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Thursday, October 31, 2013
Final Chapters of Tom Sawyer
Now that you have read the exciting final chapters of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer please use the blog to post some reactions and comments. Your comments may cover anything that has happened since the last time we blogged (Chapters 15-end of novel). You are asked to post two comments no later than Thursday, November 7th at 8:00 pm. One of your comments should be your own thoughts about some aspect of the reading. The best comments focus on something specific and show your own thinking about the book. As before, you are welcome to blog about any aspect of the novel, such as, theme, characterization, irony, satire or writing style. Perhaps you will even want to explore an idea you may want to write about on the upcoming essay. Your second comment should be in response to a posting by another student, perhaps building off their idea and adding to it. The two comments will together count as one homework grade. Comments should be at least 3-4 sentences in length, if not longer.
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In the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I noticed that the bond between Huck and Tom have grown just like brothers, Not only do they start out as almost complete strangers, tom was told never to talk or hang around Huck ever. But I am almost sure Tom doesnt regret saying that first word to huck. There bond grew into brotherhood and the Adventures of Tom Sawyer were not only his, but were shared with his best friend. Huckleberry Finn.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
DeleteI think your statement is a very big part of the book. Trust is a big part of the book and their relationship is very important in the late chapters of the book. Huck and Tom also rely on each other in the end of the book. For example, they each rely on each other to guard the Tavern's door from Injun Joe.
Katie I strongly agree with you! In the beginning of this novel, Tom could only talk to Huck secretly without many knowing. Tom also didn't know that much about Huck and viewed him much differently than he does now. I also agree with you that later on in this book the two boys become very close. They watch out and care for each other no matter the situation. An example of this is when the three boys finally come back home to their funeral. As soon as the boys walked out into the funeral, Aunt Polly ran up to Tom and the Harper family ran up to Joe. However, nobody was excited to see Huck. Tom immediately noticed Huck awkwardly standing alone and told Aunt Polly that it wasn't fair at all. Quickly, Aunt Polly and the Harpers ran up to Huck giving him hugs and showing excitement. Trust and their enormous friendship is a big part of this book especially in the last couple chapters!
DeleteDuring this book, I found one theme to be how Tom Sawyer and Aunt Polly's relationship have grown. In the first couple chapters, Aunt Polly is very critical on how Tom behaves and acts. As Tom has grown, he has stayed adventurous but he has gained Aunt Polly's insuring trust. Their relationship is a big part of the book and I feel that their relationship becomes more crucial throughout the whole book.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. At the beginning, Tom is just a mischievous orphan who often gets into trouble. But, as the story moves along, Tom gets more mature, and they get along better because Tom no longer pulls pranks and jokes at Aunt polly's expense.
DeleteTom definitely matures throughout the book, and that would make Tom and Aunt Polly's relationship better. I don't think that he gained her trust that much. I feel like Aunt Polly was so happy to see Tom after he had gone missing, that she forgot to punish him for all he had done wrong. You see more of this as the book progresses.
DeleteAndrew,
DeleteI agree with you on your statement. In the book i feel like Tom couldn't control his behavior and that lead him to do horrifying things. Then later he would feel really bad. I don think he really matured that much because his actions didn't demonstrate that.
Phillip Durgin
DeleteAndrew, I agree with what you are saying. After Tom returns, she is so grateful he is ok, but Tom soon realizes how he has hurt Aunt Polly emotionally, and I believe this brings them closer because they understand each other better.
At the end of Tom Sawyer, I feel that Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer discovered who they are and what they truly love. In chapter 35, Huck lived the life of a rich boy who`s luxuries are handed to him due to the fact that him and Tom found the gold. Huck quickly realized that this is not the life he was meant to have and ran away to hide. I believe that Mark Twain put Huck and Tom through this experience to show that the two are still boys and are attempting to discover what their future should consist of. Chapter 35 showed the reader that even though Huck was handed this amazing fortune, he chose the life he was destined to have.
DeleteTom Sawyer grows increasingly mature as the book goes, and the problems become less petty and more important. When the book begins, Tom is engaged in and often the organizer of childhood pranks and make-believe games. As the novel progresses, these initially consequence-free childish games take on more and more gravity. Tom leads himself, Joe Harper, Huck, and, in the cave, Becky Thatcher into increasingly dangerous situations. He also finds himself in predicaments in which he must put his concern for others above his concern for himself, such as when he takes Becky’s punishment and when he testifies at Injun Joe’s trial. As Tom begins to take initiative to help others instead of himself, he shows his increasing maturity.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. At the beginning of the story Tom was full of mischief, foolishness, and was pretty selfish. As the story goes on Tom realizes that he should be putting other people in front of him. Toward the end of the book Tom is becoming much more adult than the child that he use to be. His relationships show his growing maturity. Tom becomes more caring and loving toward Aunt Polly, Becky, Huck, Joe and other people around him.
DeleteI completely agree with what you are saying Nathan. I even just noticed that my other comment is saying basically the same thing. I to enjoy the fact that tom is portrayed like a real person growing and learning from his actions.
DeleteAs the book is coming to an end, you can tell that Tom’s responsibility and little details have helped him a lot. When Tom was going to look into the tavern where Injun Joe was he brought a blanket to cover up the lantern if anybody was to see him. If he didn’t bring the blanket, then he would most likely be in danger because Injun Joe was near. Another great example is when Tom and Becky were lost in the cave for a few days with no food or water. Luckily earlier at the picnic Tom put a piece of cake into his pocket for later, thinking that it won’t help him in a life or death situation. Without the food, Tom and Becky would not be able to make it out of the cave because they would starve to death. Most people would not think to do the funny little things, they would think of the big picture, but Tom has proven that they do mean a lot in someone’s life.
ReplyDeleteKaren, you have a really good point. Many of the small deeds and tasks that Tom can take credit for have large meanings. Without them, the book wouldn't have resulted in the same way. For one thing, Tom most likely would not be surviving, or he would be in an awful state. A lot of these details go ignored and not talked about, but in the grand scheme of things, they are vital to Tom's survival. Not only that, but they show his maturity level, responsibility, and knowledge. The examples you put on the table are wonderful, but another one that came to my mind was Tom's timing in general. Knowing where to be a what times, and making sure to stay out of harms way are important tasks that many may not realize. Without these small details, nothing would have resulted in the same way! Many may take them for granted, but looking beyond the biggest events of the book will make you think otherwise.
DeleteProbably the most important thing to Huck and Tom is wealth. They would practically have the treasure in their hands, but it would slip away. In the end, the money didn't turn out to be what the boys expected. This is the case for Huck more than Tom. Huck finds himself begging Tom to take the money off his hands, and wishing he never had it. His life changed dramatically, when he was adopted by the widow. Huck couldn't smoke, swear, or explore with Tom. He was uncomfortable sleeping in a bed, taking baths, and going to church. For someone who grew up on his own, I can see why he would feel like this. Tom cared for Huck, and convinced him to give it another month.
ReplyDeleteGriffin,
DeleteI completely agree with you, I was really surprised that Huck felt this way at the end of the book. Before the party at the Widows house, Huck wanted to get out of there. He felt uncomfortable around that many people and does not like attention on himself. After everyone found out about the money he had, all he got was attention. It makes him uncomfortable to be in this position, and he wishes he could just go back to his old ways. He wants to be in Tom's gang though, so he goes back to the widows and tries again.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletegriffin i think that what you said was important. But i would also add that throughout the book they learn a lot of life lessons. And that they had a lot of ups and downs. i also would say that they have been through a lot with each other for example when they sneak of to jackson island and, and when they were at they grave yard.
