I have a question that I've been wondering about for a while but have not
had a chance to really dig into.

When I teach Intro to Lit, I always teach Huck Finn followed by a modern
drama by the South African writer, Athol Fugard.  The play "Master Harold
. . . .and the boys" juxtapositions nicely because the title character is
a young boy similar to Huck Finn.  But at the epiphanal moment Hally does
not choose to "go to Hell" for his "father figure" who resembles Jim.

My question is:  Does anyone know whether or not Fugard was influenced by
Huck Finn?  I know Fugard play is semi-autobiographical, but there are so
many similarities between Huck and Hally that I find it hard to think
that Twain did not influence Fugard.

While this is not a pressing question, it is one that could AGAIN trace
Huck Finn's (and Twain's) continuing influence on literature.

And if you have not read or seen a dramatization of the play, do so.  It
is a very effective and moving play.  There's a video version of the Yale
(I believe) Repertory Theater's production that I show to my students.
Matthew Broderick plays the title role;  it is well worth the time to
watch yourself or  show to a class.

I'll look forward to any of your input.

Carolyn Richey