The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Now that you have read the first thirteen chapters or so of the novel, use this blog to comment upon a theme or a character that you see developing in Twain's work. You may choose to write about anything that you find noteworthy or interesting in the novel, even Twain's use of language or writing style. You could even comment about how Mark Twain's life influenced his writing, since you have learned a bit about the author as well.
For this assignment, remember that this is a public document and will be read and evaluated by others. Please keep all of your comments appropriate, respectful, and use the conventions of proper grammar. While you are encouraged to make multiple comments on this blog, your homework requirement is to compose one comment of your own ideas and respond to at least one of your peers' comments. Make your comment first and then respond to others. While there is no specific length requirement for your comment, the best responses will be specific, unique, and demonstrate thoughtfulness. Using specific examples from the book or quotes to illustrate your points will always strengthen and validate your remarks.
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A few things about this book interested me in particular. The writing techniques that Twain uses are intriguing, including juxtaposition and satire. Juxtaposition stood out to me in particular when Tom went from playing Robin Hood with Joe, to witnessing a murder with Huck. I'm also impressed with Tom's ability to run away with his friends. That would take a lot of courage, even more so since you're bringing friends with you, and also becoming a thief. I also found irony in how at the beginning of the book, Tom daydreamed about what would happen when he died and what people would think, and days later, the people in his town think he drowned and died, when he really just ran away. So days after Tom was wondering about it, he found out! I just thought that was cool and ironic.
ReplyDeleteMandie, I totally agree with you, and I thought your post was great. I too thought that his courage level was outstanding. For a kid that age to be able to do all that crazy stuff, was amazing. I also noticed that you used juxtaposition in your post, which really reminded me of chapter 7.
DeleteThe thing that I thought was really interesting in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", was the relationship between Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer. I really think that Mark Twain is using satire in this instance. At first of course, I thought that it was just a silly little relationship between little kids(though we don't know exactly how old they are), but then I saw who Twain was poking fun of. I think that Twain was making fun of adult relationships. Oh, of course, adult relationships might not seem as bad, but adult relationships, or even relationships of high school students, are exactly the same with Becky and Tom, maybe even worse. We see in chapter 12 how ridiculous Tom and Becky are. It starts off with Tom being in the wrong, and he goes and begs for forgiveness. But Becky won't react. But then, Tom goes away, because in truth, Becky was just going too far, and what could Tom do? After Tom leaves though, Becky then realizes that Tom has left, and tries to find him. We see how funny it is seeing how they are taking turns getting angry, and then being sorry. This though, can also be seen in adult relationships. Maybe not as transparent, or exaggerated, but the problem is clearly there. Overall, I think Twain is telling adults to "grow up", even though we know, and he knows, that we will never grow up.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Mark twain is making fun of relationships. But I'm not sure that he is just making fun of adults. It seems to me that he is making fun of relationships in any age group, especially when they fight over trivial problems, that in retrospect seem silly.
DeleteI had never thought of that before I read your comment, but now I see what you are saying and I totally agree with you. At the part when Tom and Becky got engaged after knowing each other for less than a day, Twain might be trying to show how in adult relationships they can jump to quickly and get engaged after only a few months. In the story it is a little different, but I can see how Twain makes fun of the idea.
DeleteJay, I see your point in saying that. After reading your comment, I realized that Twain also wanted to show adults how to be children again. Even though adults are grown up, it doesn't mean they can't have fun. Jay, I think that Twain was trying to get adults to act more foolish and silly, like children. After all, that's the most enjoyable type of life.
DeleteJay, I completely agree with your comment. In fact, I never thought of Tom and Becky's relationship in that way. But, I get what you are talking about. Also I believe that Mark Twain, again, is trying to make adults feel like children. If an adult were to read your post, I feel like their eyes would open wide. I believe that they would also completely agree with your comment. I think that they would also, give a little chuckle about it too. As we read farther into the book I am going to look forward to seeing if I can make connections like this. I thought that this was a great comment, and it really made me think.
DeleteJay, I agree with your comment about adult relationships. I do think he is poking fun at them in terms of Becky separating with Tom after little mishaps in their conversations. I never thought of it that way. I guess Mark Twain is saying that he is writing this book so everyone who reads it can relate to it. Twain is trying to get adults to act like kids or in this book the kids are growing up to fast. I never thought of Becky and Tom's relationship like that..Your comment really made me think what Mark Twain was saying about this relationship in the book.
DeleteI agree with your comment jay. I was confused on the whole marriage thing between Tom and Becky too. then I thought mark twain was just trying to make adults feel like little kids. Mark Twain may also be trying to show us Adult relationships can go to from talking a little to marriage. I really enjoyed reading your comment and it made me have a new view on the book.
DeleteI also agree with you, I think Tom and Becky think marriage is easier than it really is. Mark twain I believe, is poking fun towards kids getting married. I was confused also on the whole relationship. Mark Twain is very humorous when it come to marriage with Tom and Becky.