DeleteI was thinking about this too! I mean, if someone was given such riches and a chance for a great life after living on the streets for so long, wouldn't you expect them to love it and cherish it? I was really surprised that Huck would turn down that opportunity to go back to his life of sleeping in hogsheads and eating scrappy food. It made so much sense to me after Huck explained it, because I think that such a huge change would affect someone with a life like his so dramatically, even in a bad way.
DeleteSomething that stood out to me about the final chapters of Tom Sawyer was how Huck changed. He started out as an outcast in a small town, and then he went to become pirates with Joe and Tom, teaching them how to smoke and stuffing his mouth full of stolen goods. When they returned, he remained an outcast, and Tom had to remind people that he and Joe weren't the only ones who had returned home. This behavior continued for quite some time, until near the end of the book when the Widow Douglas invited him in. And that was just part of it, in a condensed version. The entire transformation of Huck really stood out to me in this book.
ReplyDeleteMandie, I agree with you. To add on, I think that Huckleberry has gone from being a complete outcast to a hero in a way, when he and Tom returned with Injun Joe's money from the cave. I think it is ironic that almost all of the citizens of St. Petersburg (mostly parents), believed that Huck was a mistake and would never do accomplish anythin in life. Although, he did more for the town than anyone else. He saved the Widow Douglas, brought back the stolen money, and has actually started to be an ideal role model to other children and even adults. This shows why you should never judge a book by it's cover.
DeleteI completely agree with you Mandy. It definitely stood out to me because of how in the end he stays with Widow Douglas and has to be like all the other boys. Though he doesn't like it, it is a huge change from what he used to be like. There are still some ways I think he is the same though because he still wants to be a robber and doesn't want to do what Widow Douglas has him do, but he definitely changed a lot.
Delete
ReplyDeleteTom and Aunt Polly’s relationship really changes as the story goes forward. In the beginning of the book, Tom and Aunt Polly didn’t get along. For example when Tom went swimming instead of going to school, Aunt Polly was questioning him since she already knew the answer to test his honesty. Since Tom is so clever, he found a way to get around her since they both knew what really happened. Aunt Polly should punish Tom severely, but decides not to because she enjoys playing his clever games. As the story goes on, Aunt Polly and Tom start to share a strong loving bond. An example would be, when Tom faked his death, he absolutely hated seeing her mourn over his fake death. To Tom this was the worst possible punishment that he could get. Later on, when Aunt Polly finds the piece of bark in Tom’s pants, she realizes Tom really does love her. Also when Tom told Aunt Polly that he kissed her forehead when he went back home, she didn’t believe it until Mrs. Harper said that it was true. Aunt Polly was shocked by this and realized how much Tom loved her. Their relationship has grown from troublemaker and punisher to two family members who truly realize they care for one another.
I do not think that the relationship changes though the book. I think it is Tom who changes. Only after maturing can he appreciate their relationship and care about her the way she cares for him. Only after Tom leaves for Jackson Island and realizes what he has left does he start to miss Aunt Polly. Also when Aunt Polly gets so mad that she cannot forgive him does Tom feels bad because he learns what he has done.
DeleteWhile reading the end of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I noticed how Tom and Huckleberry have grown more independent from the beginning of the novel. I believe that Tom has encouraged Huck to be more independent physically. For example, when they go to Jackson Island, dig for gold, and go in the cave. This also shows how Tom has made Huck more secure and calm when doing risky and scary things. They both have become more mature, as well as independent. Most importantly, they have became best friends. I believe that the end of the book represents the end of childhood and everything that should be included in childhood is in this book. Huckleberry and Tom represent childhood themselves and how it changes as you get older.
ReplyDeleteCole,
DeleteI can see your point of view on how Tom and Huck have grown more independent as the story has gone on, but I actually think the opposite. In the beginning of the book Tom and Huck said little to each other, and were completely independent from one another. As the book moved on, I thought they became almost "brothers" and confided all information with each other. They trusted each other not to speak about what actually happened at the graveyard (until they decide to step up at the hearing), and go together to hunt for the treasure in the cave. For these reasons I thought they became more dependent with each other. I do, however, agree completely with the end of your blog. They have become best friends, and have both matured throughout the book. Great job Cole!
Cole and Matt I agree with you both. Huck and Tom have formed a strong friendship. They need each other to go on adventures. They rely on each other for certain things. For example how Huck "meow's" to wake up Tom to go on an adventure. I also think that Huck is scared while doing risky things on adventures. For instance when they were in the haunted house Huck thought the worst. Also when they were in the graveyard Huck thought they were going to die.
DeleteI agree with what you have to say completely, but i would also add the friendship they had to make your reasoning stronger. What you said is a very good thing to look at and understand the way the two characters grew as people.
DeleteCole,
Deletethis statement was extremely strong and makes alot of sense to me and has alot to say about the book. Huck and tom, being the main characters have bonded as brothers and HAVE become more mature and more independent from the beginning.
Throughout the story, Huck and Tom not only grew into men but also grew a great friendship. In the beginning, Tom only said i few words to Huck, and Huck wasn't very nice to him. As the two grew closer together their friendship blossomed into more then a friendship, they became brothers. All friendships have there ups and downs, so did Tom and Huck's. One that i remember well is when Tom didn't want to be seen with Huck in public. The two of them are never apart and always have each others backs. From the beginning to the end, their friendship has made each boy a better person and helped them grow from childish boys to young men.
ReplyDeleteYou make a really good point. They do grow up because even though Tom isn't supposed to be seen with Huck, he makes sure that he always have a friend and love whenever Tom knows that he is really needing somebody.
DeleteJacqueline, I completely agree with you on this point. What started out as a small little partnership grew into a best friend relationship. Many of the adventures and experiences that Tom came across in this book were shared with Huck. I have also realized they never got sick of each other, or got into fights. They agreed on mostly everything and gained a great friendship.
DeleteTom Sawyer matures incredibly throughout this book. In the beginning, he was into the childhood games and pranks that got him into being the "troublemaker" of the town. In the later chapters of this book, he becomes a great deal more sophisticated in what he does. Of course Tom is still adventurous like he has always been. This is shown by Huck and his desire to be robbers. However, his act to get Becky out of the cave, and even step in and take Becky's whippings for her even gained the respect of Judge Thatcher. Finally, Tom shows that he is not only mature but brave when he speaks at Muff Potter's trial. He steps up for Muff and tells the judge that he was there and witnessed that Injun Joe did it. This shows he cares about Muff, and knows he does not deserve to be convicted of this crime. Mark Twain has taught me a lot in this book, but the single biggest thing may be how people can change and grow in life.
ReplyDeleteMatthew i totally agree with you. Tom has matured a bit from the beginning of the book. To add on to what you said i would like to say that Tom is immature to run off to an island. That was very foolish of him, but also once you think about it he has to have some maturity. He runs off to an island with his friend for awhile. He has to be able to drink and eat food. You have to have some maturity in order to do this. This shows that Tom is starting to mature. Great statement matt!
