Questions and Answers
Why do the women insult their own food?
The women make degrading comments about their food so that they can elicit compliments from their guests.
What incident in the novel convinces Huck that he must get the money back to the Wilks girls?
The kindness of Mary Jane and Susan, and Joanna's apology for her accusations while they are eating in the kitchen convinces Huck that these girls do not deserve to be defrauded by the king and the duke.
In what way will Huck get the money from the king and the duke?
Huck decides that stealing the money would be the safest course of action.
Where does Huck hurriedly hide the money? Why does he choose this particular spot?
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How do the king and the duke justify selling the property so soon after the funeral?
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Where do the slaves go when they are sold?
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Why does the king sell the slaves the day after the funeral? How does the duke feel about this?
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Why does the duke wish he had kept the slaves?
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How do the Wilks girls react when the slaves are sold?
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Why doesn't Huck tell on the king and the duke when they allow the slaves to be separated from their families?
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Why does Huck tell Mary Jane the truth?
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Why does Hines think that the king is an imposter?
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Why does Huck ask Mary Jane to leave town?
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How does Huck tell Mary Jane that he put the bag of money in the coffin?
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How does Levi Bell propose to find out who the true Wilks brothers are?
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What were the misfortunes of the Wilks brothers?
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How do they finally solve the problem of identification?
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Why don't they believe Huck when he says he's English?
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On his way to the raft, what does Huck see in the middle of town?
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Why did Hines let go of Huck's hand allowing him to get away?
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What do Huck and Jim do as soon as Huck gets back to the raft?
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Who do the king and the duke blame for stealing the money?
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Who captured Jim and sold him?
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Where did Jim go after he was sold?
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What does Huck tell the duke about the raft when he meets him in town?
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Why can't Huck pray when he tries?
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Why does Huck tear up his letter to Miss Watson?
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Why is Chapter 31 a climactic chapter in the novel?
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How does Huck feel about his decision to 'buy Jim out of slavery'?
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Why doesn't Huck tell on the king and duke when he has a chance?
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What made Jim and Huck uneasy at the start of the chapter?
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Define 'tight.'
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What did Huck do immediately after he discovered Jim was not on the raft?
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How much did the king sell Jim for?
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Discuss the significance of the line, 'But it is though-- straight as string.'
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Who is the first person Huck runs into on his way to town?
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The Duke says that after he and the king discovered the raft was lost, they decided to try to do what again?
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At this point, what does the Duke admit to Huck?
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The Duke calls Jim, _____________.
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Who is Abram G. Foster and why is he important?
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Study Notes
Chapters 26-31 Overview
- The women in the story insult their own food to provoke compliments from their guests.
- Huck feels compelled to return the stolen money to the Wilks girls after witnessing their kindness and distress.
- Huck chooses to steal the money from the king and the duke, believing it's the safest way to help the girls.
Important Incidents
- Huck hides the money in Peter Wilks' coffin when a locked door prevents his escape, showing quick thinking under pressure.
- The king and the duke justify selling the Wilks family's property by claiming they will take the girls to England.
- The separation of slaves from their families leads to a heartbroken reaction from the Wilks girls, showcasing their empathy.
Characters' Reactions and Motivations
- Huck nearly reveals the true nature of the king and the duke out of sympathy for the Wilks girls but ultimately holds his tongue, hoping the illegal sales will be reversed.
- Huck informs Mary Jane about the true situation, wanting to protect her from inadvertently exposing herself to danger from the king and the duke.
- Hines suspects the king is an imposter based on his previous sightings, adding tension to the plot.
Plot Developments
- An attempt to identify the true Wilks brothers involves comparing handwriting, but complications arise due to one brother's injury.
- The climax involves the exhumation of Peter Wilks to validate claims regarding a tattoo, a dramatic method to resolve the conflict.
- Huck observes an emotional candle in Mary Jane's window, symbolizing their connection and urgency in the unfolding events.
Moral Dilemmas
- Huck's acknowledgment of his reluctance to pray stems from guilt over his potential betrayal of Jim, reflecting his internal conflict regarding morality and friendship.
- Tearing up the letter intended to betray Jim illustrates Huck's struggle between societal expectations and personal loyalty.
Key Themes
- Chapter 31 serves as a pivotal moment for Huck, marking his moral decision to assist Jim in escaping bondage, challenging his ingrained beliefs.
- Huck grapples with his perceived wickedness for helping Jim, yet prioritizes their friendship, highlighting the theme of personal values versus societal norms.
- The duke and king’s blame game illustrates their self-preserving behavior in the face of financial loss and betrayal.
Additional Notes
- Jim's sale for $40 emphasizes exploitation, as he is actually worth much more, revealing the dehumanization present in slavery.
- The emotional weight of Huck's decisions illustrates the broader themes of friendship, loyalty, and the moral consequences of one's actions.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapters 26 to 31 of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. This quiz covers key events and character motivations, helping you deepen your comprehension of the text. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their knowledge of these chapters.