huckleberry finn, good /bad?

Question

what makes the adventures of huckleberry finn a good book, or what makes it bad.. should it be included in highschool as a mandatory read?

Answer 1

The southern dialouge and racial slang makes the book really hard to read, but otherwise it's a strange book.

Answer 2

I am a high school English teacher and a lover of American literature. I love most American lit. I've never liked Mark Twain, but even if I did, I don't like this book. This book is not a good choice for regular students several reasons: regular students do not understand the humor and most struggle with the writing. It is out-of-date. If this is the only book depicting a black man, I would definitely vote NO. If it is an honors class, or if it is taught as an optional book or summer book, then it is okay. Definitely not a must-read. If it is taught, I think other books that don't have so many stereotypes should be taught as well. Another big problem is that many teachers don't get the nuances of this book. It takes a great teacher to make it worthwhile.

Answer 3

Dear Mex: when it comes to reading, nothing should be mandatory. Then it's just drudgery. What the schools are trying to do is introduce you to a variety of works that will help you become a better student and a smarter person, a person who can think for himself. As far as Huck Finn goes, it's one of the best books written by an American. It was the first book written in idiom, that is the language of the time and place. Prior to HF, most books written in America were for English audiences, hence you wind up with indians speaking the King's english in the Last of the Mohicans. Mark Twain was brave enough to write to American audiences, plus he was brave enough to say that slavery and racism are bad things. It is the start of modern American literature. Plus it's a funny, witty book. I hope you enjoy it.

Answer 4

This book is a wonderful story on many levels. It's historical value alone makes it worthwhile reading for anyone. It would depend on the insturctor's handling of the material to make it a good or bad choice for mandatory high school reading.

Answer 5

It's a great book! It's part of American history. The story of Huck befriending a slave named Jim and their adventures together floating down the Mississippi. It's a story of courage, honesty, friendship, and loyalty. You'll love it! Yes, I think it should be read in HS.

Answer 6

In my youth this was a wonderful book and it gave me imagination. Today there is a new movement and there will be a story that will do the same fore young people. Wait and that story will run it's course and will be replaced!