situation. The “king” says this to the “duke” hoping he won’t take his anger out on them. Huck has gone through many painful experiences, but he never complains. When his father locked him in the house, he found a way out. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Huck took advantage of his father’s drunken nature and found a way out. Also, after Huck felt guilty for not turning Jim in, he realized something important. If he did make the “right” decision to turn him in, he would feel worse about himself. Huck made the best out of this situation by focusing on why his actions were good. This motto has a simple message: life is too short not to be happy, enjoy every moment, if you don’t like something change it.
2.) "If I never learnt nothing else out of pap, I learnt that the best way to get along with his kind of people is to let them have their own way" (137).
Pap has not been the greatest role model for Huck. He shows that getting drunk every night, abusing your son, and leaving your son alone for long periods of time is acceptable. If Huck follows his father’s examples he would throw his life away. Huck’s smart enough to know his father has a bad influence on him. Despite his terrible influence, one thing Huck learned from his father was to accept what others have to say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You do not have to agree with them, but you have to respect them. Huck used this lesson before. While he and Jim disagree over Solomon, Huck lets Jim keep his beliefs. There is no use trying to persuade someone into believing something they refuse to accept. It is obvious to Huck that the two men they meet are not really a king and a duke. If Huck points this out to them there will be a conflict which will lead to an ongoing argument. The best way to prevent a dispute is to not go against other’s ways.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Galoot: an awkward, eccentric, or foolish person.
“Next you’d see a raft sliding by, away off yonder, and maybe a galoot on it chopping” (130).
2.) Phrenology: a psychological theory or analytical method based on the belief that certain mental faculties and character traits are indicated by the configurations of the skull
“Take a turn at mesmerism and phrenology when there’s a chance” (133).
When you are faced with a situation that you have no control over, it’s better not to complain and make the best out of the situation. The “king” says this to the “duke” hoping he won’t take his anger out on them. Huck has gone through many painful experiences, but he never complains. When his father locked him in the house, he found a way out. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, Huck took advantage of his father’s drunken nature and found a way out. Also, after Huck felt guilty for not turning Jim in, he realized something important. If he did make the “right” decision to turn him in, he would feel worse about himself. Huck made the best out of this situation by focusing on why his actions were good. This motto has a simple message: life is too short not to be happy, enjoy every moment, if you don’t like something change it.
2.) "If I never learnt nothing else out of pap, I learnt that the best way to get along with his kind of people is to let them have their own way" (137).
Pap has not been the greatest role model for Huck. He shows that getting drunk every night, abusing your son, and leaving your son alone for long periods of time is acceptable. If Huck follows his father’s examples he would throw his life away. Huck’s smart enough to know his father has a bad influence on him. Despite his terrible influence, one thing Huck learned from his father was to accept what others have to say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You do not have to agree with them, but you have to respect them. Huck used this lesson before. While he and Jim disagree over Solomon, Huck lets Jim keep his beliefs. There is no use trying to persuade someone into believing something they refuse to accept. It is obvious to Huck that the two men they meet are not really a king and a duke. If Huck points this out to them there will be a conflict which will lead to an ongoing argument. The best way to prevent a dispute is to not go against other’s ways.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Galoot: an awkward, eccentric, or foolish person.
“Next you’d see a raft sliding by, away off yonder, and maybe a galoot on it chopping” (130).
2.) Phrenology: a psychological theory or analytical method based on the belief that certain mental faculties and character traits are indicated by the configurations of the skull
“Take a turn at mesmerism and phrenology when there’s a chance” (133).
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Huck Finn 4: 89-129
1.) “I couldn’t tell nothing about voices in a fog, for nothing don’t look natural nor sound natural in a fog” (94).
Huck doesn’t know that he has been in a fog his whole life. As Huck tries to paddle his boat, the current forces him in all directions and the fog prevented him from seeing anything. The current confuses him so he has no control of where he goes. The sound of Jim’s voice, led Huck to safety. Although nothing was clear, all Huck needed was guidance to find his way. Huck’s life has moved in all directions too. Living with the Widow and Miss Watson does not feel natural for Huck. He has to wear nice clothes and go to school. These concepts are new to Huck and hard for him to grasp. Huck’s father, like the current, makes it difficult for Huck to find the right path. Huck lives a life of freedom with his father, but without morals or any standards. When Huck finds a new family he hopes he reached a destination. After he finds out there is a huge dispute between two families, and part of it is his fault, he knows that’s not where he belongs. Huck is still searching, but with guidance, he will be safe soon.