DeleteMatt,
DeleteI thought your comment was well done and very true. First, Tom definitely does start off as immature with the example you showed. As the book progresses, like you pointed out, he does some really mature deeds. My favorite part of this statement is that you said that Tom still does adventurous things. He still does run off and smoke and pretend to be robbers. Tom is not a model boy, and probably never will be, but he has matured. Well done Matt!
Matt,
DeleteI totally agree to your comment. I think what Tom did in his latest adventures is that he went from reckless and troublesome to adventurous and noble, if you get what I mean. Oh, he was always impulsive and adventurous, but what changes is the way that he uses his impulsiveness and his adventurous spirit. In the beginning, he uses his impulsiveness to seem heartless and mean when he lies about his "vision" when in actuality he was there, and didn't see a "vision". This can be seen as mean and spiteful to Aunt Polly, which it is, but it is just him being impulsive, but doing it in a way that hurts others. Later on, Tom matures and although his is still impulsive, like just running off and finding the treasure without telling anyone, but he does it in a way that it won't hurt anyone. So yes Matt, I agree, Tom has matured, but has really kept all the same characteristics, just has found ways to be smarter. Great job!
Matt, I think you worded this statement really well. I couldn't agree more on what you said about Tom's maturity growing throughout the book. In the beginning some may not know the other side to Tom, but this side is revealed as you continue to read. Towards the end of the book, I realized that Tom is becoming a sophisticated young adult- no matter what silly games he might play! Looking beyond the games, young love, and mistakes that symbolize a premature boy will bring forward the events such as Tom and Becky surviving on their own in the cave. Tom Sawyer is a child at heart, but knows right from wrong and that trait is shown further into the novel.
Deletei totally agree. tom went from being very self absorbed and self centered to being brave and caring about other people
DeleteThroughout the entire book Tom takes on more characteristics of an adult. He starts using his creative mind to help others not just benefit himself. He also stands up for others or supports them whenever they need it. An example of this, is when Tom quickly takes blame for Becky ripping out a page of the "secret" book. Tom knew that Becky would be harshly punished and absolutely didn't want that to happen to her. Tom was whipped terribly, but it didn't bother him as long as Becky was okay. This was very mature and brave of Tom in various ways. He also starts learning right from wrong. As soon as Tom watches Injun Joe's deadly action, Huck and Tom run away knowing it was not safe to be there any longer. However, they don' tell anyone because they know that Injun Joe would not be very happy with them. Later on in the book, Tom goes and tells the lawyer about what he saw, knowing it was the right thing to do even if it risked his life. Tom goes from being a crazy, young, immature boy to a mature hero throughout his whole town.
ReplyDeleteNell,
DeleteI agree with your view of Tom and his growth throughout the story. Your thoughts relate to how Mark Twain ended the book. He says he cannot continue the story because it was about a boy, and he is now no longer a boy. Like you said, Tom now begins to realize what love is. This a major sign of him not being a little kid anymore. He takes whippings for Becky, and will do anything for Becky to be okay. This shows he is maturing and growing up to be a wise, thoughtful hero.
through out the entire book tom and Becky's relationship differs. at the beginning of he book tom saw becky as the most beautiful girl he has ever seen and was determined to marry becky. As the book progress tom and becky see each other more and tom doesn't know if becky likes him and continues o try to impress her. a big step for tom is when he finds out becky likes him. and that how they got stuck in the cave together and a lot as happened since the beginning of the book.
ReplyDeleteTom's secret return from Jackson island was totally surprising and very gutsy. Tom takes a huge risk just to see what the town thinks of him being gone. Tom finds out that his family and friends are very upset from his disappearance. As Tom listens to his aunt, Mrs.Harper, Marry, and Sid he feels very proud of himself because there so distraught. Tom is very close to them as he listens to them talk nicely about him. This makes Tom very brave.
ReplyDeleteIn the book The adventures Of Tom Sawyer, Tom's and Becky's relationship developed from the begining of the book and to the very end .When Tom went to school for the first time since coming back from jackson island. He completely ignored becky and tried to make her jealous by talking to Amy Lawrence. Then Becky tried to make him jealous by talking to Alfred. Tom also tried to show off by doing all these flips in front of her. This shows that Tom is a little immature.
ReplyDeleteI thought the way Mark Twain ended the book was amazing. In the conclusion he said he could not go any farther in the book because this was a book about a boy. If Twain had kept going in the book the book would be about a boy becoming a man. I agree that Tom immensely matured through the last chapters. A few examples of Tom maturing are when he gets becky and himself out of the cave with almost no resources. Another sign of maturity from Tom is when he stood by Huck when he was going to the party at Widow Douglas's and when Huck was getting sick of the proper ways of formalities of humanity. These are all signs of Tom moving to adulthood during the end of the book.
ReplyDeleteJohn I agree I think Twain had a vey good conclusion to the book and I also agree tom matured through the book as well.
DeleteKatie i agree, Tom and Hucks became very close at the end of the story. They completely trusted each other and in my opinion even closer together then some brothers. I think this because of all the adventures they shared together.
ReplyDeleteMark Twain shows ingenious character development in the book with Sid. At first, Sid is portrayed as a well behaved, model boy. His intentions in the beginning seem good and benefiting towards Tom and Aunt Polly. As the book and his character develops, you see his real side. One scene at the very end of the book highlights this very idea. When Tom and Huck are preparing for the party at the Widow's house, Sid tells them that he told people that Huck tracked the robbers. His intentions were clearly bad in this situation and throughout most of the book. The seemingly perfect Sid, is not as good as he seems.
ReplyDeleteCam, I agree with you completely. Sid is portrayed as a respectable kid in the beginning of the book. As the book progresses and Tom starts to get more of the attention from Aunt Polly and the townspeople, I think Sid strats to become jealous of Tom. I believe that this is why Sid starts to be a little more troublesome and mischevious. I also think that maybe SId had always been jealous of Tom throughout the whole book. It seems pretty easy to be jealous of Tom Sawyer and I'm sure that if I was growing up in St. Petersburg that I would be jealous of Tom as well.
DeleteIn these last few chapters, what really struck me was the way the Mark Twain was able to show us the irony in Tom Sawyer's life, but how Twain did it that it still seemed possible. For example, when Tom and Becky were lost in the cave, Tom went venturing off on his own to try to find a way out. What really should have happened is that sadly, they would have died. But Twain writes the scene so that Tom goes off with a kite line along random caverns and tunnels in the dark, where it is pitch black, and he really has no hope of finding anything, and yet he is still able to see some random speck of light far off, but he is at the end of his kite line and he has to drop it, and he gropes toward what he thinks is a hole instead of lights bouncing of the stalagmites, and then he comes out of the hole, and sees the Mississippi, and goes back to tell Becky. But if you know anything about kite strings, you know they are pretty thin, so hard to see in the pitch black cave, and yet even though Tom had run out yet kept on going to find the light, on the way back he is somehow able to find the kite string which he dropped. You can see how impossible this scene is, because how lucky are you if you walk around randomly and see a light, and think the light is a hole, and let of your string and find it again on the way back? And yet it seemed possible when we read it in the book. This scene secretly shows us the ingenious of Mark Twain, how he can make a totally impossible scene seem, well, possible.
