Life on the Mississippi

Analyze the changes in river life that Mark Twain discovers when he returns to the Mississippi River two decades after his steamboat piloting career by citing textual evidence from Life on the Mississippi. What observations does Twain make? What social changes does he find the most important, and why? What evidence does he provide about the impact of the Civil War on the towns in the South? How are cultural changes related to the novel’s theme of America’s Growth and Prosperity?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it useful to annotate their texts for passages in which Twain comments on the way or ways life has changed for the people on the Mississippi River. They then may want to ask questions such as the following: Why is this evidence interesting or effective? What are the consequences of this evidence? How is this evidence related to the idea of America’s Growth and Prosperity?  Consider hosting a whole class discussion to share the evidence students have uncovered in their work. Encourage students to use the discussion to aid in their analysis.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require additional assistance with analysis may find it beneficial to analyze the novel in assigned portions to discuss changes in small groups that can be shared in the form of a