DeleteThere were many interesting things in this book throughout the first 13 chapters. First off, i loved the scene of old Mississippi lifestyle, it really portrayed what i thought it would be like. I didn't especially like how he used all the non proper english to portray that image, but i can deal with it. Tom Sawyer is the kid on the block that is reckless, and a daydreamer. His endless thoughts of what it would be like to be on the outside of the community, is what i pictured him to be like. He is reckless because if he sets his mind to something, he will do it, no matter what it takes to do so. I thought it was ironic how Tom was daydreaming about what it would be like to die and if Becky Thatcher would remember him, and the next thing you know is that he has run away and isn't liking it as much. Overall, I feel that Twain's mindset of how he thought childhood was like, is sort of the same as some kids today, even though is a hundred years later.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeletePeter, I definitely agree with you. I didn't like the improper grammar and writing the conversations as you would hear them pronounce it makes the book harder to read. However, I do think it brings personality to the characters, and puts you in the story, rather than just reading about it. I do wonder, though, what we would do if we lived during that time. I can't even picture the people in our grade living like they do in Tom Sawyer. It would be very interesting to see how they would react, without electronics, being friends with people like Huck, Joe, and Tom.
DeletePeter, i also liked how the setting was in old mississippi because there are many things to learn about that time period and place. However, i was not disappointed because of the non proper grammar because i thought that i learned a lot about the grammar and education in that time period. I also agree that the way Twain uses tom as a way to symbolize childhood is similar to some young children today.
Deletepeter i agree that Tom is a reckless kid that never can pay attention for more that 2 minutes. and i love how you explained Tom and his traits about what it would be like on the outside of the community. and how he is similar to some young children today. that is a way that Twain symbolizes children today.
DeletePeter, I found your point strong and interesting. Your interpretation of Tom I liked. Although I interpreted it differently I can easily see your point and understand what you were saying.
DeleteMy first impression of the adventures of tom sawyer was good. I liked how it took place in nineteenth century mississippi because i have always wanted to learn about that time period and over the past few years, i haven't got to. I also liked how tom is portrayed as an illiterate character which taught me alot about education in that time period. The fact that tom is an adventurous character also made me enjoy the book because you never know what he will do next. I also like the way that Mark Twain writes because it is very different from writing today. Overall, i am impressed with the first few chapters and i am expecting to feel the same way as we continue to read the novel.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what you said so much!! Like you said I have wanted to learn about education in that time period as well. Back then they were so much stricter, but i understand why. Toms character is very tricky so i understand why the teachers are strict to him.
DeleteI agree with you evan. i like how tom is a adventurous character because like you said you said you don't know what actions he will do next which makes the book interesting. I also agree that it is good the book took place in the 19th century because that is an interesting era of time that I like to learn about and keeps the book fun to read and can also educate you at the same time
DeleteBefore we read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" I thought that it was going to be totally different. When we just started reading the book my instant instinct about Tom was that he's a sneaky kid. Like at the beginning when he told Aunt Polly to turn around, and he jumped over the fence. But anyways, Toms character made me think more about the kids now a days. Toms character is adventurous but then again some kids in our time probably have all these awesome devices, and video games. The one thing that kind of made me dislike the book a little was the language they use. Throughout the book they use "big words" and most of them I don't understand. But my overall look on the book so far is good.
ReplyDeleteA character who I found interesting was Huckleberry Finn. He lives on the streets and all the parents hate him because his father is always drunk. I think it is ironic that all the other boys envy his freedom, because he doesn't have to go to school or bathe, and he can do what he wants, while on the other hand, it seems that Huckleberry just wants to be like the other kids. He doesn't really have parents around, and I think he is lonely enough to want to go to school with the other kids. Also, even though all the adults despise him, I think he really likes the town of St. Petersburg. For example, when the boys are off pirating, once Joe starts getting homesick, you can tell that Huckleberry is starting to feel unsure of whether he likes living on Jackson island.
ReplyDeletePS.- why is he named after a fruit??
In the beginning of the book I saw Tom as a character who was reckless, inconsiderate, and mischievous. I thought that he didn't care about the consequences of his actions and how they were affecting the people around him. Then in the recent chapters I noticed that Tom is starting to have more of a conscience and he cares more about how he is affecting others. A great example of this is when Tom is at Jackson Island and he starts to feel bad about what how his family is reacting to him "drowning." This is why he sneaks back home in the night to check on them and make sure they are alright. Tom then goes back to the island and doesn't want to leave, but I think that he showed in the visit home that there is a kind, caring personality deep inside Tom somewhere. It just isn't as prominent as his troublesome personality.
ReplyDeleteNick i agree with you about how at the beginning of the book he didn't care but farther in the book he begins to care a lot more about the people around him. but i would have to add that in the begining of the book he also cares like for example when he is expecting to get hit by aunt paully but instead she starts crying and the tom feels bad and sorry for his actions.
DeleteNick, I totally agree with you on the fact that Tom isn't simply a reckless boy, but does care. Also, you had a great example of how Tom did care about leaving his family, and did feel bad. In this scene I feel that he also cares about abandoning his fellow "pirates," Huck and Joe. It is also important to him not to just leave his friends in the dust, but come back for them. As a main character in this story, Twain does not give you such a clear view of Tom's personality, but wants you to read carefully and imagine it yourself.