ReplyDeleteThrough this book Tom grows up very much. He matures through aunt polly and through Huck. As he matures with Huck he gets more scared about what he does on his adventures. Like when they go to the abandoned house they get scared because they think it's haunted. He matures with aunt polly because in the beginning of the book Tom is eating the jam in the closet so Aunt Polly won't find out. Towards the end he is making sure that she is safe. Tom will always mature as time goes on.
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ReplyDeleteNear the end of the book, you see Huckleberry Finn is not so brave after all. For example, when Tom and Huck are looking for treasure in the haunted house, Huck is very scared and thinks negatively about what is to happen. Also, when Huck and Tom are looking for the treasure in the cave, Huck thinks Injun Joe's spirit is near the treasure and will haunt them. During these scenes in the novel, Tom reassures Huck Finn that nothing bad will happen. In most cases, Tom is right and Huck worried too much. On the outside, Huckleberry Finn acts very tough and has no fear at all. As the book draws to a close, you learn more about Huck Finn, his sense of morality, and his fears he hides inside.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Abby, Huck was always portrayed as the boy who did not need anyone to look after him. He was always the brave one. As the book progressed, Huck started to show his true colors. He does need someone to look out for him, maybe from a distance, but he does need someone.
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ReplyDeleteEven though Tom is growing up he is still a kid. For instance when they were in the cave after the picnic all of the children went in the cave. Tom's sense of adventure got the better of him and he and Becky went further into the cave. This childish move got them into deep trouble. Also Tom still plays childish games like Peter Pan, robbers and pirates. Growing up has made him more respectable of Polly. It has also made him remorseful of his actions.
ReplyDeleteIn the last few chapters of Tom Sawyer Samuel Clemens really shows how tom grows and matures as a person. One of the main examples of this was when tom shared his cake with Becky in the cave. This was important because the old tom we knew from the beginning of the book would have kept all the cake to himself.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it may not have been Mark Twain's main reason for writing Tom Sawyer, he does portray to the reader how racisim was prominent back in those times. Take Injun Joe for example. He was a criminal and he did do bad things, but he was always the one that was blamed for something first. Whether it was because he was an "Injun" or not I don't know. When Huck tells "The Welshman" that it was Injun Joe who was plotting against the widow it seemed to "all make sense" to him. Maybe he thought that this was only something that an "Injun" or Indian would do. Injun Joe certainly did bad things and he was punished for that, but I feel that it didn't help him at all that he was not a white person.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that he was never given a chance at first to maybe seem like a good person, but then again he wasnt really a good person. He mightve been influenced, by the racism people gave him, to do bad things. But in the end he wasnt a kind soul and he was never up to any good.
DeleteThrough the book Tom Sawyer has grown up to be a very mature man. A sign that Tom has grown up is that when Becky and Tom are in the cave alone. He was the very dominant male of the pair. He defiantly changed in the cave he lead her to the end of the cave and never gave up. When Becky gave up Tom still tried to find their way out of the cave. I thought this to be a very mature act.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Austin. But, I also think that he shows maturity on Jackson Island. I think he shows maturity because he is on his own in the wilderness. This shows maturity because he has to live on his own. Also, I think he shows maturity when he is smoking the pipe with Huckleberry Fin. Overall I agree with you that Tom Sawyer shows maturity in the novel, Tom Sawyer.
DeleteAustin i agree with you when you said that tom has matured a lot throughout the book. And i also like how you gave examples of his maturity.
DeleteI completely agree with you Austin. Tom has grown up so much from getting in fights with other kids to taking care of Becky! Nice job with your Blog :)
DeleteIn the novel Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain uses different examples to show religion in the time period of the 1800's. When Tom Sawyer is in the church at the beginning of the novel, Mark Twain says that the people are yawning and falling asleep because They are really bored at church. Then the people felt relieved because they had the interruption of the dog get bitten by the pinch bug. Mark Twain also gives us an example of religion when the boys are on Jackson Island. He says that the boys did their prayers before they went to sleep because they thought that God was going to send down a magic lightning bolt because they didn't do their prayers. Overall Mark Twain gives many examples of religion in the novel Tom Sawyer.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Alex, the way that Twain uses different examples to show religion in the time period 1800's is very strong. Kids had to go to church 12 hours a day was very common for people living in that time period. However remember Twain was also living in that time period so it was not to different for him.
DeleteDuring this book it Mark Twain did a great job showing the relationship between all of the characters. Especially between Tom and Huck, this is because of the way Tom secretly had a friendship with Huck. Moving through the book Tom did not really care what people thought of Huck, their relationship was as strong as two siblings. The book did a great job of showing maturity in Tom. In the beginning Tom was just a foolish child but in the end he knew who he was as a person and how he needs to act to be taken more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Adam Twain does have great relationships throughout the story. Huck and Tom is a big one, which is very important. The connection between brotherhood was a great idea.
DeleteAdam,
DeleteI completely agree with you that Tom and Huck's relationship has become almost brother like. At the beginning of the book Tom and Huck were more of acquaintances than friends. But by the end of the book they are basically brothers. I also agree that Tom has grown more mature throughout the book. Along with Tom, I also believe that Huck has become more mature also. Both Tom, and Huck were both considered the trouble makers at the beginning, but now are looked up to. Also, they are looked up to for all different reasons than they were before. I thought that this was a great comment Adam.
Throughout the end of the book of Tom Sawyer I have come to a conclusion that Tom shows great parental guidance towards the outcast Huck Finn. They are always helping one another, but it comes to smarts Tom looks like a genius compared to Huck and Huck admires that. Tom makes an inference that the treasure is in the cave and Huck goes along with it. Once in the cave Tom devises smart ways to help them get through. Huck is always and will always be open ended to Tom and his clever ideas. Twain does a great job by masking this relationship between the two. First read you might see them as just a couple of trouble making boys, but second time read you will notice many different relations and roles of these two country boys.Examine it next time.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right about Tom's influence on Huck. Huck looks up to him because of his intelligence, but Tom also looks up to Huck because he gets to live the life Tom wants to live. They compliment each other really well because of the thinks they respect about each other, and their friendship is most prominent in the novel because of these things. I think Twain did a great job showing this in the story, because Tom's responsibility and Huck's freedom help their friendship stay strong and grow.
DeleteLauren and Cullen, I entirely understand and agree with what you saying. The two boys' completely different qualities and situations compliment each other. The friendship is strong because of these contrasts. Mark Twain did a good job in creating these different characters and scenarios. I thought it was interesting that Tom became an influence on Huck when it was Huck's life he had coveted for so long.
DeleteI agree that Tom guided Huck in many ways. He also taught Huck about is imagination. this was seen on page 144 when he taught Huck about Robin Hood.
DeleteCullen,
DeleteI definitely agree with you that Huckleberry Finn looks up to, and admires Tom as a role model. I feel that most of the boys in the town of St. Petersburg feel the same, but I believe that the relationship between Tom and Huck is different. To me, Tom is influenced by Huck throughout the novel and Huck is influenced by Tom. As the book went on, I think that these influences really showed through because my perception of the two changed dramatically.
