Mark Twain / A Life Of Writing.. And Controversy
A 6 page paper on the life and works of Samuel Clemens, pen name-- Mark Twain. The writer discusses how some of Twain's own life experiences along the Mississippi River and elsewhere are reflected in his fiction. Several key works including 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' 'Huckleberry Finn,' & 'A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court' are examined. Some of the controversy over Mark Twain's content is brought up as well. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: Twain.wps

Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Case Study in Critical Controversy
In 5 pages, the author discusses Mark Twain 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Case Study in Critical Controversy.' Concerning Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' there are several controversies. One controversy is whether the story depicts racism, or represents racism. There is controversy over gender and sexuality. There is also controversy over the ending to the story. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PChffax.doc

Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger
In the conclusion of Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, the author argues that there is no God, no universe, no human race, no heaven, or no hell. This 5 page paper attempts to determine whether Twain actually meant this assertion, or if this was another one of Twain’s attempts to demonstrate his irreverence towards religion common in his writings at the end of the 19th century. No additional sources cited.
Filename: MHTwain2.wps

Mark Twain's 'Prince and The Pauper'
An 11 page paper on this relatively seldom-studied book by Mark Twain. After presenting a brief synopsis, the paper looks at the book's initial critical reception -- which was much more favorable than its reputation now -- and then analyzes its place in the Twain corpus, a hundred years after its publication. Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.
Filename: Princep.wps

The Two Sides of Mark Twain
A 7 page paper on the life and works of Mark Twain. It points out that the persona the author presents in the earlier short stories [Innocents Abroad, The Gilded Age, The Prince & The Pauper, etc;] is much different than the one he presents in Huckleberry Finn. Bibliography lists 5 sources including Twain's books.
Filename: Huck2.wps

Mark Twain's 'The Story of the Bad Little Boy'
A 5 page paper on this short story by Mark Twain. The story is analyzed and the theme is examined and compared to Twain's other works.
Filename: Badboy.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / The Raft Journey
A 5 page paper examining the symbolism of the raft and the journey Huck and Jim take on it in Mark Twain's classic novel. The paper concludes that the raft journey symbolizes a metaphorical descent into the underworld, where Huck learns about himself and his relationship to Jim, and emerges changed. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: Rafthuck.wps

Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'
As the title of this book suggests, Tom Sawyer, and the author, Mark Twain, believed that life was a series of adventures. The playful, occasionally skirting the edges of malicious, sense of fun that permeates the story is the fictional representation of the belief that childhood should be a care-free time. In today's world children no longer live this illusion, as Tom did, and can only connect with it through such modern character's as TV's Bart Simpson. This 6 page paper describes how both Tom and Bart are masters at the art they ascribe to: the prank and the hoax. Each gives the reader, and, or, viewer, an insight into the mind of the child, almost adolescent, of their separate times. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: TomSaw2.wps

Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Case Study in Critical Controversy / Controversy Over the Ending of the Story
In 5 pages, the author uses 'Mark Twain Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Case Study in Critical Controversy' to discuss the controversy of the ending of the novel. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: Pchffax2.doc

The Depiction of White People in Works of Twain and Douglass
A six page paper looking at the way Mark Twain and Frederick Douglass perceive white people as evidenced by "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" and Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". The paper concludes that both Twain and Douglass show Southern white society -- not whites as individuals -- to be the most significant factor in the problem of racism. Bibliography lists six sources.
Filename: KBdoug2.wps

Mark Twain's 'Pudd'nhead Wilson' / Critical Analysis
This 10 page research paper critically examines Mark Twain's 1896 novel about slavery and murder, Pudd'nhead Wilson. Specifically presented is a critical essay, which is contrasted with another piece of criticism to draw concrete conclusions about the work. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: Puddnhed.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / Theme Of Escape
A 5 page paper that addresses the theme of escape and how it is used, defined and counterbalanced among the characters in Mark Twain's novel. Particular attention is paid to the characters of Huck Finn and Jim, who represent various themes of escape in regards to slavery. This is contrasted (counterbalanced) to representatives of the white and slave societies in the novel, with Huck and Jim both representing both of those cultures and the political voices within them. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Huckfinn.doc

