Study Help Full Glossary

Barlow knife a jackknife with one blade. bars a thing that blocks the way or prevents entrance or further movement, as in a sandbar. bilgewater water that collects in the bilge of a ship, slang for worthless or silly talk. black slouch a felt hat with a broad, floppy rim. […]

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Study Help Film Versions

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1939 Director: Richard Thorpe Rated G This is a “wholesome” take on Twain’s complex novel, intended for the entire family to enjoy. At only 90 minutes, much has been cut from the original story, and what remains has been tamed down for the popular tastes […]

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Study Help Famous Quotes

“Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.” Notice (opening page) “You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the […]

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Mark Twain Biography

Sam’s father, John Marshall Clemens, a highly intelligent man, was a mildly successful lawyer, a justice of the peace, and a stern disciplinarian of his children. Sam’s mother, Jane, a Southern belle in her youth, had a natural sense of humor and was greatly affectionate, especially to animals and people […]

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Character Analysis Tom Sawyer

Tom’s role as a romantic is extremely important because of its juxtaposition with Huck’s literal approach. Although Tom declares that his gang will pursue the exploits of piracy and murder, in reality the gang succeeds in “charging down on hog-drovers and women in carts taking garden stuff to the market.” […]

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Character Analysis Jim

In the beginning of the novel, Jim is depicted as simple and trusting, to the point of gullibility. These qualities are not altered during the course of the novel; instead, they are fleshed out and prove to be positives instead of negatives. Jim’s simple nature becomes common sense, and he […]

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