2.) “It was pretty ornery preaching- all about brotherly love, and suchlike tiresomeness; but everybody said it was a good sermon” (121).
The Shepherdson’s admire the sermon they just heard, but yet they miss the point. Huck is not religious, but he still understands the message. Brotherly love means to accept and love others despite your differences. It means to be friends with everyone regardless of whom they are or where they come from. The family believed this was a good sermon, but since none of them could apply it to their lives, it was not a good sermon. Huck described the sermon as “ornery,” but that may also have been because he already knew the message. Huck loves Jim even though they have many differences. Huck is able to look past the fact that Jim is a former slave. As a result, he was able to save Jim’s life: “you’s de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you’s de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now” (101). Huck does not understand the concept of a feud. The Shepherdson’s are nice people, so why do they kill members of another family for no reason? How can you be so kind one minute and so cruel the next?
Vocab. Words:
1.)Pensive: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful
“She was leaning pensive on a tombstone on her right elblow, under a weeping willow” (113).
2.)Pommel: the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.
“He had his gun across his pommel” (119).
Huck doesn’t know that he has been in a fog his whole life. As Huck tries to paddle his boat, the current forces him in all directions and the fog prevented him from seeing anything. The current confuses him so he has no control of where he goes. The sound of Jim’s voice, led Huck to safety. Although nothing was clear, all Huck needed was guidance to find his way. Huck’s life has moved in all directions too. Living with the Widow and Miss Watson does not feel natural for Huck. He has to wear nice clothes and go to school. These concepts are new to Huck and hard for him to grasp. Huck’s father, like the current, makes it difficult for Huck to find the right path. Huck lives a life of freedom with his father, but without morals or any standards. When Huck finds a new family he hopes he reached a destination. After he finds out there is a huge dispute between two families, and part of it is his fault, he knows that’s not where he belongs. Huck is still searching, but with guidance, he will be safe soon.
2.) “It was pretty ornery preaching- all about brotherly love, and suchlike tiresomeness; but everybody said it was a good sermon” (121).
The Shepherdson’s admire the sermon they just heard, but yet they miss the point. Huck is not religious, but he still understands the message. Brotherly love means to accept and love others despite your differences. It means to be friends with everyone regardless of whom they are or where they come from. The family believed this was a good sermon, but since none of them could apply it to their lives, it was not a good sermon. Huck described the sermon as “ornery,” but that may also have been because he already knew the message. Huck loves Jim even though they have many differences. Huck is able to look past the fact that Jim is a former slave. As a result, he was able to save Jim’s life: “you’s de bes’ fren’ Jim’s ever had; en you’s de only fren’ ole Jim’s got now” (101). Huck does not understand the concept of a feud. The Shepherdson’s are nice people, so why do they kill members of another family for no reason? How can you be so kind one minute and so cruel the next?
Vocab. Words:
1.)Pensive: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful
“She was leaning pensive on a tombstone on her right elblow, under a weeping willow” (113).
2.)Pommel: the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.
“He had his gun across his pommel” (119).
Monday, March 2, 2009
Huck Finn 3: 47-66
1.) “Yes- en I’s rich now, come to look at it. I owns mysef, en I’s wuth eight hund’d dollars” (57).
Be happy with what you have. Jim has very little, but he has hope for the future. He is not disappointed by his failures, because he learned from them. Frustration and anger will get you nowhere. Jim is optimistic because he has hairy arms and a hairy chest, and his superstition says that anyone who possesses those traits will be rich. Jim does not underestimate the value of his life. Life is a precious gift and nothing is more valuable. As Dorian Gray learned, “what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Wilde 220). If you don’t have a soul, you have nothing. Jim has a soul and he has faith. This is all someone ever needs.
2.) “You said it was the worst bad luck in the world to touch a snake-skin with my hands. Well, here’s your bad luck! We’ve raked in all this truck and eight dollars besides. I wish we could have some bad luck like this every day, Jim” (62).
Huckleberry Finn opened his mouth a little too soon. He needs to be careful or his sarcasm and cynicism will get him in trouble. He and Jim were lucky to find money and items from a house. Instead of being grateful for what they found, Huck acts surprised because he thought he was going to have bad luck. Huck is normally extremely superstitious, but only because that is what Jim tells him. This shows once again Huck is still young and easily influenced by others. As it turns out, they suffered bad luck a couple days later, but not because he touched a snake-skin. Superstitions are not always real. This experience should have taught Huck a lesson. Be careful what you say and if you mock and ridicule others you will be punished.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Calico: a plain-woven cotton cloth printed with a figured pattern, usually on one side.