DeleteNick,
DeleteI agree with almost everything said in this explanation! I also think Tom was kind of troublesome in the beginning of this story. Even though Tom may be growing up (We do not know what age), I think he still does exhibit a playfulness that is unlike anything in any other story. He shows this because he ran away and also is living with two other boys in the middle of an island! Overall, I think this explanation was pretty on point.
Nick, I completely agree with what you are saying in this explanation. I do agree that Tom was a bit of a brat at the beginning of the book. I believe that Tom has always been a little inconsiderate. But, I think that as he is growing up (we don't know his age) through this book he is beginning to realize what his actions are doing to other people, like Aunt Polly. Now that he is seeing what he is doing to other people, he doesn't want to do that again, and see them that way. I also think, the character that is leading the way in changing Tom is Aunt Polly. Ever since that outburst of tears that made Tom feel sick, he has become a different person, and has changed dramatically. This is what I think of this post.
DeleteI agree with what you said Nathan. Huckleberry is a very interesting character and other boys envy him. I think its interesting when you said he starts to feel unsure about whether he likes Jackson Island or not. I see where you're coming from with this comment. I also think that Huckleberry really doesn't care whether they stay at the island or not because he doesn't have very many friends. I think that because of this he would probably go along with whatever the other boys decided because he wants to fit in with them. I don't think that he had a preference of whether he wanted to stay or not.
ReplyDeleteWhen i heard that we were gonna be reading this book at the beginning of the year i was excited. I heard from other people that it was a really good book and would read it again. So when we got the book i sorta had a good idea of what the book would be like and now that we have started to read it I've got a total different idea of the book. Like for example i never knew all the parents would end up basically hatting tom and huckleberry. I also thought that it would be them just out in the woods the whole book but instead there around town. i am enjoying this book and can't wait to finish it.
ReplyDeleteI once tried to read this book when I was I 6th grade and I did not understand a word. It was to confusing in its speech and it seemed to jump from one topic to another way to fast. Now what I understand what is being said in the book.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Dylan. When I picked up this book in 5th or 6th grade I lost interest in it automatically because I did not understand a thing. I know it is still hard for us to understand things because back then (100 years or so) they had a little bit different language than we do today.
DeleteMy favorite characters when their together are Huck and Tom. The reason is that tom seems bad but when compared to Huck he seems extremely good and virtuous. When they were talking in the graveyard, Huck saying Tom is just "Old pie compared to me".
ReplyDeleteOne character that I find very interesting is Huckleberry Finn. He is mature in a way that is hard to figure out. He knows right from wrong, but he is never told what he should or shouldn't do. He knows how to fend for himself, while other boys his age still need there mothers to take care of them. Huck has never had the support that the other boys have had. This shows that he is confident in himself in whatever he does, even though it might not be the best thing to do. The boys see Huck as a fascinating person, and admire his freedom. Although Huck might not show it, he wishes he could have a family that gives him rules and punishes him because it would mean that they cared about him. Huckleberry Finn is an interesting boy, and hard to read sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jacqueline. I think that Tom and Huck should switch places for a day or even a week and experience what its like for both of them. Both lives have there advantages and disadvantages. I also think that he is interesting. Huck is in some ways an outcast. Being an outcast makes him strong and weak. For instance he would have strong survive skills but no strong relationship with family.
DeleteJacqueline, I have never thought of Huckleberry Finn in that way. When we started the book, and first met him, I thought Huck was strong, confident, and self-reliable. He acted this way when we, the readers, met him in the story. All the other boys including Tom want to be like Huck Finn. If they did switch places, like Julia said, I predict all the boys or girls would become extremely lonesome, and not know how to survive for that long. They would probably miss their families, homes, and food. After living like Huckleberry Finn for a few days or so, they would miss their old lives, and would not wish to be like Huckleberry Finn anymore. I think Huck Finn acts so tough, but on the inside wishes for someone or some people to love him and care for him.
DeleteGreat point Jacqueline! When we met Huck at the beginning of the book, I always thought of him as free spirited young boy free to do whatever he wants. All the boys in the town envy that he has no one in charge of him. Adding on the what Julia and Abby said, I think if the boys were to switch places and live like Huck for a few days they would want to go back to their families because the families care for them and their needs. I personally think Tom could never live like Huck because he is so relied on his aunt and I believe he enjoys having her as a person to care for him. Tom also cares for his family because after he goes to Jackson Island he comes back to make sure his family is ok. I think if Huck were to have a loving family, he would be thankful for that. Huck would not need to rely on him self for everything.
DeleteI agree with you Jacqueline. The fact that Huck is the boy everyone wants to be because of home much freedom he has. But then again, Huck wishes to have a family, be loved like every other boy, and have a home where he can go to every night knowing he is not alone. Nowadays children with parents or a father like Huckleberry Finn, would most likely live in a foster home. Although those children might not have a caring family to come home to, they have friends living in the same house, and in the same position.
