Huck+Finn+Research

Databases
media type="custom" key="9463810" ||  || home access s0182 || Discovering Collection home access s0182 || un brookfd pw bhs || home access s0182 ||
 * media type="custom" key="5378193" || media type="custom" key="5378181" || Bloom's Literary Criticism[[image:brookfieldhs-lmc/Screen_shot_2009-11-14_at_5.36.09_PM.png width="251" height="38" link="@http://www.fofweb.com/Lit/default.asp?ItemID=WE54"]] || Literature Resource Center
 * Opposing Viewpoints

Websites
Gale Gale Literary Criticism Index(brown books)

NoodleTools

** Determining the Fate of //Huck Finn// **

// Twain wrote // //"the secret source of humor itself is sorrow."//

Mark Twain’, //The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn// was first published in 1885 and has been in trouble ever since. Contemporary critics and scholars have treated it as one of the greatest American works of literature. On the other hand, it was condemned by many reviewers in Twain’s time as coarse, and by many commentators in our time as racist or too harsh in terms of its social criticism. In 1885 it was banned from the shelves of the Concord Public Library which attracted a lot of publicity and discussion in the press. It is still frequently in the news, as various school systems across the country either ban it from or restore it to their classrooms. **//So…what do you think???//** **__BACKGROUND__:** Imagine you are a literary consultant hired by the Brookfield Board of Education. A group of parents have decided to challenge //Huck Finn// based on a variety of objections. Other parents and teachers are concerned that the book— a literary classic—will be banned from the required reading list. Because of your renowned expertise in researching literature and writing, the town has turned to you as the expert on what to do about this situation. The Brookfield community wants you to determine the fate of //Huck Finn.// **__TASKS:__** 1. You must first start with a research question. //How might you defend or attack the novel?//

__2. Then, you will use the **databases** to find literary critics who support your ideas. Once you’ve found at least 4 sources that will work for you, you will need to create an **annotated works consulted**.__ __3. Then, make a definitive response to your question in the form of a researched abstract. This can be no more than 400 words because the Board of Education wants you to present at their next meeting.__ __*Remember* not all of the people you are addressing are as well educated as you in the field of literature, and so some may not understand what is meant by the term “satire.” Also, make sure to demonstrate understanding of both sides of the argument, anticipate your reader’s objections, and provide a supported case for your side (a.k.a. **research**).__ **PROCEDURES:__** **Research Question-** Select a research question that will help to defend or criticize Huck Finn **Research** - Find information that will answer your research question >>> **4 sources** *Remember…your abstract is only as good as your sources…choose wisely! **Annotated Works Consulted**- Prove you’ve done thorough research with notes. For each source you must have annotations and proper citations. Include the **big ideas addressed in the articles, important details, and a summary of the author’s opinions, attitudes, and purpose.**

4. **Thesis Statement** - Create an arguable thesis statement based on your research findings 5. **WRITE YOUR RESEARCH ABSTRACT!!!**