Mark Twain and Corn Pone Opinions Learning Targets

Mark Twain and Corn -Pone Opinions

Learning Targets I can determine the truth about the world Twain shared when he wrote “Corn-Pone Opinions”. I can connect Twain’s beliefs with Huck’s political and social beliefs (and where he gets them from).

Definition Corn-pone: Of or characteristic of an unsophisticated rural person, especially from the South (hick) Type of corn bread 1. Question to consider: why would Twain title this essay “Corn-Pone Opinions”?

Twain Wrote “Corn-Pone Opinions” in 1901 Near the end of his life (died 1910) Good description of his thoughts on the human race Keep this in mind when reading Huck Finn

Mark Twain and corn pone Critically read “Corn-Pone Opinions” individually Answer these with your table group: 1. Determine how Twain describe humans and their opinions. Give three specific examples. 2. Conclude where Twain believes people get their political opinions and beliefs. 3. Justify how this impacts the country/society/he individual. 4. Investigate why high school students are more likely to have their own opinions.

Things to think about Is there such a thing as an “original opinion”? What are humans (think human nature) inclined to do? Where does self-approval come from? What does Twain mean when he says we are “creatures of outside influences”? Why is this a negative thing? What are the two types of corn-pone opinions? Explain Public Opinion

Summary Man's ideas and opinions are solely based on others' ideas and opinions Man does not think for themselves, instead they conform