Name ___________________________

Picaresque novel

The picaresque novel is a type of novel that originated in 16th century Spain. It is a precursor to the
modern novel. In the picaresque novel, a picaro – a kind of rogue wanderer – tells about his various
exploits and adventures. There is no overarching story that connects the adventures and there is not
necessarily an ending to the story. The picaresque novel allowed a writer to insert a character into any
kind of scenario and poke fun at social gatherings, governments, legal systems, manners, etc.

Typical characteristics of a picaresque novel are as follows:

1. Autobiographical
2. The main character is typically an orphaned youth
3. The story is satirical
(This means that is makes fun of society, government, people, religion)
4. The story is told in a series of loosely linked episodes
(The story is not propelled forward by an overarching conflict that needs to be resolved)
5. The main character rejects normal ways of life
6. The main character meets people from all walks of life – rich people, poor people, honest people
and dishonest people
7. The main character has a strong desire to be on the open road
8. The main character meets and joins up with wanderers
9. The main character lies, cheats and steals
10. The main character lives by his own morals, not the morals of society

Your task is to match up these characteristics to Huckleberry Finn. For each characteristic, decide
whether it is true about Huckleberry Finn. If it is not true, move on. If it is true, explain your answer and
give one example.

1. Autobiographical
True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

2. The main character is typically an orphaned youth

True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

3. The story is satirical

(This means that is makes fun of society, government, people, religion)
True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No
4. The story is told in a series of loosely linked episodes
(The story is not propelled forward by an overarching conflict that needs to be resolved)
True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

5. The main character rejects normal ways of life

True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

6. The main character meets people from all walks of life – rich people, poor people, honest people
and dishonest people
True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

7. The main character has a strong desire to be on the open road

True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

8. The main character meets and joins up with wanderers

True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

9. The main character lies, cheats and steals

True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No

10. The main character lives by his own morals, not the morals of society
True about Huckleberry Finn?  Yes  No