Huckleberry Finn Chapter 31

Questions and Answers

Why are the conmen at a loss?

They can't agree on their next con, and when they do it doesn't come out right.

What is the first job the two men approach?

Temperance involving alcohol.

What does Huck tell us after the conmen begin to make Jim and himself nervous?

They begin using the pronoun 'we' in the context of him and Jim leaving the conmen behind together.

What scheme crosses the line from the conmen involving Jim?

They capture Jim and sold their chance at his bounty for $40. Signup and view all the answers

Huck cries for only the third or fourth time in the story after what?

Finding out about what the conmen have done to Jim. Signup and view all the answers

What lie does Huck spread?

About how he knows. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict resolution skills are demonstrated by Huck?

Resignation, expansion, distancing, and internalization. Signup and view all the answers

What are Huck's comments that satirize everyone still in favor of slavery and racism?

People run away from the consequences of their actions as soon as they realize those actions were harmful, people think that as long as you hide something harmful or don't talk about it, you didn't do it or it didn't happen, people will try to plead ignorance to harmful things, blaming their upbringing for instance in Huck's case. Signup and view all the answers

What Huck example is religious satire?

He tells us he could have picked up religion and learned that freeing slaves is evil. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Huck have the wrong goal when approaching Jim's conundrum?

He is pushing his troubles off onto religion and the letter instead of dealing with them himself, and it is allowing him to accept Jim's fate of being returned to slavery. Signup and view all the answers

Huck's memories of his time with Jim?

Recollects Jim's goodness and humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if Huck trusts his idea of God?

God will allow him to say what he needs to help good people, and condemn bad people. Signup and view all the answers

Huck becoming Tom Sawyer gives off what type of omen?

A sign of terrible things to come. Signup and view all the answers

What leads Tom and Jim to believe Huck is a ghost?

When they see him and say almost word for word the same thing. Signup and view all the answers

Huck telling Mr. Phelps to not attend the Duke and King's show leads to a townspeople revolt. What happens?

The townspeople capture the Duke and the King mid-performance leading to guilt from Huck oddly. Signup and view all the answers

What are Huck's comments on the situation?

'Human beings can be awfully cruel to one another.' Signup and view all the answers

Huck's opinion on a person's conscience is what?

'It don't make no difference whether you do right or wrong, a person's conscience ain't got no sense and just goes for him anyway.' Signup and view all the answers

What are Huck's two consciences?

Jim and civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Huck and Tom's plans?

Huck's is simple and efficient. Tom's is dangerous and complicated and will take over a month. Signup and view all the answers

Huck makes the mistake of doing what that ultimately benefits Tom's knack of adventure and elongates Jim's escape?

Huck assigns Tom the leader, giving him full responsibility of the plan. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conmen's Dilemma

The conmen struggle to agree on their next scheme, leading to failed attempts.
Their first job involves promoting temperance and opposing alcohol consumption.

Huck's Uncertainty

Huck feels nervous when the conmen start using “we,” indicating their bond with him and Jim.
The conmen capture Jim and sell him for a $40 bounty, which distresses Huck.

Emotional Responses

Huck cries for only the third or fourth time in the narrative upon discovering Jim’s capture.
He spreads a lie about knowing what happened, reflecting his internal conflict.

Conflict Resolution Skills

Huck demonstrates various conflict resolution skills: resignation, expansion, distancing, and internalization.

Satire on Slavery

Huck satirizes those who support slavery, highlighting their tendency to evade responsibility for harmful actions.
People often plead ignorance, blaming upbringing for their biases against slavery.

Religious Satire

Huck mentions that had he embraced religion, he could have learned that freeing slaves is considered sinful.
Huck misplaces his struggles onto religion rather than confronting his own feelings about Jim.

Huck's Reflections

Huck fondly remembers Jim’s goodness and humanity, emphasizing their friendship.
Trusting in his perception of God could guide Huck to aid good people and judge the wicked.

Transformation and Foreshadowing

Huck's transition into behavior resembling Tom Sawyer foreshadows impending misfortune.
Tom and Jim mistake Huck for a ghost due to their identical phrases during a meeting.

Town Revolt

Huck's warning to Mr. Phelps against attending the Duke and King's show triggers a revolt among townspeople.
The townspeople capture the Duke and King, prompting unexpected guilt in Huck.

Reflections on Cruelty

Huck remarks on human cruelty, stating, “human beings can be awfully cruel to one another.”

Conscience and Moral Conflict

Huck muses that a person’s conscience is senseless, leading individuals to follow it regardless of right or wrong.
He navigates between two consciences: Jim’s morals and societal expectations.

Plans of Action

Huck's plan for Jim's escape is straightforward and effective, in contrast to Tom's perilous and convoluted strategy that drags on.
By appointing Tom as the leader, Huck inadvertently complicates their mission and delays Jim's freedom.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 31 of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' with these flashcards. Explore key events regarding the conmen and their antics, as well as Huck's evolving relationship with Jim. Dive into the important themes and character dynamics as you review the chapter's pivotal moments.

Huckleberry Finn Chapter 31 - END Flashcards