DeleteTom's life is pretty good. I know that there is parts that are made up because that's how the story goes, but some of it (or almost half of it) is related to what happened in Mark Twain's life. I think Mark Twain did a really good job telling the story (even though we only read 14 chapters). I think Tom is my favorite character because he knows his limits and I think he probably knows the town better than anyone.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Tom is very relatable to boy's and even girl in this generation. For example when Tom asks Becky to be his girlfriend. No matter what age he is most boys do ask a pretty girl to go out with them. Tom also has a sense of adventure and will often wander off. I know from experience from myself and my siblings when we were little that every now and then we would wander off in for instance a supermarket. Also Tom goes on adventures like when he went to the graveyard with Huckleberry Finn or played Peter Pan with Joe. He also at times doesn't listen to Aunt. Im sure that everyone at least once disagreed or didn't listen to their parents. All of us care for our family and don't like to see them upset much like Tom.The worst punishment for Tom is when his Aunt Polly cries. Tom is relatable.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tom is very relatable to kids these days. Especially when he asks Becky to "marry him," because there are a lot of kids who will date each other, which would basically be the equivalent to getting "engaged" in this book. I also agree that he is very relatable when he doesn't listen or wanders off for adventures because I remember doing that stuff.
DeleteOne part of the book that I find interesting, is the fact that Tom Sawyer knows that Injun Joe kills Dr. Robinson, but doesn't say anything. He lets Muff Potter be framed. I think this is interesting because Tom feels bad for Muff Potter and Tom doesn't do anything about it because he is afraid of getting in trouble for being out that night. I predict that Tom will eventually admit to the truth, because I think he will feel to guilty, and realize that its not okay for an innocent person to be blamed.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that Tom feels bad for Muff Potter and wants to admit the truth, but I feel like he will stick to his promise with Huck and keep quiet. Tom is on the verge of death here, Injun Joe isn't afraid to kill if you can tell. Tom and Huck are smart enough to know that if Injun Joe finds out they told, they'll be dead meat. I really hope poor Muff Potter gets out of jail with out being killed for his "murder", but Tom and Huck have too much at stake to rat out Injun Joe. My opinion is that Huck and Tom should secretly and anonymously tell the police about Injun Joe with something like a letter, but you never know because this story is very eventful.
DeleteOne part of the book that I found very interesting was when Tom and Becky get "engaged." I found this interesting because today it would probably be the equivalent of dating. In this part of the book Tom tells Becky that all you have to do is tell a boy you're never going to love anyone but him and that's all. It's interesting how different that is from now because now we go on dates and have girlfriends and boyfriends instead of "getting engaged." I think it was very interesting and that Twain was being humerous when he wrote that part of the book.
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes, totally agree with you on that one, it would seem really awkward if someone asked me if they wanted to be engaged with me at the age of, however old he is. And to say that you will never leave his/her is kind of a big promise.
DeleteI agree with your point Brooke, however i think Tom and Becky's relationship isn't as serious as it seems. It is very similar to dating, or having a boy or girlfriend. I like the part in this part of the story when Tom and Becky kiss and then run around. It relates to have childish kids can be over small things. It is a good point also.
DeleteAlex I agree with you that I find this fact interesting, but I don't think that later in the book Tom will end up admitting to knowing the truth. He and Huckleberry had an oath and I think that Tom doesn't want to risk their friendship by telling the truth. I predict that both the boys will want to tell the truth so they will go against their oath together and do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteThe part of the book that I found interesting is that a lot of people believed Injun Joe's story on what had happened on the night of the murder. He doesn't seem trustable to me and he seems very unsafe, so why would the whole town believe him instead of finding the facts themselves and maybe connecting them to uncover the real killer. I predict that Tom and Huckleberry will realize that they should tell people what they saw and Injun Joe will be accused of murder so Muff Potter can be declared not guilty.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Tom is one with all other boys, especially when they play war games and they are really serious. All boys/men have to have this "get away paradise", whether it's going to your basement and getting away from your mother, or going to an island and hanging with your friends for a whole week. When any boy is bored, they always have some way of wasting time. Tom and his friend even play with a tick and a stick when bored in school. But someone just has to ruin all the "fun". Whether it be tricking your friends to do your chores, or go on a wild adventure, you know you have a little Tom Sawyer in you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Wil! I think Tom is the perfect representation of boyhood. Tom is wild, clever, mischievous and entertaining, but can be thoughtful and caring. I think you are right when you said that every boy has a little Tom Sawyer. Sometimes boys just want to be free and escape from the world.
DeleteSo far, I have loved this book. I have repeatedly noticed Tom and Huckleberry's sense for adventure. Tom and Huck both are very alike on the inside. I think that Mark Twain did this on purpose. The reason in doing this is to show the reader what childhood should be like. I believe that Tom is supposed to be a stereotype of a child, as he is very adventurous and mischievous. Huck is also supposed to be a stereotype, but more importantly, he is there to teach the reader a lesson. The lesson is no matter how poor you are or if things are not going your way, you can always feel better by playing and being a child.
ReplyDeleteGreat points Cole! I agree with you on how Twain created Tom Sawyer as a stereotype for childhood and Huckleberry Finn as a lesson. Along with that, I feel that these characters were created as a way to describe not just childhood, but also Mark Twain's childhood. Reading this book and what these two characters did together can give us a clue on what Twain did for fun and what life was like 200 years ago. In addition, I think Twain was trying to make the reader think of their childhood and maybe relate to that throughout reading "Tom Sawyer".
