Huckleberry Finn Newspaper Assignment

Huck Finn Daily

By: Caroline Jennings

Arguing Over Tobacco, Can You Really Borrow It?: Article One

In chapter twenty-one, on page 128 many men are arguing over tobacco; why do you think this is significant to this part of the novel? What do you think this shows about the town? The streets were nothing but mud, and pigs were found everywhere. People sat around by the store fronts smoking, whittling with their Barlow knives, or doing what ever else they pleased, but why do you think Mark Twain added the part about the men arguing over the tobacco? "Maybe Bill gives him a chaw; maybe he lies and says he ain't got none. Some of them kinds of loafers never has a cent in the world, nor a chaw of tobacco of their own. They get all their chawing by borrowing..." (Twain, 128) This shows that this town is very laid back and that they probably have nothing better to do then to sit around and argue over stupid things like tobacco. This is obviously a small town, and it can be assumed that some people that reside in the town do not have much money and rely on everyone else for their needs and wants, unlike other places this is not a very nonchalant occassion. This seems to be a very country sort of town, since horses are tied to the awnings and all some men do is sit around and fuss about not having anything to smoke.


Shooting in Town, One Man Killed: Article Two

"Bang! goes the first shot, and he staggers back clawing at the air-- bang! goes the second one, and he stumbles backwards onto the ground, heavy and solid, with his arms spread out." (Twain, 131) Why do you think Colonel Sherburn decided to shoot Boggs? Do you think Colonel Sherburn had an advantage over Boggs because he was drunk? If you were Colonel Sherburn would you have shot Boggs right in front of his daughter? Do you think Boggs's daughter could have helped prevented him from being shot and killed? Well, I have interviewed a young lad, who was a witness, who will remain anonymous, who has some answers to these questions. "Yes, I do think the Colonel had an advantage over Boggs since he was drunk but that does not give him the right to take advantage. I do not think Colonel Sherburn's mind would have changed even if Boggs' daughter tried to persuade him otherwise, he had made up his mind to shoot him and that is what he did; but it should not have occurred in front of his daughter. Boggs should have realized it was coming since the Colonel was standing there in the clear daylight with his pistol, but since he was drunk he probably didn't even notice. I believe that Colonel Sherbern is just a malefactor." Although some of these questions will remain unanswered it is good to know that we had innocent bystanders to relay the correct information and express their opinion to us.


What I Think: Article Three

Many people query the way Mark Twain wrote this novel, do you think the slang helps explain this novel? Yes, I personally think that the words and type of language Mark Twain uses helps tell this story. Even though it makes it harder to read, it helps me feel more like I am there with them in their time. Without the slang and choice words used in this book it would not be the same; the novel would not be as interesting. Although some of the words included in the novel are not the best or could be taken the wrong way, it just explains to us that this is how they talked back then.


Advice Column: Aricle Four

Dear Sally: My father was recently shot and killed right in front of my own two eyes. It has been very difficult to cope with his death and I am not sure how to handle this. I need your help!
Sincerely,
A Very Sad Daughter
Dear A Very Sad Daughter: First, I am very sorry about your father's death. I can only imagine what you are going through. Although I have never lost a parent I have lost someone extremely close to me, so I can kind of relate to your situation. I know you may feel some disdain for the individual that killed your dad but, the best advice I have for you is to remember the good times you spent with him. Although I know it is hard, happy thoughts are the best thoughts in this time of grief. Surround yourself with people who care and allow yourself to cry and express your feelings when you need to, but most importantly, stay postivie and know it happened for a reason!