Huck Questions XXVIII - XXX

1. It's not your average funeral scene. The undertaker goes down into the cellar to either shut-up a dog, or kill a rat in the middle of the service, and is revered as a great man for that little task. Twain doesn't give much mention on the dead man, or the sermon itself, and interrupts the whole scene with that, which may have seemed disrespectful to some people. The crticism is not justified, Twain is just making another point about society.

2. Huck is saying that this is one of the few times when it is better to be honest than lie. He is considering telling Mary Jane the truth, and thus taking any blame off himself, while making Mary Jane feel better.

3. Huck lies to help others, but still ensure his own well-being.

4. Jim isn't seen in these chapters as much because Twain is trying to show more of Huck's coming of age and his personal growth. He is also trying to make different points against society than simply arguing against slavery.

5.  It shows that Hines is greedy, easily distracted, and cares for money more than anything else. He is a symbol of society. 

6. Huck likes Mary Jane a lot, and doesn't want to see her get caught up in the whole mess. He is also afraid she would unknowingly give away his plan. Huck is showing more concern for Mary Jane than he is himself, as her being there would aid in keeping him safe from the townspeople, showing that Huck actually does have morals.

7. This backs up the themes of gullibility and appearance vs. reality. Huck is saying that anyone could clearly see which man was the liar, but the townspeople can't tell because they have already believed the king to be who he says he is and are convinced that they all must be right. They are already "prejudiced".

8. The truth. (Ha, that looks/sounds so dramatic.) As well as reasoning and good judgement.

9. The duke and king are still villains. Based not only on their various misdeeds of the past, but also the event that just happened in Chapter 30, when they threatened Huck, fought with each other, and then got all drunk. The two conmen are simlilar to Pap, and represent society, and therefore must be villains.