DeletePossibly one of the most baffling relationships in the story in my mind is that of Tom and Sid. I think that there is some sort of competition between them. At a quick glance, it seems as if Sid is just a genuine boy and would never "hurt a fly." But, when Aunt Polly isn't looking, he creates mischief just like Tom. You can clearly see this in the scene where Sid reaches for the sugar bowl when Aunt Polly leaves the room, but knocks it over instead. She instantly thinks it's Tom, but when she realizes it was Sid, she does nothing about it. Sid almost gets some sort of immunity in this instance. This competition between them is that of getting one another in trouble with Aunt Polly. I think that Twain wants us to not get it right away, but instead wants us to "read between the lines" to uncover what he is truly trying to say. This is why The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer is such an interesting book in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Matt. Sid is not the perfect kid that Aunt Polly thinks he is. He is always trying to get Tom in trouble even when he did not do something. That is a perfect example that you used from the story about Sid knocking over the sugar bowl. You would not think that Sid is the kind of kid that wants to get other people in trouble. He wants to remain the perfect child and he is doing a good job at it. This post was spot on and i was thinking the same thing.
DeleteTwain presents aunt Polly as a mean and heartless woman. As you progress in the story, you realize that aunt Polly is necessary for Tom to grow up. Aunt Polly forces Tom to go to Sunday school and school. Aunt Polly took on a big commitment when she took Tom in. She knew what she was getting herself into but he is her family and family does not leave another family member out. Tom gets punished a lot because Aunt Polly is doing her best and does not want Tom to grow up to be a immature and disrespectful boy. Tom is thankful for aunt Polly because without her Tom would not be able to manage because he relies on other people to do his work. Many people don’t like aunt Polly because she is presented as a annoying aunt but in this case she is a big part in Toms life.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Karen. It is so necessary for Tom to have Aunt Polly because without his parents, who knows where he would be today. I think of Aunt Polly as his role model to become more mature.
DeleteKaren, I strongly agree with you Aunt polly is the best support Tom has when it comes to growing up. Why would she bother punishing him if she didn't care? This shows that she is only hitting him because unfortunately it is the only way he learns and she is doing it in her best interest. There isn't anyone who believes that Tom will become a well rounded boy like Aunt Polly does. Toms best chance at becoming a respectable educated boy is through Aunt Polly. He may not like that he has to be disciplined but maybe he is older he will be thankful that she was there to tell him that he has to go to school and the little things.
DeleteKaren, your point is completely accurate. Tom has no where to really go if Aunt Polly was not there, although he seems to not like her one bit, we all know he loves her and she loves him. It is very great to know even though tom doesnt have parents, he still has someone to watch and take care of him.
DeleteWhat I find most interesting is the relationship between Becky and Tom. To me, Tom acts like a player, moving from being engaged to one girl then to another. Tom probably is a ladies' man and has a big ego. Mark Twain does not say Tom's age in the story. This helps you imagine the real relationship or idea of being engaged in Tom's mind. Is it just walking to school together, only being with that one person, or is it a game, like pretend dating? This makes you use your imagination and it makes me enjoy this book even more.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the relationship between Tom and Becky does make the story much better but I do not think that Tom is a ladies man. The term ladies man is based off of an adults understanding of relationships and trust. You can't compare the relationship with women Tom has to the relationship with women a ladies man might have because Tom has not yet reached the maturity to be called an adult. What Tom and Becky have is something based off of ignorance and a lack of understanding about their emotions.
DeleteThroughout these last couple chapters, I have found that Tom and Aunt Polly have a very special relationship. There are many examples in the book of this certain claim. For example, Aunt Polly was very sad when she thought that Tom had drowned, even though he had just ran away. She blamed it on herself that Tom had run away. Also, I thought Tom really cared for Aunt Polly and there are numerous times in the book when Tom shows his love for all the care that Aunt Polly has gave him. I think the further chapters may be even more interesting as Aunt Polly and Tom's relationship go into further depth. I am really looking forward to see how it plays out?