Even though Mark Twain most likely didn't mean this part of the book to be humorous, I found it funny that Tom wanted so badly to be a pirate or robber when he had such a great chance to live a nice life without stealing. He had an education, went to church, and was fairly intelligent and quick-witted, but it was his dream to go out and steal and kill. Kids these days work so hard to get a great profession and make lots of money, such as being a professional athlete or a doctor. But all Tom wanted was to leave his great opportunities and risk his life to take from people. I was disappointed to see that Tom took his education and money for granted while people like Huck have nothing and no chance to have a prosperous life.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree, Lauren. I also found it ironic that nowadays, people take half of their life educating themselves to get a good job with good profits, and that Tom wanted to throw away his opportunities to live a great life for piracy and robbery. I couldn't imagine living like that, where I had an opportunity to live as a great person and have a successful life in my town, and deciding to just give it all up to be a thief. And you made a good point emphasizing that Tom took for granted what so many people don't even have. I thought that was important, especially then when not everyone had the chance to get a good education.
DeleteDon't you think though that it is natural for little boys to think that being a pirate or a robber is cool? Especially based on all the great tales of adventures they hear? It's like playing a game. They're too young to appreciate their education.
DeleteMrs. Stephens
Many people view the town of St. Petersburg as a town dominated by children. I see it as a place where all the children actions are based upon their parents actions. Even today, many children get all their view points and information from their parents or parent figures. For example, many children and young adults believe in the same political views as their parents. In Tom Sawyer, the children believe only what they hear from their parents. Tom believes all African Americans and Indians are bad and should not even be considered humans. He also knows that seeing such and outcast such as Huck is frowned upon. Even so, he sees these kinds of people. He knows that maybe these people are not all the bad they are cracked up to be and yet he continues to believe they are outcasts because that is how the adults in the community sees them. This town may contai bright and adventurous kids, but they will continue to see through the eyes of their parents because that is what children are supposed to do until they are capable of creating their own views.
ReplyDeleteLia, I totally agree with you. Kids and people grow up and take in what their surroundings say, which does effect them until they make different choices when they are older. Children take in whatever they hear and make it something their own and sometimes it's like rumors. However, people don't really know the facts they just believe what they hear and feed off of it.
DeleteLia, i also totally agree with you on your point about St. Petersberg. This whole community is based on one persons view that spreads to each and every person. I think that Tom and Huck are different though. They believe that slaves and indians should be treated equal. They think this just out of their own beliefs. There is a lot of persuasion in this book but i think that Tom and Huck to a very good job of having some of their own views. Overall you had a very valid point about St. Petersberg.
DeleteAt the end of the novel, I thought back of the beginning of the book and thought about how the characters initial first impressions changed and how the book revealed how they really are. For example, Huckleberry Finn. My initial impression was basically like the parents' reactions now that I think about it! I thought Huck would be the bad kid who did the "bad" things...all because he was the son of the town drunkard! But as the story went on, I realized he wanted to be good. He wanted to turn his life around. Also, he was not the tough guy that everyone in the small town thought he was. Or, in fact, that all the kids thought he was! He was a normal kid. Not, the hero that the other kids dreamed him to be! They were jealous of his situation and Huck longed for anything else. Stereotypes cloud our views of people and Mark Twain used Huckleberry Finn as an excellent example.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about Huckleberry Finn as you do Ellen. This really stood out to me when Huck told the brothers that Injun Joe was coming to hurt the widow. He really proved here that he had a conscience even though he has no family or a good place to rest his head at night. I also feel that his character was funny in a way. When the widow took him in and gave him all he could have asked for, he still was not happy until he ran away and slept in the hog shed. I was laughing over this part of the book. I also feel that Huck was so used to being alone and never taken care of that he found comfort in his way of life even though most people in the world would never want to be put in his position.
DeleteGreat point Ellen. Everybody thought Huck was just like his father. Parents wouldn’t let their children talk to him because they immediate thought he was just like their father, but tom actually had a conversation with Huck and got to know him, then later became friends. If Huck and Tom had never met they would never have found out who killed Dr. Robinson and never would have found the treasure. Their friendship has been a big part to the town, and I bet the town is thankful for them. Going back to your point, I imediately thought Huck as a drunkard with the information Mark gave us in the beginning of the Book. In order to know a person you need to get to know them. Huck wanted to change his life around, and he sure did!
DeleteAt the end of the novel you see the real attitude and outlandish theme of Huck and Tom. Everyone in the town is looking for Injun Joe's treasure, but Tom and Huck are just watching them and laughing. It is almost like they don't care even though they know where it is, all they want to do is smoke and enjoy life. I could not believe it, but Twain does a great job of portraying young boys. One minute they are playing a game the next they might be doing the total opposite. Mark Twain gives them a great sense of boyhood throughout the whole book.
ReplyDeleteCullan, I totally agree with you! Your summary was awesome and when you said that Huck and Tom were a good symbol of boyhood, i thought the exact same thing. Your vocabulary was also really good and when you used outlandish, i thought of Tom in a whole new way. This was by far one of my favorite summaries.
DeleteCullan,
DeleteI completely agree with you but what does going from one thing to the other exactly mean? Yes Mark Twain does portray boyhood wonderfully in this book. These boys are idols to all the others boys but are sweet when needed. I to think it is funny when they both have already found the treasure and they are just laughing at everyone else looking for it. Although they may be young Tom and Huck are smarter than most people though when it involves adventure and common sense. Cullan you have a valid statement that I agree with.
At the end of the book i was awed by the fact that everyone was looking for the treasure except Huck and Tom. Since Injun Joe's death, Huck and Tom has had no interest in treasure. They realized that life wasn't about getting money, it was about living life to the fullest. Twain did a great job of describing how boys grow up and pass through phases, and this definately was a major phase in this chapter. The boys were complete opposites at the end of the book. Twain did an outstanding job of displaying boyhood through the characters Huck and Tom. Overall, this book was great and I hope the next one is just as good.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the book I felt like Huck had matured a little it since we had first met him. I don't feel like Tom had matured though. He seems to still have the childish qualities which really stood out when he was stupid enough to go back into the cave ,for treasure or not it was still very unsafe. I do feel though that Tom matured in a social way with Becky and their relationship. In the beginning they were afraid to talk to one another and when they did it was about things like rats and dead things. By the end of the book they had gotten the nerve to go on a date and to rely on each other, even if it ended up just putting them in danger.
ReplyDeleteI believe each of them has matured greatly, however I do agree with you that it was rather foolish of Tom to go back into the cave, not knowing if the door may be sealed again or them getting lost. It would have been an even bigger display of maturity if Tom had simply told a deserving adult about the treasure.
DeletePeter, I agree with your statement I also surprised that Tom and Huck did not look for the treasure. I also think that Tom and Huck grew up throughout the book. Twain portrayed Tom and Huck to be a typical adolescent.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the book what interested me the most was that In Jun Joe dies. This was interesting because I predicted him to die. I predicted this mainly because he had killed the doctor. Twain was predictable. If I was the author I would have changed the ended. I would have made it more surprising to the reader.
