Huckleberry Finn Chapters 12-17 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is a towhead?

A sandbar that has a thick growth of cottonwoods on it.

What does Jim build for protection from the rain?

Jim builds a wigwam in the center of the raft.

What is the 'texas' part of a steamboat?

The 'texas' contains the pilothouse and officers' quarters.

Why does Huck want to rescue the robbers on the wrecked steamboat?

Huck's conscience bothers him after he takes their boat and leaves them to die. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Huck wish Tom Sawyer could be with him to explore the wrecked steamboat?

He knows that Tom would add excitement and 'style' to the adventure. Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck finally say to get action from the captain of the ferryboat?

He tells him that the niece of the richest man in town is trapped on the wrecked steamboat. Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck mean when he says 'I lifted a chicken' and 'borrowed a watermelon'?

He actually means that he stole them but rationalizes it by saying it was not stealing. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the raft while Huck and Jim explore the wrecked steamboat?

The raft has floated away in the storm, leaving Huck and Jim stranded. Signup and view all the answers

Do they find the raft again?

True Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the skiff at the end of Chapter 13?

They sink the skiff to eliminate incriminating evidence connected to the robbers. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jim feel about Huck's 'adventure' on the Walter Scott?

Jim said he did not want any more adventures; he did not want to risk his life. Signup and view all the answers

When talking about kings, which King is familiar to Jim?

King Solomon. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the French king who was beheaded?

Louis XVI. Signup and view all the answers

Who was his son?

His son was the Dauphin, Louis Charles. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Huck and Jim separate in the fog?

The raft has broken away from the young tree it was tied to. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of trick does Huck play on Jim?

Huck tricks Jim into believing that he has been on the raft all along. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jim feel about the trick?

Jim feels that Huck has been making a fool of him, which hurts his feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How many nights will it take to get to Cairo?

It will be about three nights of good traveling. Signup and view all the answers

Where has Huck learned about kings?

Huck has probably learned about kings from books he has read. Signup and view all the answers

Which river will Huck and Jim travel to get to the free states?

The Ohio River. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Huck's conscience bother him as they approach what they think is Cairo?

He feels responsible for helping Jim, a runaway slave, gain his freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck tell the slave hunters about his predicament?

He tells them that his pap, his mam, and Mary Ann are sick on the raft and leads them to believe they have smallpox. Signup and view all the answers

What do the men in the skiff do for Huck?

Out of guilt for his situation, they give him $20. Signup and view all the answers

Does Huck feel better after he has protected Jim from the slave hunters?

False Signup and view all the answers

What destroys the raft?

A steamboat runs into them. Signup and view all the answers

How can Huck and Jim tell that they have missed Cairo in the fog?

They see clear water from the Ohio drifting into the muddy Mississippi. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jim think they have had such bad luck?

He believes it all stems from when Huck handled the snakeskin barehanded. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Huck go into long descriptions of the furnishings and pictures in the Grangerford's house?

Twain is using satire to attack sentimentalism and bad taste in art. Signup and view all the answers

Who do the Grangerfords think Huck might be when the dogs bark at him?

They think Huck could be a Shepherdson, their sworn enemy. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to Jim in these chapters?

Jim dives off the raft when the steamboat wrecks it, and Huck cannot find him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of Chapters 12 and 13?

Huck and Jim hide on a towhead and face various challenges, including Huck's conscience and a steamboat wreck. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of Chapters 14 and 15?

Jim and Huck discuss various kings while encountering moral dilemmas and facing misfortunes at sea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the summary of Chapters 16 and 17?

Huck wrestles with his conscience about helping Jim and faces multiple misfortunes while meeting new characters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary and Definitions

Towhead: A sandbar with thick cottonwood growth.
Wigwam: A shelter built by Jim on the raft for protection against elements.
Texas: The pilothouse and officers' quarters on a steamboat.
Stealing Rationalization: Huck's term for taking without permission, suggesting repayment excuses it.

Character Actions and Motivations

Huck feels guilt for leaving robbers stranded, driven by his conscience.
Huck desires Tom Sawyer's company for excitement during their explorations.
To motivate the ferryboat captain, Huck fabricates a story about a wealthy man's niece in danger.
Huck's conscience is troubled as he aids Jim, a runaway slave, while feeling conflicted about morality.

Plot Developments

The storm causes Huck and Jim's raft to drift away, leaving them stranded; they eventually recover it downstream.
Huck and Jim's skiff sinks to eliminate evidence linked to the robbers from the wrecked steamboat.
Jim desires to avoid future dangerous adventures after their close call with the robbers on the steamboat.
The raft is destroyed by a steamboat during foggy navigation, further complicating their journey.

Historical Context and References

King Solomon: Known biblical figure with a reputation for wisdom but criticized by Jim for suggesting a foolish split of a child.
Louis XVI: The French king beheaded during the French Revolution, with speculation about his son, Louis Charles, rumored to have escaped.
Kentucky was a slave state, affecting Huck's internal struggle regarding helping Jim.

Themes and Satirical Elements

Twain critiques sentimentalism and poor aesthetic taste through Huck's observations of the Grangerford home.
Huck's trick on Jim about the fog serves to illustrate themes of friendship, deception, and the consequences of playful antics.

Journey and Challenges

Huck and Jim plan to reach Cairo, arriving a few nights later, but are thwarted by fog and bad luck, such as raft destruction.
Their travels lead to insights about societal views on race and freedom, impacting Huck’s conscience in his moral dilemmas.

Relationships and Character Dynamics

Jim trusts Huck, calling him the best friend he’s ever had, deepening their bond amidst struggles for freedom.
Huck struggles with his identity and decisions, wavering between societal norms and personal loyalty to Jim.

Emotional and Psychological Conflicts

Huck's internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with the morality of aiding Jim in escaping slavery.
Guilt and rationalization play significant roles in Huck's decision-making throughout their journey.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

After a series of misfortunes and moral dilemmas, Huck plans to paddle back to Cairo but encounters further obstacles.
The narrative foreshadows more adventures and challenges that test Huck's character and resolve.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts and terms from chapters 12 to 17 of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. Test your understanding of the characters, events, and terminology used in these chapters with flashcards designed to enhance your knowledge. Perfect for students preparing for exams or discussions about this classic American novel.