Mark Twain and the Brazen Serpent


Book Description

Focusing on the overarching theme of religious satire in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this study reveals the novel's hidden motive, moral and plot. The author considers generations of criticism spanning the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, along with new textual evidence showing how Twain's richly evocative style dissects Huck's conscience to propose humane amorality as a corrective to moral absolutes. Jim and Huck emerge as archetypal twins--biracial brothers who prefigure America's color-blind ideals.




The Adventures of Tom Sawyer


Book Description

This book presents the adventures of a mischievous young boy and his friends growing up in a Mississippi River town in the nineteenth century.




Adventures of Huckleberry Finn


Book Description

The story begins in fictional St. Petersburg, Missouri (based on the actual town of Hannibal, Missouri), on the shore of the Mississippi River "forty to fifty years ago" (the novel having been published in 1884). Huckleberry "Huck" Finn (the protagonist and first-person narrator) and his friend, Thomas "Tom" Sawyer, have each come into a considerable sum of money as a result of their earlier adventures (detailed in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer). Huck explains how he is placed under the guardianship of the Widow Douglas, who, together with her stringent sister, Miss Watson, are attempting to "sivilize" him and teach him religion. Finding civilized life confining, his spirits are raised somewhat when Tom Sawyer helps him to escape one night past Miss Watson's slave Jim, to meet up with Tom's gang of self-proclaimed "robbers." Just as the gang's activities begin to bore Huck, he is suddenly interrupted by the reappearance of his shiftless father, "Pap", an abusive alcoholic. Knowing that Pap would only spend the money on alcohol, Huck is successful in preventing Pap from acquiring his fortune; however, Pap kidnaps Huck and leaves town with him.




The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Tom Sawyer's Comrade


Book Description

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Tom Sawyer's Comrade by Mark Twain is a timeless literary masterpiece that takes readers on a captivating journey through the heartland of America. With its rich character development, vivid storytelling, and incisive social commentary, the book explores themes of freedom, friendship, and the complexities of moral conscience in the backdrop of the Mississippi River. Key Aspects of the Book: Picaresque Adventure: The book follows the escapades of Huckleberry Finn, a young boy seeking freedom and adventure. Twain's vivid descriptions of their journey along the Mississippi River immerse readers in a world of rafting, encounters with colorful characters, and thrilling exploits, creating a sense of excitement and exploration.Social Critique: Twain uses the narrative to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of society during the era of slavery and racial prejudice. Through the character of Jim, an escaped slave, the book offers a scathing critique of the institution of slavery and challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and biases.Coming-of-Age and Moral Growth: The novel explores Huckleberry Finn's coming-of-age as he grapples with questions of morality, societal expectations, and the influence of his conscience. Readers witness his transformation and moral growth as he learns to question conventional wisdom and make choices based on his own sense of right and wrong. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Tom Sawyer's Comrade, Mark Twain, a master storyteller and keen observer of American society, presents a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of a bygone era. Through the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain weaves a tale that is at once exciting, thought-provoking, and socially relevant. The book's enduring popularity stems from its exploration of timeless themes and its ability to entertain, challenge, and inspire readers of all ages. Twain's insightful storytelling and social commentary continue to make this novel a beloved classic in American literature.




Why We Took the Car


Book Description

A beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story from an award-winning, bestselling German author making his American debut. Mike Klingenberg doesn't get why people think he's boring. Sure, he doesn't have many friends. (Okay, zero friends.) And everyone laughs at him when he reads his essays out loud in class. And he's never invited to parties - including the gorgeous Tatiana's party of the year.Andre Tschichatschow, aka Tschick (not even the teachers can pronounce his name), is new in school, and a whole different kind of unpopular. He always looks like he's just been in a fight, his clothes are tragic, and he never talks to anyone.But one day Tschick shows up at Mike's house out of the blue. Turns out he wasn't invited to Tatiana's party either, and he's ready to do something about it. Forget the popular kids: Together, Mike and Tschick are heading out on a road trip. No parents, no map, no destination. Will they get hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere? Probably. Will meet some crazy people and get into serious trouble? Definitely. But will they ever be called boring again? Not a chance.







The Adventures of Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn (Illustrated): American Classics Series


Book Description

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a novel about a young boy growing up along the Mississippi River. The story is set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, inspired by Hannibal, Missouri, where Twain lived. Tom Sawyer's best friends include Joe Harper and Huckleberry Finn, who will get him into troubles, but also accompany him in glorious adventures... "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" - Huckleberry "Huck" Finn and his friend, Tom Sawyer, have each come into a considerable sum of money as a result of their earlier adventures. Huck is placed under the guardianship of the Widow Douglas, who, together with her stringent sister, Miss Watson, are attempting to "civilize" him and teach him religion. Finding civilized life confining, his spirits are raised somewhat when Tom Sawyer helps him to escape one night past Miss Watson's slave Jim, to meet up with Tom's gang of self-proclaimed "robbers."




Adventures of Huckleberry Finn / Mark Twain / World Literature Classics / Illustrated with Doodles


Book Description

One of the masterpieces of the written world. A must-read. Illustrated with doodles Complete and Unabridged Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel by Mark Twain. Commonly named among the Great American Novels.The novel's preeminence derives from its wonderfully imaginative re-creation of boyhood adventures along the Mississippi River, its inspired characterization, the author's remarkable ear for dialogue, and the book's understated development of serious underlying themes: "natural" man versus "civilized" society, the evils of slavery, the innate value and dignity of human beings, and other topics. Most of all, Huckleberry Finn is a wonderful story, filled with high adventure and unforgettable characters. It is a direct sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.




The Spelling Bee


Book Description

A brief, simplified retelling of the episode in "Tom Sawyer" in which Tom cheats during the spelling bee, but later realizes he must make things right.