ReplyDeleteIn these last final chapters of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," Mark Twain has made Tom, an even more courageous character. Tom has not only come face to face with Injun Joe multiple times, but has saved lives also. I do believe that Tom was always courageous, but in the final chapters he has been a lot braver. First, he saved both his and Becky's lives by finding away out of the cave. Also, he kept both of them alive for many days. Another example is after a few weeks out of the cave, he goes back in with Huck, to find the treasure Injun Joe brought in there. Most people would be able to get out of the cave, never mind go back into it to look for treasure. But, Mark Twain has made Tom a very bold, courageous character at the end of this book. This is something that I have noticed in the end of the book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that matters to Tom and Huck would be being pirates and getting treasure. They had their own stash of gold that they could take, but somehow it would slip right through their fingers, and in the end the money didn't be what the boys hoped for. Huck thinks this more than Tom. Huck begs Tom to take the gold away from him, and wishing he never seen it. Huck's life changed on a dime, when he was adopted by the widow. He couldn't swear, explore, or smoke with Tom because it didn't feel right. Huck was uncomfortable sleeping in a real bed, taking actual baths, and going to church. He was someone who grew up on his own with no help from his dad (because he is the town drunk), had to find food himself and didn't have to go to school or even church so I can see why he would feel this way. Although Tom cared for Huck, and he liked that he was putting in the effort so Tom convinced him to give it another month.
ReplyDeleteNickolas Grammas I completely agree with you in how you describe that Tom becomes more courageous, bold and even more dangerous at the ending of the book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," like how you said that he saved Becky's life in the cave by keeping her calm and alive by giving her food. Another Example that I agree with would be when you said that Tom stepped up and said that they should keep the gold in the cave, witch most people wouldn't want to do because they want the money. Nickolas Grammas you did a great job on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI felt that throughout the novel, Tom had a very adventurous imagination. this was seen when Tom, Huck and Joe were living on Jackson Island for a few days. They were not playing pirates but they actually believed they were pirates. Another example of Tom's imagination was when he decided to play Robin Hood instead of finding treasure with Huck since it was a Friday. Tom shares his imagination with Huck as they pass the afternoon.
ReplyDeletei completely agree with you, Wil
DeleteTom definately believes that he is an actual treasure hunter, and pirate when he is on Jackson Island, and even when he isn't on the island. He streches his imagination alot.
At the end of the book in the last few pages, Huck gets a lot of money from the treasure. But what gets me, is the fact that he gives up the money to Tom. I think Huck enjoys living a fun life and he does not know how to live a normal life under someones control. He is used to doing what he wants when he wants. All he wants is ten cents once in awhile, but giving up all that money is a big and mature thing to do. I think Huck is mature by the end of the book and has really grown up as a person.
ReplyDeleteCam, I totally agree with you. It suprised me too that Huck would just give Tom his share of the treasure. But, I think Huck realized that Tom needed more in a way because Huck didn't need all the money because he was being taken care of by the rich widow. Another reason is because Huck wanted to live free and do whatever he wanted to do and not have money and wealth just a boy with no limits.
DeleteI agree Cam. It was very gracious of Huck to give the money to Tom. After all, Huck would have needed it most. I was very suprised that he did that and it shows that he cares a lot about Tom and wants him to be wealthy. I think Huck realized Tom had been through alot, losing his parents having to live with his aunt and he is already going to be taken care of by the widow. Huck feels that Tom would need it more than he needs it.
DeleteCam, I completely agree with you. Along with you, I thought it was peculiar how Huck didn't to live a life like Tom's because of all the control and constriction. Huck passed up shelter, food, hospitality, and warmth for what he likes doing, being free. In this way, I admire Huckleberry Finn, for doing what he enjoys doing over an easy life.As you said, Huck has grown in maturity along with Tom. Another example of this growing attribute is when he tells the Welshmen about the Spainard's gruesome plans. The final scene of the book is a very important part of the novel, because it shows how Huck is true to himself, which is the most important attribute of all.
DeleteCam i definitely agree with this statement and i think that it is very strong. I think that individually Tom and Huckleberry matured throughout the story but together as friends they matured very much. That was a very mature thing for Huck to do at the end and it shows that Huck does not need all that money to live a happy life.
DeleteThroughout the book The adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom and Becky have created a special bond and have learned to show more passion for each other. The reason why I say this is because when Tom and Becky are lost in the cave they work together and help each other out to get out the cave. Tom comforts Becky in a passionate way that she likes Tom more than she did before. Becky sees that Tom is trying all he can to save him and Becky and get them both safely out of the cave. Then with the effort to hang on with what they have and them two together they make it safely out of the cave and Becky notices how noble Tom was in the cave and how he treated her in a kind loving matter.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jack, that Tom and Becky have a special bond. When they were lost in the cave Becky kept crying and doubting that they were going get back home safely, but Tom comforts Becky and reasures her that they were going to find a way out. He does everything he can to please Becky. I think that Tom and Becky have a very special bond between the two of them.
Delete-Elias Clark-Goldfeld
Throughout the book Tom and Huck create a amazing friendship. They go on adventures with each other like when they when't to jacksons island. and when they went to the cemetery thinking that they would see the devil but instead they saw a murder scene. I think that tom likes Hucks' personality and Huck likes Toms adventures. These two boys are always getting in to trouble like when they found injuin joe on the floor with whisky all over the place. Tom and Huck got very friendly throughout the book and I think that it kept the book moving.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement Thomas. I think Tom and Huck have a great relation ship and those adventures just make the relation ship so much stronger nice comment
DeleteThomas,
DeleteI totally agree with your statement. You're right, Tom and Huck create a amazing friendship by going on adventures with each other and when they go to the cemetery. I also completely agree on how Huck likes Tom's adventures because if he didn't like them, he probably wouldn't go. Huck is free and can do whatever he wants to do freely.
Throughout the book, I feel Aunt Polly and Tom have grown love and respect to each other. Before, Tom thought Aunt Polly as a nagging aunt who had always limited freedom. Aunt Polly thought that Tom was a troublemaker and she felt sympathetic that he had lost his parents. Aunt Polly has grown love for Tom and Tom had learned to respect Aunt Polly especially when Joe, Huck and Tom had gone missing and were pronouced dead.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Huck idolizes Tom in the same way Tom idolized him in the beginning of the book. In the last few pages, Huck is practically begging Tom to allow him into the gang despite him wanting to return to his low social status. In fact, Huck will even tolerate the posh life that was forced upon him just to be in the club. I also believe that he is impressed by Tom's handwriting, speech-skills and incredible knowledge that he learned from school. Huck may despise going to school but he wishes he had the same tools as Tom. All this may have began in the graveyard, when Tom displayed his leadership and courage in the face of danger. The different levels of admiration these boys have for each other has only strengthened their bond.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ailis. Many people that read the book spend so much time thinking about the way that Tom idolizes Huck, that they don't realize Huck feels the same way about time. During many instances Huck leans on Tom for support. In the graveyard, Tom is the one who had to stand up and take charge while the murder was going down. On the other hand, Huck was really nervous and scared for his life. Huck leaned on Tom for support the whole time. This was the first real indication of this side towards Huck. Then it happened again when Huck and Tom where in the haunted house hiding from Injun Joe. Although Tom was scared too, Huck was far more scared. Huck admires Tom for his bravery and Tom does start to realize this. So even though most people think that Tom solely admires Huck, their admiration for each other is shared.
DeleteAilis, make a very good point. I certainly agree with about how at first Tom looks up to Huck but then the tables turn and it becomes the complete opposite. This is yet another great example of irony. I believe that in part what makes Twain's writing so special is his repetitive use of irony and juxtaposition - two very useful literary devices that are closely related.