Morality In The Works Of Mark Twain
A 7 page paper examining Twain's evocation of morals in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The paper concludes that Twain wrote books not only for entertainment, but to express his particular views on morality as well. Bibliography lists nine sources.
Filename: Twainmor.wps

Mark Twain's 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court'
A 5 page paper arguing that the purpose of this fable was to poke fun at British criticism of U.S. policy--but also with a minute postcript agreement with that assessment by Mark Twain. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Yankee.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / Characteristics Of The Novel
A 9 page paper analyzing the five components that make a good novel: depth of theme; the use of symbolism; realistic characterization; control of tone; and a satisfying structure, and showing them in relation to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: Hucknove.wps

Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn vs J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye / Holden vs Huck
A 5 page paper on comparing these two immortal adolescent protagonists of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. The paper observes that although neither boy really understands what he has learned at the end of his tale, he has learned a great deal and is ready to go out into the world and put his 'heart knowledge' into practice. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: Holdhuck.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / Jim's Development
An 8 page paper tracking the progression of Jim's characterization in Mark Twain's novel from a superstitious stereotype to a real human being. The paper observes that Huck's realization that Jim is his equal parallels Jim's own. Bibliography lists eight sources.
Filename: Jimhuck.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / Racial Acceptance
A 6 page paper examining whether Mark Twain's masterpiece is in fact a racist novel, and concluding that there is no basis for that assertion at all. Ample evidence from textual quotes shows the book to be tremendously racially-healing. Bibliography lists one source.
Filename: Huckrace.wps

Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn vs J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye/ Holden vs Huck #2
In 4 pages the author compares the main characters of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain and 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Huckleberry Finn and Holden Caulfield share many similarities and some differences. They are both boys trying to get by the best they know how. Huck Finn lived along the Mississippi River. Holden Caulfield lived in Pennsylvania. Huck Finn was rural. Holden Caulfield was city. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: Huckhold.wps

Use of Local Color in Mark Twain’s “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” Kate Chopin’s “The Storm, A Sequel to ‘The ‘Cadian Ball’,” & Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s “The New England Nun”
A 7 page paper which examines how the authors make use of local color in the following short stories -- “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain, “The Storm, A Sequel to ‘The ‘Cadian Ball’” by Kate Chopin & “The New England Nun” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
Filename: TGlitcol.wps

The Literary Wizardry of T.H. White & Mark Twain
A 7 page paper that examines T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone and Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper and explains why each has not only become a classic work of children's literature but also an historical work that teaches the merits of justice and benevolence. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: LCWizard.doc

The River Motif in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
A 5 page paper (4 pp. + 1 pg. outline) which examines how Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) uses the Mississippi River as a motif in his classic novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Filename: TGhfriv.wps

Kate Chopin's 'NegCreole' vs. Mark Twain's 'Huck Finn' # 2
A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the racial and societal impacts for Jim and Neg in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Kate Chopin's Neg Creole. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Twaincho.wps

Booker T. Washington’s “Up From Slavery” & Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn”
In his autobiography, Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington relates what he knows of history: 'in context' and from his personal point of view. Mark Twain uses parody and fiction to express his views in Huckleberry Finn. Both criticize American society. Both held strong opinions concerning race, poverty and illiteracy. This is a 5 page paper that examines the views of these two men through their writing. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: Huckslav.wps

How Authors Portray Individuals vs. Society in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Willa Cather's "My Antonia," Richard Wright's "Native Son" & Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises"
A 5 page paper which examines how the authors portray individuals versus society, emphasizing how society limits individual freedoms and how the characters respond to such controls. Specifically considered are Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Willa Cather's "My Antonia," Richard Wright's "Native Son" and Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises." Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TGlitind.wps

Comparison & Critique of Mark Twain's "Roughing It" and James G. Swan's "Northwest Coast" With Regard to the Depiction of Indians
A 6 page paper which examines two frontier novels of the mid-nineteenth century, Mark Twain's "Roughing It" (1872) and James G. Swan's "Northwest Coast" (1857) to consider the authors' depiction of the American Indian. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TGroughnc.wps

Realism and Language in Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn”
A five page paper analyzing Mark Twain’s classification as a realist writer on the basis of his accurate use of dialect in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The paper defines realism and briefly describes the realist movement of the late nineteenth-century, then discusses how Twain fits into this tradition. Bibliography lists two sources.
Filename: KBhuck5.wps