ReplyDeleteI think that Tom Sawyer is a good influence to young children who read the book. Although he causes problems for the people around him he is still young and that is what young people do. One way that he is a good influence is that he uses his imagination a lot. He spends a lot of his time with friends playing pirates or Robin Hood instead of staying in doors and playing video games like the children now do. Another reason that he is a good role model and the reason that I think makes him a person to be looked up to is that he uses what little he has learned in school and uses it out side of school a lot. For example when Tom and Huck were making the blood oath Tom stops Huck from using Huck's pin because he learned that it could carry disease. Another example is when Tom and Harry are playing robin hood Tom tells Harry what to do because he has read the book and knows how things are supposed to happen.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the first part of this book, I had always thought of Tom as a mischievous, non-loyal, self-absorbed little boy with no morals or self-control. I thought Tom as the kind of inconsiderate boy that would do things to impress others and leave his friends in the dust to do that. However, from reading the past couple of chapters, I have come to change my mind of this first impression on Tom. Firstly, one of Tom's close friends, Joe Harper, feels that, "Tom's true-blue," meaning that Tom is loyal and respectful toward his friends (93). Also, Tom feels bad for making Aunt Polly believe he is dead and wants to "overwhelm her with joy"(92). This makes me believe that Tom is not so self-absorbed and has some sense of what others feel. I think that Mark Twain is trying to change the reader's mind about Tom's negative character throughout the course of the book and make you realize that Tom is not such an inconsiderate troublemaker, but simply an adventurous boy with a kind heart and an awareness for others.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this novel, I thought of Tom Sawyer as a boy who would miss school without a second thought. However, after reading the novel, I have discovered that Tom is a very intelligent boy. But, Tom does not have the same type of intelligence that we have to day. He has an amazing ability of tricking people. This skill could get him in a lot of trouble, or get him very far in life. An example of Tom's skill is from chapter two. Tom was given the job to whitewash his fence. Tom, like most people didn't want to waste his weekend doing that. So, Tom ended up tricking all of his friends into doing his work. All the boys from town fell for the trick. Tom not only got out of whitewashing the fence, but he also got all of his friends to pay him. This example of Tom tricking all of his friends into doing his work shows that Tom might not be smart in the classroom, but is very smart at tricking people into doing things. This is what I have thought of Tom so far in this book.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thinking, the way Tom is so good at tricking people does show that he is smart when he tries but when he doesn't want to try, like in school, he isn't the best student there. I one hundred percent agree with you.
DeleteNick, I agree with you 100%, but I also have another point to add. I think that Tom is good at tricking people, yes, but I think that the bigger thing is that he has skills that will actually help him succeed in life, not the skills you live in school, that won't really help you, at least not in a direct way. So although Tom does not go to school, I think that Tom is one of the smartest people in his class, and will be one of the smartest people in the future. I have known people that do not do good in school, and yet are some of the most successful people in life. I had a teacher in elementary school once, who had a dad. Her dad did terribly in school, and yet he was successful, and made a lot of money. How was this possible? It was because he had skills necessary to survive, to succeed. Tom, I believe, is one of those kinds of people.
DeleteI agree with you Nick! I also found that this is true about the character Tom. He is very clever in various ways. I also agree with you on the whitewashing scene and how he uses his talent to trick an enormous amount of boys. Another example of Tom's cleverness is when he comes up with the tick game with Joe Harper during class. They both try keeping the tiny tick on their side of the desk by harassing it with a sharp pin. I thought this was a very clever game to think of to pass time. I also agree with you that although Tom isn't particularly smart in the classroom, he is very smart in getting people to do what he wants. Hopefully this trait will help him later on in this story!
DeleteThroughout these chapters that we have read, I have realized that Tom loves to sneak up on people and sneak up on events that happen, but sometimes those events are not expected. For example, when Tom and Huckleberry decide to go out on an adventure and then go into the graveyard. When they enter, they hear howling, which apparently means that you will die soon. In the distance they think they see devils coming towards them, but it turns out to be Injun joe, Dr.Robinson, and Muff Potter. I have come to think that Tom and Huckleberry don't know there limits when it comes to sneaking around places.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that Tom needs to mature, and know when to stop. The graveyard scene with them over hearing a super secret plan not very wise on Tom's part. Although the graveyard scene was bad I thought that the island scene were the boys pretended to die was worse.
DeleteI find that Tom is developing into a very interesting character in this novel, he has done some pretty horrible things but that is just scraping the top of it all; he pretended to die with his friends, went to a cementary when he wasn't suppose to and found an awful truth about injun' joe
ReplyDeleteIn the book so far Huck has had some embarrassing moments when he wasn't able to read. There was one moment where Huck and Tom were at the graveyard and Huck had to read a paper about what they were doing but Huck stuttered and gave the paper to Tom to read it. Huck has had some very embarrassing moments only because he does not have a good education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Thomas. During that scene it made me realize that in that town education is not emphasized enough for kids. This shows how important someone's education can help them in different situations when they need. It just goes to show that education can help you in many ways.
DeleteJack you read my mind!!! Like you said this shows how important someones education can help them in different situations. Also, I think Joe is a growing character because he was not really mentioned in the earlier chapters.
DeleteWhen Tom, Huck, and Joe "runaway" to Jackson Island how come no one ever though of looking there. I thought someone would have the brain to think of looking there. They have run there before and people have known that. Jackson Island cannot be too far away if the boys got there with no trouble. Does the town really care enough about them if they have not even looked there yet? I want to know if they really care because they only spent one day looking on they river and pronounced they had drowned. I think someone should be curious why they all drowned at the same time.
ReplyDeleteCam, you have a very good point. I was thinking the same thing, how come the only possibility is that they all drowned? Didn't everyone know that they were great swimmers? It makes no sense. However they may not have thought that the boys could have survived on the island alone. But why not look just to make sure?
DeleteYou have a great point. They should have thought if they ran away what is the one place most any boy would go. This shows that they maybe wanted them gone but those who didn't want them gone maybe couldn't have over ruled the people who wanted them gone. Jackson Island is a place that most boys go to swimming and fishing it is one of the most popular places to go to get away from their families and school.