DeleteIn the beginning of the book Tom Sawyer when Huck was first introduced by the author I felt bad for him. I felt he was a troubled boy and that he was going to be a mirror image of his father. He didn't have a family or anyone that cared about him and he lived on the streets of St. Petersburg. As the book unravels you realize that Huck is a kid that is respected and envied by all the children. In the last few chapters of the book when Tom and Huck find the gold, Huck in the beginning thinks that is would be amazing, however, he is forced into clothes and made to be a normal kid who goes to school! He can’t stand this so he runs away (like all little kids do when things don’t go how they want). Huck’s image of a first class life style is a lot different then how he is experiencing it. He wishes to go back to his old life where he could do what ever he wanted. Luckily Tom brings him back down to earth and gives him a little hope to look forward to. Huck is a promising boy that does have a respectable future in front of him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tessa, I also felt bad for Huck. He is parentless or practically orphan for his whole life. Though I think he learned well of how to take care of himself. Huck would survive very well if he was lost in the woods. He has all the freedom in the world, until the end of the book, where he has to go to school and to church, to learn sermon verses and etc. I think Huck is like you said, a promising boy.
Deletewhat do you think of my thesis statement; The portrayal of Aunt Polly and Tom's realationship, Mark Twain stereotypes the realation between a guardian and their child.
ReplyDeleteI like it Ari! I think you could write a lot about how their relationship is stereotyped. My parents act very similar to Aunt Polly in the way they treat me.
DeleteGriffin,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! Tom was a very supportive character in this scene. This is the kind of person Huck needs in his life. Tom was the one that found Huck. Tom new the precise spot where he would be hiding, that is true friendship. This is a growing moment for Huck he is giving up what he has desired for a long time to go back to his beloved lifestyle. It’s hard to imagine why he is trading riches for rags. However, it is understandable because the deeper meaning here is freedom or wealth. Though he chose to go back home he will be asking for a little more freedom with his return.
I think Tom is a very lucky person. When he was in the cave, he had the right materials to get out of the cave. For example kite string, he used this to navigate through the passages. Another example of luck, or actually good and bad luck is to find Injun Joe laying on the floor in front of Tom while navigating through the cave. This was good because at the end he knew where the gold was, but it was bad because Injun Joe could have been awake and killed him. Though my only question is what happens to Injun Joe's friend?
ReplyDeleteThrough out the book I felt like that they made the character Tom seem sweeter and like a kind boy. At the beginning of the book we were introduced to him as a naughty boy who was sort of like a juvenile delinquent. Then later as the book moved on I felt like Twain showed his other sides such as his leadership one, his kind side and his brave side. I liked this because it was such a dramatic change through out it and I thought it was interesting to watch him grow as a person.
ReplyDeletePhillip Durgin
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the book, I found it very interesting how Huck gave Tom the money from the treasure. This stunned me due to the fact of Huck's living conditions as a child. This shows how he has matured from being a mischievous boy to a responsible young man. He still has the traits that make him who he is, but has proved, as has Tom, that they are caring of others and aren't just thinking of themselves.
Throughout reading this book the relationship between Tom and Becky had always stuck with me. What started out as a small crush kind of formed into a huge part of the story. I realized that Tom was willing to do anything for Becky, whether it being taking a whipping for her or comforting her while being lost underground. This to me was a way of showing the growth of Toms maturity, he may not have thought much about her in the beginning as it was just a small crush. But by the end you could tell how much she ment to him
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne character that really intrigued me was Huckleberry Finn. In the beginning of the book, I stereotyped him as a poor homeless orphan with no future ahead of him, influenced by Twain's excellent use of juxtaposition. As the story progresses, Huck starts hanging out with Tom a lot, and some of Huck's true character traits are shown. Huck shows bravery and courage, two very noble traits, towards the end of the book when he informs the Welshman and his sons about Injun Joe and the rugged-looking man. Another thing that I took away from this book was at the very end when Huck runs away from the Widow Douglas. He tells Tom how he prefers living off of scraps and being poor. I suppose that is just who he is. Maybe there are some people like that today, living in a small town like Huck's and enjoying their solitude, freedom, and peace.
ReplyDeleteThrough out the book I feel that Tom Sawyer has grown a lot more mature than he was at the beginning of the book. From hitting and fighting a kid to being honest at the court date for InJunJoe. Another thing that surprised me was Becky and Toms relationship. This is another example of Toms maturity. He takes blame for Becky's actions and comforts her when they're underground.
ReplyDeleteMichaela,
DeleteI completely agree with you! I totally noticed how much Tom matured through out the book and found it very interesting how that was so. Also, I think that Tom became more responsible. He started taking blame for his actions, even when he did not perform them.
~Bryanna Losano
Even though through out the book Tom has gotten in to some trouble like when he sneeks off to jackson island or when he is late to school. I still feel like Tom has matured a great deal Through out the book. The book started of as a story about a crazy boy and when it ended it was about a young man.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, I found it very interesting how Mark Twain juxtaposes by showing kids in a world of fun into real life. Joe and Tom play robin hood in the woods. Thats a game that is in a child's place, where they play games to pretending to kill each other. When Huckleberry and Tom go to the graveyard to "see the devil". Right as they are walking through the graveyard, they see Injun Joe and Muff Potter murdered Dr.Robinson. Finally, when Tom and Huckleberry see that scene, they have entered the actual world.
ReplyDelete, Jason Francis
In the begining of the story, Tom Sawyer, Tom's best friend at the time was Joe Harper. Tom would do everything with Joe. When Huck was introduced into the story, he was just someone Tom would talk with. Then Tom and Huck started interacting with each other more. It got to the point that they started going on adventures together, such as; the graveyard when Doctor Robinson was murdered by Injun Joe, and to Jackson Island when they lived there for a couple of days. They kept on bonding by hanging out with each other. By the end of the book they bonded so much, that I would go as far as to say they were like "Brothers".
ReplyDeleteElias Clark-Goldfeld
Through the book tom sawyer by Mark Twain, tom has shown much more maturity. From sneaking jam in the closet to being lost in the cave with Becky and proving his maturity by sharing the piece of wedding cake with her. Tom has grown up and cares for others more then he ever has. he swam home to drop the note off. Even though he never did it shows that he cares about more than himself. Same with his relationship with Huck has gotten stronger.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about this book is that Mark Twain makes the characters either seem like they have a lot of luck or many of the events are just a coincidence, which certainly keeps the book entertaining and makes me want to keep reading it. One event I loved reading was when Huck thought he lost the treasure box, but actually Injun Joe had it and Tom saw him at the cave. So it’s interesting how Huck feels like he’s a failure about losing the box, but Tom knew where it was after they conferenced. So it was just Tom’s luck to be in that cave roaming around. And it was just a coincidence how that one night Tom’s gone with Becky(which Tom thought the two men wouldn’t show up because of the outcomes of the nights before), the two men come out of the tavern and Huck has to do everything on his own. I actually enjoyed this book and loved how Twain kept it entertaining the whole time.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I have had strong feelings about throughout reading this book was the relationship between Tom and Becky. Their relationship is cute, and they quite obviously like each other's company. However, my contrasting opinion is that their relationship is highly an example of premature, unrealistic love. Even though they might love each other quite a bit, the whole idea of marriage, and running away together takes it too far for me. Don't get me wrong- I loved learning more about how they grew as a couple! It's entertaining, and very cute, but at the same time, sort of ridiculous. Both of their ages are left unrevealed, but knowing the kinds of games and the mindset that Tom has makes me believe that he isn't ready for a long term relationship. Neither is Becky- she is a young girl who has the world in front of her, and can't let an adventerous boy get in her way. Even though "The Adventure's of Tom Sawyer" wouldn't be complete without the young love story, I believe that in a real world situation this relationship wouldn't make it very far.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Injun Joe is an antagonist in the book and does some awful actions, I can't help feeling bad for him. The only reason he is the way he is is because of his race, Native American. People have been telling him that he is a "savage" and "a good for nothing, neer do well".He could have turned out much better than he did if people accepted that he was different. He was told so much that he was an evil person he started to believe it himself, which led to him killing the doctor in the graveyard, and stealing thousands of dollars. It was believed, back then, that "no white man was ever capable of doing such evil doings". Twain did a great job of showing this problem in society.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the story Tom is portrayed as a very immature child who loves to skip school and not listen to his aunt. In the final chapters of the story Tom becomes a lot more mature as a person. He begins to care about others feelings like Aunt Polly's when he leaves and sets sail as a pirate to Jackson Island. He starts to miss Aunt Polly and he knows that she is very sad so he goes back, this is when his maturity started to bloom. He also starts to care about his friends more and you can tell that he is growing throughout the story. Tom Sawyer was one of my favorite books I have read in a while and i loved to compare Toms childhood with no electronics to my childhood in these days.
