Shelley Fisher Fishkin - Lighting Out for the Territory (April 1, 1997)

Shelley Fisher Fishkin discusses Mark Twain's transformation from a slaveholder's son to an anti-racist writer, highlighting the neglect of this narrative in Hannibal, MO, which focuses on Tom Sawyer. She explores the ongoing legacy of slavery in America and Twain's dual perspective on American culture. The controversy over teaching Huck Finn in schools is addressed, emphasizing its educational value in confronting racism.

Why was Shelley Fisher Fishkin disappointed with Hannibal's portrayal of Mark Twain?

• Hannibal celebrated Twain's political career.

• The town was too modernized.

• Hannibal did not highlight Twain's anti-racist evolution.

• The town focused too much on Twain's later life.

What aspect of Mark Twain's work does Hannibal primarily promote?

• His travel writings

• His anti-racist literature

• His political essays

• His childhood adventures

According to Fishkin, why do some Americans prefer to remember Tom Sawyer over Huck Finn?

• Tom Sawyer is more entertaining.

• Huck Finn is too complex.

• The legacies of slavery are still painful.

• Tom Sawyer is more historically accurate.

How does Twain's work provide a dual perspective on American culture?

• By ignoring historical issues

• By celebrating and critiquing America

• By only highlighting the negative aspects

• By focusing solely on the positive aspects

What is a key reason for the controversy surrounding the teaching of Huck Finn in schools?

• Its use of racial language

• Its portrayal of childhood

• Its length and complexity

• Its complex language

How does Fishkin suggest Twain's use of language in Huck Finn should be viewed?

• As an outdated method

• As a tool to satirize racism

• As a historical artifact

• As a simple narrative choice

What does Fishkin believe Twain's work offers to modern readers?

• A purely entertaining story

• A chance to ignore historical issues

• A simple escape from reality

• An opportunity to confront difficult topics