DeleteCam, you bring up a really good point. I never really thought of it that way! It makes me think that many of the townspeople that viewed Tom, Huck, and Joe as troublemakers didn't believe that it was necessary to go on a search for them. Some of the people that really cared such as Becky, and Aunt Polly probably were too shocked to think of the Jackson Island possibility. But I'm sure that a few people ignored this option altogether. When I read this section, I was also questioning why the townspeople resorted to it being a drowning incident right away. Maybe this point is relevant- therefore, the truth would really hurt the three young boys.
DeleteTom is a very self centered and melodramatic character. He likes to assume the worst and exaggerates the littlest issues. He also likes to dream about what life might be like if he just disappeared. He imagines who would grieve if he had died, who would cry, or even who would just simply not care. Usually he fantasizes this when he has just gotten caught for something he did. Toms favorite thing in the world has to be attention. When Becky had come back to the school after she was ill he made the biggest fuss just to make her turn her head and look at him. Tom went to the ut most extreme and ran away just to get attention.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the chapters we have read so far of Tom Sawyer, I have noticed something about Tom. One important thing that I've picked on him is that he starts to understand how people feel and react about him and his actions. One example, is when the townspeople are having a ceremony, when someone drowns. Soon later Tom discovers that it's him who they are having the ceremony for. At fist, Tom is excited and cheerful, but then he feels sad on the inside. So then, he sneeks back to the town safely and unseen. Next he gets into his house and hides under the bed. Tom hears Aunt Polly crying over Tom's "death". This makes tom realize that, what would happen if he really died, and also, he realizes all the sadness that he would bring if it were to really happen.
ReplyDeleteJack, I agree with your comments about Tom becoming aware of how he makes people feel. For example, he made Becky upset when he started talking about Amy. Tom felt bad because he realized that talking about another girl made her upset. Tom also made Aunt Polly feel sad when he snuck out at night. Her disappointment in him for going against her wishes made him feel terrible.
DeleteHuckleberry Finn is a character who did stand out to me as a person in which is developing into the story. At first Huck was the talk of the town, everyon knew him, but not in a good way. He was known as the toublemaker boy and was the envy of all the boys. However many parents/guardians, such as Aunt Polly, prohibit their child to talk to or even be around Huckleberry Finn. Tom of course pays no attention to Aunt Polly's request and goes along and ends up becoming very good friends. Although in the beginning of the book Huck started out as a very...un known character, he now is one of the main characters in the book. Huckleberry Finn has developed into a more fascinating and important character as the book went along
ReplyDeleteThroughout these various chapters I have learned many different things about the character Huck. Many parents view Huck as a lonely, independent, young boy. However, the children envy his enormous amounts of freedom. People in town always see Huck roaming around and collecting all sorts of things by himself. Huck has been living his whole life alone, which affects him in many ways. Although many children envy him they are really more similar then they think. Huck is actually very vulnerable and exhibits this during the graveyard scene with Tom. If those who envy Huck were him for a couple days, they would soon realize what Huck goes through every single day. He doesn't have anybody to tell him whats right or wrong, anyone to care for him and doesn't even feel safe and happy at his own home. Huck is presented as a tough, careless boy by Mark Twain, but is really not very different from any other young boy in town.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nell on her view of Huck. From the start of the story, despite the views from the younger half of the society, I had the suspicion that Huck's life wasn't all fun, play and freedom. I had thought that Huck might be secretly sad and longing for a source of love or stability in his life. Then I began to think that the children shouldn't really envy Huck. As we progressed
Deletein the story, Huck's more vulnerable side began to show through. Especially as Nell said in the graveyard scene. Huck was very scared for his life and he clung to Tom for support. Tom had to comfort Huck.. If Huck was really as independent as the children thought then why would he be leaning on Tom for support? We learned from this one scene how vulnerable Huck is. He is just like the other boys in the town. If the other children could see what the reader could, I don't think they would want to trade lives.
While reading the book in the beginning I thought Tom did not care about anything or anyone but himself. This was because of the way he treated others. This is only in the first few chapter though. The reason I believed this was because of how he tricked and disregarded what Aunt Polly did and said. Also, I thought he only cared about himself because of how easily he argued with that boy just because he wore shoes. He fought him as if he didn't care about everyone else and the consequences. But now i realize he does care about the way how when Aunt Polly cried he felt bad about what he did. Also, when Huck was scared in the cemetery he didn't just ditch him, he stayed and tried to comfort him. So now that I have read more of the book I realize Tom is a caring and overall good kid.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Adam on this statement. I have also realized that my outlook on Tom as a character has changed dramatically throughout the book. In the beginning my thoughts towards Tom was that he was not caring and did not think of others as he should- tricking Aunt Polly and being jealous of some boys of his age. Now as we are getting more in depth of the book, I have realized that Tom is actually a very caring person. He cares about what Aunt Polly thinks of him, and what Becky sees of him. As the book grows I believe that Tom's character does as well
DeleteI agree with Adam on his blog regarding Tom Sawyer. At the beginning of the book it did appear that he was unkind and not caring. But when you read more chapters you realize that Tom can be a caring person. When you look deep into Tom, he actually has a caring side especially when he made Aunt Polly cry and it made him feel guilty.
