Life on the Mississippi

Prologue-Chapter XV

Reading Check

1. A steamboat pilot (Chapter IV)

2. Mr. Bixby (Chapter VI)

3. Mr. W (Chapter VIII)

4. Tom (Chapter XII)

5. Piloting steamboats (Chapter XIV)

Short Answer

1. Twain compares the Mississippi River with other majestic bodies of water to emphasize its importance. He points out that the Mississippi is grander than the Nile, Amazon basin, and the Seine. (Chapter I)

2. Twain’s historical description of the river serves to further explain the importance and grandeur of the river in comparison to other rivers. Additionally, the river serves an important role in Twain’s life, though he initially wants to man a steamboat on the Amazon, he is proud to have fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot on the Mississippi River. (Chapters I-XV)

3. Twain, inspired by his life on the Mississippi River, refers to Huckleberry Finn to illustrate river life and provide a depiction of those who live near the river. This depiction includes the stories those who live by the river tell and the way information is shared on the riverfront. (Chapter III)

4.