Huckleberry Finn Reading/ Discussion Question #1

From the opening of the novel and the introduction of Tom Sawyer's gang, there is a different type of understanding painted about who Huckleberry Finn truly is. It becomes obvious when he decides to leave Sawyers gang that the things which are not actual are hard to digest and continue with as a part of everyday life. While the tale of Huckleberry Finn exposes many themes, Huck's encounter with religion in the beginning of the novel unfolds. Huck, being a completely practical young boy, struggles with grasping an understanding of religion. As Miss Watson tries to steer him to a true understanding of prayer and the benefits of it, Huck considered the concept but still takes everything at face value, due to his literal nature. Miss Watson's situation, the widow and his fish hooks cause him to think about whether or not prayer is real.

Some may say that his literal mindset has difficulty with beliefs that some things, on the surface, appear to be impractical or untrue. Then there are others who suggest that the comparing and contrasting of the religions of his guardians, Miss Watson and Widow Douglas, may play a major role in his understanding, or misunderstanding of religion. While Huck begins to see that religion in practiced differently, he has to make a choice on which one best fits his beliefs and personality.

In the beginning of the novel, Twain establishes a contrast between Tom and Huck. Huck's views of religion tie into this contrast as well. He views Tom's imagination as a dead ringer for Miss Watson's ideals on religion; he distrusts the superficial nature of both. Although he does not understand the nature of prayer, he does realize that it has a purpose in his path that helps him grow.

Consider which belief system he chooses to follow and why? In your opinion, does Huck reject religion? Also, consider how the religious belief that he moves away from ties into his views on Tom and helps him to move forward in his journey. How does his understanding of religion tie into, or not, his fear of Pap finding him and the superstitious nature that he and Jim share?

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Permalink Reply by Emily Kyle Graham on December 31, 2012 at 11:59am

I agree with micheal because Huck is stubborn and wants to follow his own rules and religion requires you to change your lifestyle. Yet, I do not agree with the fact that Tom teaches Huck to follow his first thought because Huck questions Toms actions and thinks about his decisions before he makes them.

Permalink Reply by Maria Avila on December 31, 2012 at 12:51pm

Huck reject religion in the begining because he doesnt believe in it. He doesnt thibk it benifits him to believe in God or to pray, but then again he is confused in what to believe in. He is to believe in superstitions or in religion. In my opinion i dont think Huck rejects religion he is just confused on what to believe in since people have diffrent beliefs. There are many obstacles in life and in Hucks life beliefs and pap was some of them. His understanding of religion does tie into his fear of pap finding him because he doesnt want pap to find him or take his money.

Permalink Reply by Dalia Espinoza on January 2, 2013 at 5:41pm

I agree with Maria, Huck does have different beliefs than the he is around with. He is definitly confuesed with everything. The only thing he wants is for Pap not find and take his money. He is decidinf whether believing in religion is the right thing to do.

Permalink Reply by Tessa Escobar on January 4, 2013 at 11:10am

I think you are correct Huck thinks religion is based finding something that has value instead of the spirituality it really has.

Permalink Reply by Shelby Morris on January 6, 2013 at 10:03am

I agree with Maria, I do find that Huck is, in a way, confused about whether he believes in religion or not, since he doesn't know very much about it.

Permalink Reply by IvanaWright on January 1, 2013 at 8:37pm

Huck doesn't know what to believe considering that he has no logical background of the meaning of religion. Huck is a confused boy, who is trying to find an answer. In my opinion Huck does reject religion, and he thinks it's only for certain people. By Toms actions it allowed Huck to wake up & realize he needed to start doing right. By Huck understanding religion it tied into what choices/decisons he should make regarding what he thought Pap would do to him

Permalink Reply by Wesley Graham on January 2, 2013 at 12:43pm

I think you are right that huck is confused in what to believe in and that he does realize that he needs to start doing the right things, but what set of beliefs do you think he follows in order to do that?

Permalink Reply by Emily Kyle Graham on January 4, 2013 at 4:56pm

I think Huck follows his own set of beliefs he's heard from many people or made up himself. He bases his religious beliefs on his actions and how certain situations play out. He is a unique person who isn't fully devoted to one religion but takes bits and pieces from all sifferent sorts of beliefs

Permalink Reply by Wesley Graham on January 2, 2013 at 12:39pm

Huck rejects religion as being real because he can find no evidence around him that religion exists besides the fish hooks and so attrubutes them to coincidence. I feel that Huck decides not to follow any belief system, but that he decides to just use his own morals and feelings of right and wrong to guide him. The funny thing is that when he and Jim set off on their adventure, Huck finds himself leaning toward Jim's superstitions in things like witches and haints as well as many other things. This is due to the fact of many coincidental events that happen to the pair as well as storys that he has heard.

Permalink Reply by Corey Patulea on January 2, 2013 at 8:24pm

I believe that Huck is more confused about religion, rather than having a disbelief in it. In the beginning he lets his conscience kinda lead him down the correct road, with help from parental guidance. Huck has a pretty good feeling that most of what Tom Sawyer does is wrong, and he will disagree with Tom when it isn't the most convieniant for Tom. Huck is also deathly afraid of Pap, and tries to find a way to confront him without making him angry. Jim is really the main person who talks Huck into believing in God... Not discreditting Ms. Watson. Jim says that with every action it will show your character as more of an angel (God) character or demon (Devil) character.

Permalink Reply by Jr on January 6, 2013 at 3:28am

I agree with you Corey on how Huck is confused and dosent really know what religion is. I also agree on how Jim will be the reason Huck is believing in god.

Permalink Reply by Isabel Reyes on January 2, 2013 at 10:45pm

To me i agree with Ivana about him and his religion. I think he accepts it but just doesnt think he likes it. He mentions in the book that he doesnt see a point in learning all about moses and all because he is dead. So he accepts it but doesnt think it's right for him. About Tom, he has different views of things,he disagreeswith him but he still accepts it him.
With his father, he is scared of him because he is aggressive towards everyone who disagrees with him. He is confused overall and he is trying to find himself.