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 Tessa Escobar on January 4, 2013 at 10:55am

I believe Hucks is confused about religion because of the fact that he does not know what it truely means. He thinks of religion as praying for something you lost so you can find it. When in reality that is not the case. Which is the reason why he chooses to believe in superstition because in his head he believes is more reasonable. The fact that what Tom is doing is making him realize what is good or bad I believe that will help him realize the real meaning of religion

Permalink Reply by Cebrinah Galvan on January 4, 2013 at 2:59pm

I agree with you Tessa, i believe Huck is also confused just because he lacks in religious background that it doesn't allow him to understand whats going on.

Permalink Reply by Cebrinah Galvan on January 4, 2013 at 2:57pm

Huck rejects religion just because its really hard to understand what to believe when you live in an environment like he does. I don't think it the fear of tom that he has its just the lack of understanding whats going on around him.He doesn't think it benefits him to believe in God or to pray, but then again he is confused in what to believe in.

Permalink Reply by Andrew Eden on January 6, 2013 at 9:46pm

I agree with Cebrinah, Huck grew up in a harsh enviroment when he was growing up, and learning to accept something that changes who you are does'nt come easy when dealing with the situations Huck has been through.

Permalink Reply by jesus garcia on January 4, 2013 at 3:46pm

In my opinion I believe that Huck doesn't necessarly reject religion I believe that he is just confused on certain things, one of which being the things around him. He was set to believe in thigs of value moneywise and of importancte, but something not important is spiritual wise. To him praying to god or believing in a certain religion wouldn't really make much of a diference, he also believed it was only for certain people. But once he discovered the meaning of religion it had a big impact on his life the most important being the choices he would make.

Permalink Reply by Corey Patulea on January 5, 2013 at 11:28pm

I agree with jesus since Huck didn't think that praying and really having a religion would do anything for him, but as he grew throughout the book he sub-consciencely grew to accept religion and the aspect of it

Permalink Reply by Andrew Eden on January 6, 2013 at 9:40pm

Yeah, I agree with Jesus, due to the little effect religion has on Huck it won't make a difference until he understands the true meaning of it.

Permalink Reply by Emma soto on January 5, 2013 at 10:34am

Huck rejects religion not only because he doesnt know much about it but he thinks that praying would bring him the material things he wanted. When that didnt work out the widow said he should pray for other people and forget about himself. This didnt bring him any benifits so he just kind of forgot about it and didnt think about it anymore. Huck is superstitious because people have always been telling stories since forever. And everyone knows how to tell a story but not everyone knows about God. These superstitions are easier to believe because you dont have to know how to read to tell a story.

Permalink Reply by Gloria Alvarez on January 5, 2013 at 3:36pm

“Well, I couldn't see no advantage in going where she was going, so I made up my mind I wouldn't try for it. But I never said so, because it would only make trouble”

This leads me to think that he didn't really want to express himself about religion for the thought of not causing any problems or because he might be confused because he hears different things.

Permalink Reply by Emma soto on January 6, 2013 at 6:41pm

I agree with you Gloria Alvarez but i also think that what he knew about where she was going didnt convince him into looking into it more or paying attention to religion so he brushed it off. And he never said anything about his thoughts on the subject because he knew it would get her upset and she would give him more lessons about things that didnt even interest him.

Permalink Reply by jesus garcia on January 5, 2013 at 7:07pm

I agree with Maria, Huck thinks that by not believing in a religion it will not hurt nor benifit him.

Permalink Reply by Camren Barentine on January 6, 2013 at 8:48pm

Since Huck understands the consequences of being bad if you do share those religious beliefs, he chooses not to follow them. He knows that he will be going to hell if he continues to follow Tom's actions. But Huck is also a follower, and he wants to go wherever Tom is going. And if that's hell, then he wants to go too. I feel that Huck is putting off his beliefs because he knows he is already headed down the pathway to hell. He may think its too late to change.