Twain’s “Connecticut Yankee” as an Indictment of Technology
A 6 page paper looking at Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” as an indictment of both technology and industrialism in the nineteenth century. The paper argues that Twain likened Camelot to nineteenth-century America, which he viewed as enraptured with potentially destructive technology whose dangers they did not appreciate. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: KBtwain.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' / Presentation Of Moral Issues
An 8 page paper discussing the evolution of Huck's own sense of ethics in contrast to those of the nineteenth-century ante-bellum society in which Twain wrote. It is ultimately concluded that the story confronts us with questions of what American society is and what it should and could be--Even in light of criticisms surrounding the book, the moral issues presented make it a most worthwhile story. Bibliography lists 6 supporting sources plus the novel itself.
Filename: Huckfin3.wps

Mark Twain’s Unworldly Protagonists
A five page paper looking at several of Twain's works in terms of their most characteristic feature: his creation of an innocent, unworldly protagonist who is able to see the adult world with fresh eyes. Specific works discussed are 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' 'The Prince and the Pauper,' and 'Life on the Mississippi.' Bibliography lists seven sources.
Filename: KBtwain3.wps

Kate Chopin's 'NegCreole' vs. Mark Twain's 'Huck Finn'
A 5 page paper that explores racism and the treatment of the feminine role in these two works. The subject is studied from an analysis of viewpoint and plot in relationship to Neg and Huck/Jim, and the women in the stories. The paper posits that although their intent was similar, Twain could only see the slavery/racism issue from a white man looking in, while Chopin, who identifies with being part Creole, sees the issue from the inside looking out. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Choptwan.wps

Discipline In Twain's Tom Sawyer
In Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, Tom lived with his Aunt Pol, who considered herself to be the only thing between a mischievous adolescent and an adult criminal. This 6 page paper argues that while Tom's Aunt Pol was seemingly harsh in her parenting philosophy, her actions were more reflective of a nurturing personality. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: KTsawyer.wps

Twain's 'Huck Finn' and Emerson's 'Self-Reliance'
A five page paper showing how Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay aids the reader in understanding the motivation of Huck in Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' The paper argues that the social rules cannot keep Huck from answering the call of his conscience and his heart. No additional sources.
Filename: KBhuck6.wps

Dialect in Twain’s “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”
A 5 page paper analyzing the various dialects Mark Twain replicates in his 1884 novel. The paper argues that the fine points of dialectical distinction are lost on the average reader, and the more obvious points may be seen as demeaning. No additional sources.
Filename: KBhuck2.wps

The Battle Against Society in Twain and Salinger
A seven page paper looking at the way the two adolescent protagonists of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye” battle against their respective societies because they instinctively feel that their culture is wrong. Although the issues are very different -- slavery in “Huck Finn”, the emptiness of upper-class values in “Catcher” -- both boys undergo maturational experiences which suggest that they will make a difference in society as they grow up. Bibliography lists three sources.
Filename: KBhuck4.wps

The Plausibility of Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn”
A five page paper which looks at the historical background of Mark Twain’s classic novel. The paper looks at, among other things, the separation of slave families in the antebellum South and the lack of children’s rights in the nineteenth century. Bibliography lists four sources.
Filename: KBhuck3.wps

Dramatic Irony in Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn'
A five page paper looking at chapter 31 of Mark Twain's novel, in which Huck decides he’d risk going to Hell to help Jim escape. The paper discusses the dramatic irony at work in this chapter, and shows why Huck's ignorance of the morality of his decision makes it more noble. No additional sources.
Filename: KBhuck7.wps

James, O'Connor, & Twain/On Evil
A 5 page analysis of how Mark Twain, Henry James and Flannery O'Connor have each pictured how individuals have reacted to early experiences with evil. In so doing each has shown aspects of society, as implied through laws and social norms, that rather then promoting the spiritual welfare of its citizens actually work against the promotion of moral conduct. In other words, they have each addressed aspects in society that promote evil. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: 99athrs.wps

