Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Book Is Burning!
Today I was cut-off in class by Mr. Bolos when I was going to make a point of why I thought that Huck Finn should only be taught in a History class and not in English class. The main reason is because you have to get into the time period. English classes don't have enough time to take you through a History course all about the time period in which Huck Finn takes place. In AS, we took the time to understand the use of the language used in the story so the words don't seem that extreme. In addition, the characters are not that well educated and so they are using the "N-word" as a comma. Also, this book is a comedy and should not have been taken so literally because the basis of the book is hilarious.
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3 comments:
Not "cut-off" my friend. You were simply given a wonderful opportunity to continue the conversation in the blogosphere...Long Live The Hill!!!
You're welcome! ;)
I agree that in reading Huck Finn it is necessary to “get into the time period.” The story takes place between 1835 and 1845, a time when slavery was still legal. Without this information and the realization that slavery and racism were a huge part of society at this time, readers would be offended by the racist remarks and unable to comprehend the meaning that the author was intending. Yet I partially disagree with your comment. I don't think that the book “should not have been taken so literally.” Racism is a difficult subject to address and comprehend. Obviously Twain adds in his humor into the book, for example, the NOTICE in the front of the book is a joke. “Persons attempting to fins 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.” Despite Twain’s humor, I feel that the content needs to be taken seriously and teachers and students need to be careful when discussing it.
Matt,
I'm glad you did continue your thought on the blog, Matt. Hopefully you gave this idea further thought on your Huck essay. I'm glad you subscribe to the less-is-more school where we can think deeply about topics rather than rushing through texts, glossing over details superficially.
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