“There was two old dirty calico dresses” (61).
2.) Reticule: a small purse or bag, originally of network but later of silk, rayon
“a reticule with needles and pins and beeswax and buttons and thread and all suck tuck in it” (61).
Be happy with what you have. Jim has very little, but he has hope for the future. He is not disappointed by his failures, because he learned from them. Frustration and anger will get you nowhere. Jim is optimistic because he has hairy arms and a hairy chest, and his superstition says that anyone who possesses those traits will be rich. Jim does not underestimate the value of his life. Life is a precious gift and nothing is more valuable. As Dorian Gray learned, “what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Wilde 220). If you don’t have a soul, you have nothing. Jim has a soul and he has faith. This is all someone ever needs.
2.) “You said it was the worst bad luck in the world to touch a snake-skin with my hands. Well, here’s your bad luck! We’ve raked in all this truck and eight dollars besides. I wish we could have some bad luck like this every day, Jim” (62).
Huckleberry Finn opened his mouth a little too soon. He needs to be careful or his sarcasm and cynicism will get him in trouble. He and Jim were lucky to find money and items from a house. Instead of being grateful for what they found, Huck acts surprised because he thought he was going to have bad luck. Huck is normally extremely superstitious, but only because that is what Jim tells him. This shows once again Huck is still young and easily influenced by others. As it turns out, they suffered bad luck a couple days later, but not because he touched a snake-skin. Superstitions are not always real. This experience should have taught Huck a lesson. Be careful what you say and if you mock and ridicule others you will be punished.
Vocab. Words:
1.) Calico: a plain-woven cotton cloth printed with a figured pattern, usually on one side.
“There was two old dirty calico dresses” (61).
2.) Reticule: a small purse or bag, originally of network but later of silk, rayon
“a reticule with needles and pins and beeswax and buttons and thread and all suck tuck in it” (61).
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Huck Finn 2: 28-46
1.) “And after supper he talked to him about temperance and such things till the old man cried, and said he’d been a fool, and fooled away his life; but now he was agoing to turn over a new leaf and be a man nobody wouldn’t be ashamed of” (31).
What kind of judge allows a father to have custody of his son even though he has a history of being negligent, intoxicated, and abusive? Huckleberry Finn’s father is in no condition to take care of him. His deceitful nature allowed him to get what he wanted. His father promised the new judge that he changed and was going to be a new person. This was the second time he lied to the judge, “said he was boss of his son, and he’d make warm for him” (31). Honesty has no importance to Huck’s father. Huck values the truth though, “and don’t ask me nothing-then I won’t have to tell no lies” (25). Nothing good ever came out of lying, and Pap will soon learn this. If Huck remains honest and truthful, he won’t turn out like his father.
2.) “The sky looks ever so deep when you lay down on your back in the moonshine; I never knowed it before” (45).
Huckleberry Finn is independent and carefree. Despite his young age, he feels comfortable away from the world and looking up at the nighttime sky. He escaped his father’s control and can now relax. It is strange that Huck has never noticed this before because he has spent so many nights sleeping outside. People look up at the moon for guidance when they are lost. The moon can also demonstrate a journey someone will go on or it can be a symbol of hope for the future. Nature is related to peace and tranquility, Huck can forget about the things that are wrong in his life and start over.
Vocab Words:
1.) Stanchion: an upright bar, beam, post, or support, as in a window,
“In the night sometime he got powerful thirsty and clumb out onto the porch-roof and slid down a stanchion” (33).
2.) Nabob: any very wealthy, influential, or powerful person
“The awfulest nabob in the State” (37).
What kind of judge allows a father to have custody of his son even though he has a history of being negligent, intoxicated, and abusive? Huckleberry Finn’s father is in no condition to take care of him. His deceitful nature allowed him to get what he wanted. His father promised the new judge that he changed and was going to be a new person. This was the second time he lied to the judge, “said he was boss of his son, and he’d make warm for him” (31). Honesty has no importance to Huck’s father. Huck values the truth though, “and don’t ask me nothing-then I won’t have to tell no lies” (25). Nothing good ever came out of lying, and Pap will soon learn this. If Huck remains honest and truthful, he won’t turn out like his father.