Tom and Huck’s Friendship in Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'
A 7 page look at the relationship of these two boyhood friends in Mark Twain’s classic novel. The paper argues that the significant differences between Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer actually encapsulate the novel’s theme. No additional sources.
Filename: KBtwain2.wps

Twain vs Dickens : A Comparison
A 12 page research paper that examines Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit and Mark Twain's Puddn'head Wilson. The writer argues that these novels were actually quite similar even though their subject matter was extremely different. They both deal with the social issues of their time and each shows how some of the accepted concepts of their particular period of history were really ludicrous. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: 99tw&di.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and Moral Conscience
In this well-written 3 page essay, the writer describes Huckleberry Finn as a tale of moral conscience. Several examples of the ethical dilemmas faced by Huck are analyzed as are the moral choices he ultimately made. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.
Filename: Huckfin2.wps

Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' & The Importance of the River
6 pages in length. The writer's thesis states that in the novel, the river was a source of knowledge and a perennial 'guiding light' for characters. A well-organized analytical essay follows to prove this point. Bibliography lists 6 supporting sources.
Filename: Huckfinn.wps

Chopin's 'The Awakening' & Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn / Lure of the Water
A 5 page paper looking at the motifs of ocean and river in these two works by Kate Chopin and Mark Twain, respectively. The paper traces these motifs through the two novels, and suggests symbolic explanations for their tremendous power. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: Water.wps

Huckleberry Finn: Reinforces Or Combats Racist Attitudes?
5 pages in length. The sweet, innocent words of adolescence would never incite any reaction other than the outward appreciation of youth's innocence. Or would they? Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' has been classified as being not only unfit for children but also notoriously racist. Whether or not this is true is solely dependent upon one's personal point of view. While it can be argued that the author was genuinely and accurately portraying the time period this book represents, there are those who contend that this is nothing more than a thin veil of racism. That Twain even somewhat attempts to establish a sense of sympathy for the accused black man demonstrates the author's intent to combat racism amidst the overwhelming sentiment of white privilege. The writer discusses racism as it relates to 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TLChuck.wps

Huckleberry Finn: Character Analysis
5 pages in length. The character of Huckleberry Finn, in Mark Twain's classic 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' effectively incorporates the innocence of a child with the wisdom of tolerance. Indeed, Huckleberry Finn was immune to the racial bigotry of his surrounding community, successfully capable of overlooking a person's skin color or lack of education as a means by which to judge. The writer discusses how this particular aspect of the boy's character clearly addresses the racial open-mindedness that did was nowhere to be found in Finn's society. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCfinn.wps

Realism & Naturalism In Nineteenth Century Thought
A 20 page paper discussing four works: A Modern Instance by William Dean Howells, The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett; Roughing It by Mark Twain; and The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. The paper discusses whether these works are realistic or naturalistic, backing each contention up with solid evidence from the novels as well as critical sources. Bibliography lists 17 sources.
Filename: Realnatu.wps

Social Conflict in “Huckleberry Finn” and Other Stories
A 5 page paper looking at Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, plus five other short stories and novellas, in terms of their treatment of the conflict between the demands of society and individual expression. Stories covered include Sarah Orne Jewett’s “A White Heron;” Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge;” Stephen Crane’s “The Open Boat,” Henry James’ “The Real Thing;” and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper.” No additional sources.
Filename: KBhuck.wps

Home Alone With Huck Finn
The traits that made Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain’s Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, a memorable and impressive young boy - his loyalty and compassion toward Jim and his associates, his quick wit and ability to make clear judgments are also an integral component of Alex’s character in the movie, Home Alone 3. This 5 page essay argues that although these traits and the stories that are told are compelling to the audience, it is the basic attraction of the child within all of us to be able to watch as a child outmaneuvers and wins over an adult with evil intent that is most responsible for the popularity of the stories.
Filename: KThuckhm.wps

The Maturing of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
A fifteen page paper comparing these two protagonists in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The paper shows that Tom remains childlike because he is essentially conventional, and has never been forced to make adult decisions; Huck, on the other hand, has forged his own code of ethics at an early age. No additional sources.
Filename: KBsawy2.wps

Should 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' Be Taught?
A 5 page paper which advocates the addition of Mark Twain's controversial post-Civil War novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) to the American high-school curriculum. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: Teachuck.wps

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