Question

Huck tries to explain to Susan where Mary Jane has gone and why. In the process, he concocts one of the longest and most elaborate lies in the book—a hilarious tale about a neighbor with the mumps. In at least 150 words, explain how this elaborate lie is different from most other lies Huck has told. Focus on Huck's motivation in telling this lie, compared with most of his former lies.

Answer 1

In this situation, Huck is trying to be impressive.  He is trying to get the point across that he is funny and "cool".  This lie is not only the one of a kind for Huck, but also one where he tries to push his reputation past its limits.

Answer 2

In the book "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"  by American writer Mark Twain, chapter 28 shows a more prolific Huck when he makes up the "pluribus-unum mumps" story to protect Mary Jane who is off, making sure Susan doesn't say anything about her sister's non appearance; and albeit Huck lies frequently, some lies such as the ones to save Jim seem to be fine and funny, Huck well estimates the Duke and King and he doesn't want to get busted by them and suffer any fatal consequences, due he knows they're scoundrels, thus this time he gets more meticulous when telling that story.