Twain makes two journeys down the Mississippi in this book. Compare and contrast these two trips: what has changed? What remains the same?

How does Twain himself change over the course of the book? What aspects of his personality remain constant?

Describe the point of view and the tone of the book. How does Twain use other accounts of the river in the narrative, and how does this affect his own tone?

The river itself takes on the role of a character in Life on the Mississippi. Describe this character, as well as Twain's relationship to it.

Why does Twain begin the book with a lengthy description of the river's history? How does this add to, or detract from, what follows?

Twain learns many important lessons from Mr. Bixby. Describe Bixby's character, as well as the relationship between the two men.

Twain includes several...