2.) “The sky looks ever so deep when you lay down on your back in the moonshine; I never knowed it before” (45).
Huckleberry Finn is independent and carefree. Despite his young age, he feels comfortable away from the world and looking up at the nighttime sky. He escaped his father’s control and can now relax. It is strange that Huck has never noticed this before because he has spent so many nights sleeping outside. People look up at the moon for guidance when they are lost. The moon can also demonstrate a journey someone will go on or it can be a symbol of hope for the future. Nature is related to peace and tranquility, Huck can forget about the things that are wrong in his life and start over.
Vocab Words:
1.) Stanchion: an upright bar, beam, post, or support, as in a window,
“In the night sometime he got powerful thirsty and clumb out onto the porch-roof and slid down a stanchion” (33).
2.) Nabob: any very wealthy, influential, or powerful person
“The awfulest nabob in the State” (37).
Huck Finn 1: 9-27
1.)“Ransomed? What’s that?” “I don’t know. But that’s what they do. I’ve seen it in books; and so of course that’s what we’ve got to do.” “But how can we do it if we don’t know what it is?" (17).
Having friends who are different from you allows you to try new things and go on new adventures. Huckleberry Finn is a little skeptical and cynical about the plan to ransom someone because he doesn’t know what it is. Tom Sawyer is optimistic because it’s what the books say they have to do. Huck and Tom’s differences bring out the best in each other. They have similarities including strong imaginations and a desire to have fun. They are also both easily influenced by other sources. Huck gets his knowledge from Tom and Tom get’s his knowledge from books. The person taking care of Huck will have a big impact on his life, so it is important for them to be responsible and dependable.
2.) “She said the thing a body could get by praying for it was “spiritual gifts.” This was too many for me, but she told me what she meant-I must help other people, and do everything I could for other people, and look out for them all the time, and never think about myself" (19).
Miss Watson is the complete opposite of Huckleberry Finn’s father. She is nurturing, caring, and wants the best for Huck. She is teaching him to be a better person by giving him strong values to live by. Huck’s father is irresponsible, immature, and disgusting. Although Huck has been raised with no standards, Miss Watson and the Widow Douglas have changed that. The model of behavior they demonstrate is slowly reaching Huck. When he meets with Judge Thatcher, he offers to give him all his money, “I want to give it to you- the six thousand and all” (25). This shows he is doing more for others and no longer thinking about himself. Hopefully, Huck will keep these values and avoid being influenced by his father.
Vocab. Words:
1.)Injun: An American Indian
"I got an old tin lamp and an iron ring and went out in the woods and rubbed and rubbed till I sweat like an Injun" (23).
2.)Betwixt: neither the one nor the other; in a middle or unresolved position
“So he set down on the ground betwixt me and Tom” (13).
Having friends who are different from you allows you to try new things and go on new adventures. Huckleberry Finn is a little skeptical and cynical about the plan to ransom someone because he doesn’t know what it is. Tom Sawyer is optimistic because it’s what the books say they have to do. Huck and Tom’s differences bring out the best in each other. They have similarities including strong imaginations and a desire to have fun. They are also both easily influenced by other sources. Huck gets his knowledge from Tom and Tom get’s his knowledge from books. The person taking care of Huck will have a big impact on his life, so it is important for them to be responsible and dependable.
2.) “She said the thing a body could get by praying for it was “spiritual gifts.” This was too many for me, but she told me what she meant-I must help other people, and do everything I could for other people, and look out for them all the time, and never think about myself" (19).
Miss Watson is the complete opposite of Huckleberry Finn’s father. She is nurturing, caring, and wants the best for Huck. She is teaching him to be a better person by giving him strong values to live by. Huck’s father is irresponsible, immature, and disgusting. Although Huck has been raised with no standards, Miss Watson and the Widow Douglas have changed that. The model of behavior they demonstrate is slowly reaching Huck. When he meets with Judge Thatcher, he offers to give him all his money, “I want to give it to you- the six thousand and all” (25). This shows he is doing more for others and no longer thinking about himself. Hopefully, Huck will keep these values and avoid being influenced by his father.
Vocab. Words:
1.)Injun: An American Indian
"I got an old tin lamp and an iron ring and went out in the woods and rubbed and rubbed till I sweat like an Injun" (23).
2.)Betwixt: neither the one nor the other; in a middle or unresolved position
“So he set down on the ground betwixt me and Tom” (13).
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