Satire in Huck Finn

Religion

Reread chapter 1, focusing on the passage that begins with "Her sister, Miss Watson, a tolerable slim old maid," through "You do that when you've lost a horseshoe..." (10-12).
Identify all the places where religion is referenced, either through belief, ritual, or any other practice. Make a list of the number of times and ways you see religion mentioned.
Write an analysis in your Reader's Journal.

What beliefs about religion does Miss Watson try to impart to Huck?
How is Huck's perception different than Miss Watson's intended message? How do you know?
How is Huck's perception different than the general definition (and purpose) of religion?
What is the effect of Miss Watson's religious instruction, in terms of Huck's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors? How is this effect ironic?
Challenge: How does the mention of the household help ("By and by they fetched the niggers in") add to the irony?
Challenge: How do Huck's encounter with the spider and his reaction—along with his comments about his other superstitions—have elements of exaggeration, slapstick, and irony?

Reread the excerpt of Pap's rant, or return to page 35 in the novel to study that excerpt and the larger context where it appears.
What is he so angry about? List everything that makes him so mad.
Identify the ways that racism manifests in Pap's speech. If racism is a belief that race determines abilities and superiority, how is Pap racist? How does he show his prejudice?
From what you already know about Pap's character, what is ironic about Pap's complaints?
Pap speaks at length and in hyperbole—a form of exaggeration. How does the exaggeration make his arguments less effective and more ridiculous?
Challenge: Which aspect receives repeated attention and obsession from Pap, and thus becomes humorous? (Hint: think garb.) How does that make the whole notion of racist beliefs silly?

If you are ready to conduct an in-depth analysis through writing, skip to dialectical journaling.