1. Twain's story was initially written as a letter, a format known as epistolary. Other notable examples of epistolary works include Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) and Alice Walker's The Color Purple (1982). Discuss how the epistolary form influences the narrative and engages the reader.

2. Investigate what life was like in a California mining camp during the period when Twain wrote this tale. Compare your findings about camp life with Twain's portrayal in "Jumping Frog" and other stories like Bret Harte's "The Luck of Roaring Camp" (1868).

3. Tall tales and folk tales have traditionally been used to convey unconventional ideas about society. Analyze the social and political messages in Joel Chandler Harris's "Br'er Rabbit" stories and compare them to the themes in this story.

4. Contrast Twain's use of satire with Jonathan Swift's approach in "A Modest Proposal" (1729). What and whom do these stories satirize?

5. Compare this tale to Twain's other travel sketches or humorous writings. Discuss the similarities and differences between them.

6. Learn more about the historical figures Daniel Webster and Andrew Jackson. How does understanding their real personalities enhance the humor and significance of the story?