ReplyDeleteGavin, you have a very good point. I also noticed that while reading the novel. One other skill that Tom obtains while maturing, is a sense of morality. He used to be this mischievous kid who never thought about how his actions would effect others. But, now he thinks about his actions, and knows right from wrong.
DeleteIn the last chapters of Tom Sawyer it really stood out to me how when Tom and Huck revealed that they were rich everyone was amazed and in awe. I found this interesting because they are then awed by the town and are treated like celebrities. It just goes to show how small of a town they are in because in a larger area that wouldn't be as big of a deal. Everyone would be amazed, but they probably wouldn't be amazed by everything they say.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, there were various instances involving either Huck, Tom, or Muff Potter in which the community of St. Petersburg jumps to conclusions and blamed one of them for causing trouble. The main reason these characters were targeted as they were is because they all were outsiders or looked down upon by society. An obvious example of people prematurely blaming Muff Potter is the morning after Injun Joe murdered Dr. Robinson. Of course Muff Potter was found with a knife which was pretty strong evidence that he had killed the doctor. However, if someone with a higher social status was found with the knife, many people would not quickly arrive at the conclusion that he or she had committed the murder.
ReplyDeleteIn the end of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain does a really good job of having what all kids want actually happen. I remember that when i was young i could not get the thought out of my head that i could find buried treasure someday. This would make me rich and that was all i always thought about. I think it is every child's dream to find treasure. In the end of Tom Sawyer, Tom and Huck find what they have been looking and following. Dead Injun Joe's treasure box and gear. It is almost to amazing for them to believe. They get pretty cocky in my eyes when they are saying that they will find it. When they actually do find it in the cave it is like they are shocked and have run out of words to say for a moment. I really liked this part of the book and it showed that hard work can lead to success. One last point that i think Twain was trying to show was that wealth cannot buy you happiness. Huck is very unhappy when he lives with the widow just because of her wealth and that he can't do do he is used to.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Tom got in trouble many times, he always showed he had true character by regretting what he did afterwards and making up for it. One example is when he came back from Jackson Island. Tom was so caught up in being the hero that he did't realize what stress he had put Aunt Polly through. Aunt Polly was so devastated she thought Tom had died in the river and she as greatly disheartened when she found out that it was all a plan. She talked about it with Tom and Tom felt deeply regretful. He told her about the note and when she discovered it they did make up. Another time this happened was when Tom came back to school. He noticed that Becky showed liked him, so he ignored her and talked to Amy Lawrence to get him jealous. This deeply bruised Becky's feelings and her pride. Tom only realized after she did the same thing to him that he really hurt her. He felt true remorse and made up with her later in the story. Tom truly shows through the book that he feels regret for the wrongs he has done and he tries to fix them afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI feel like luck an coincidence plays a big role in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In the last few chapters of the book, there are two big incidences, where everything plays out just the way that Tom would like it to. The first example is when Tom finds Injun Joe hiding out in the cave. It just so happens that the murderer is hiding from St. Petersburg in the same cave that Tom and Becky are lost in. They are lucky that Injun Joe didn't notice him and kill him. Another example of luck, is when Tom and Huck go back to the cave to find treasure. Once again, Twain makes it so that Tom and Huck dig up the treasure box and guns. They are also lucky, in the sense that the box contains gold. One final event is when Huck and Tom are spotted by the Welshmen while sneaking back into the town. They assume that they were out collecting scrap iron. There are many times when events in Tom Sawyer turn out in Tom's favor.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the book, Tom Sawyer was conceded and cared mostly about himself. For example, while tom and his two friends stayed at Jackson's island he only thought about himself. He decided to go visit the town while everyone was sleeping so that nobody would think any less of him. Tom really wanted to keep the reputation that he had. The "not caring" side of him, when clearly Tom did care. But toward the end of the story tom started showing how he really truly did care. For example, after him and Becky were found and the cave was locked up, Injun Joe was still in there. So, he told Judge Thatcher in order for them to attempt to save Injun Joe. Sadly, they did not make it in time and he passed on. But Tom did care about Injun Joe, he forgot about the bad things he did and made an attempt to help save him.
ReplyDelete~Bryanna Losano
Through out Tom Sawyer Tom and Huck have been very similar characters. Tom a young orphan boy is almost brothers with Huck the son of the town drunk. Being the son of the town drunk condemns him just like if he were an orphan. I think Mark Twain uses the two almost identical boys to show the reader the differences in a young boys life that can be made by small things that would normally be looked over. For example Tom has Aunt Polly. He cares deeply about her and from that he gains a conscience. He thinks about how his actions will make her feel later in the story and that is why he sneaks back from Jackson Island. Huck does not have that because there is no one in his life that he cares that deeply about. Also pressure put on Tom to attend school and become educated opens up his future for him because after graduating he can find a job. That will not happen for Huck because Huck has no one to push him to become educated.
ReplyDeletei found that twain uses a lot of luck and coincidence in the novel. for example, what are the odds that tom and huck will be in the graveyard that exact night in that exact spot? when you think about it, its rather miraculous that the time, date and location aligned like that. its not neccesarily a bad thing, because if it hadnt lined up like that, muff potter would have been executed and injun joe would have gotten off scot free.
ReplyDeleteMark Twains writing style includes an awful lot of of words that have accents that people say not write. Like aunt polly said "Spare the rod and spile the child" When in real life Mark Twain should have wrote "Spare the rod and spoil the child".
ReplyDeleteInjun Joe may be evil but his fate at the end is pretty gruesome. Being forced to eat candles and bats because he was so hungry and he died of starvation in the dark dank cave. He probably felt helpless because the way out was blocked and he would have to stumble around in the dark to find a way out. He may have been evil but no one deserves to starve. Him being hanged would have been quick and painless not long drawn out and painfully slow.
ReplyDeleteAs the story goes further on Tom and Beckys relationship is most definitely a portrayal of how relationships are nowadays. They both try to impress each other, and get each others attention but they are never both quite happy with each other at the same time. One of them is always mad at the other, which cause many complications. I love how Twain displays how they think the smallest things are ver important in a relationship and how they think things are really simple, when they actually never are.
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