DeleteReading these few chapters of Tom Sawyer I have begun to realize how independent Tom is. Tom and his friends sneak out to an island all by themselves and somehow manage to survive and have fun. Tom even went home and back with nobody noticing. I have begun to question all the freedom Tom has. Is it because of the time period this book is taken place in(where kids had much freedom)? Or is it because Tom is sneaky like that(without Aunt Polly's permission?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely on this Caroline. It also made me think more about the time period and maybe back when this book took place the children might have been more independent. I also thought that it was interesting about how you questioned Tom's freedom and sneakiness as a factor.
DeleteI agree with you Caroline. i feel as though Tom has shown how independent is is with the choices he has made. when you think about it, he has never really has a true parental figure. He has people who are filling their place but he has never had a mother or father. Aunt Polly may serve that role well, but i believe Tom has had to grow up a lot in his situation. He must be independent and make decisions for himself. He is growing up in a time where that is accustom, but he is also put in a situation where he does not has that direct bloodline guiding him through his childhood.
DeleteOver the course of the story, we have learned many things about Tom Sawyer. However, the character I took more interest to was Sid. Tom is portrayed as a fun loving and mischievous boy. Sid has always seemed to be the flaw in his plans. He gets Tom in trouble for many things such as Tom playing hookey and going swimming. When I looked a little closer at the book, I began to think that Mark Twain was also hinting at something else when developing Sid's character. Maybe Sid secretly wants to be like Tom? Sid could be jealous of Tom. I felt as though there is an internal struggle inside Sid, to do the right thing or have fun. Since Sid's good conscience wins, he compensates his loss of fun by getting Tom in trouble for his good time. The scene that pushed me towards this theory was when Tom had just witnessed the murder and was talking in his sleep. Sid intently listened and failed the next day to get Tom in trouble. However afterwards, every night Sid would listen to Tom for more information. At first he was trying to get Tom in trouble, but then it seemed as though Sid craved for the information from Tom. Since Sid wasn't there himself, he wanted details on what happened. Then Sid could fulfill his desire for fun. To conclude, I believe Sids character was more than the boy who told on Tom, but instead the boy who wanted to be like him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Olivia. It is much easier to tattle on someone, when you are jealous of them. Tom is everything a boy would want to be. He is clever, smart, and entertaining. To live with someone who outshines you in so many ways must be hard. I know I would find it challenging.
DeleteSid might also feel left out. Perhaps if Tom invited him to go play hooky or go swimming, he would feel included, and be less likely to rat them out.
In the end however, I think it all boils down to brotherly emotions. Sometimes, when a sibling does something, it is even more irritating then when a friend or classmate does it. Sid and Tom are almost brothers, so it is only natural for them to feel jealousy, or frustration towards each other.
I thought it very interesting how Sid "ratted" out Tom and Huck when they snuck out of the house. Sid to me was a very mysterious charactor. He was a tattletale. Maybe that was his way of getting Tom's attention. He was looking for a friend and he didn't know how to express himself. Sid wanted to have the same fun as Tom. He craved this adventure. He just didn't know how to express himself.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost like he was living through Tom's life.
While reading these chapters of Tom Sawyer, I have realized how Mark Twain's writing has been influenced by his own life. I have read some of Mark Twain's biography and tom and mark both grew up in a small town and they both loved to go on fun adventures with their friends. I know, of course, that not all the adventures and experiences tom went on were the same adventures and experiences that Mark had gone on. However, they have shared some of the same experiences like making cat meows at each other for a signal to go on an adventure at night. Mark Twain had done that when he was a child with his friend who was very much like Huckleburry fin. That is another way mark twain's writing was influenced. some of the characters were based on real people in Mark's life. one of the character's that Mark had experienced were Huckleburry who was a real friend of Mark. Huckleburry's character is the son of the town drunk and is frowned upon by most parents. That was really how tom's friend was, yet he was looked up to by most kids in the town. These are thing's i have noticed, in the chapters i have read so far, that relate to mark twain's life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thought, Mark uses many of his experiences with the steam boats early on in this book as well, and i expect to see more of his life show in this book.
DeleteI feel that Tom is developing a lot through out the book through his maturity level. For example at the beginning of the book he was tricking Aunt Polly but then near the parts where he finds out about the truth behind Injun Joe he starts to be more mature and realizing that it is more serious than one of his games. Another part I thought he devoloped was when he made Aunt Polly cry about him sneaking out. For me this showed maturity level because at the beginning of the book he was having visions of how sad she would be if he had just turned over and died and how he was so happy with the thought of her weeping but then when it actually happens he feels awful. Overall I am enjoying the book and I am interested in finding out how he grows more in the book.
ReplyDeleteAs this book develops, I believe that Toms Relationship to Aunt Polly will grow much stronger, due to the fact that when Tom returned, she told him that he never should have run away. She told him that she felt sick about him running away, and that he should have thought about how she felt. Tom tells her that he does care about her, and that he never wants to hurt her. After Tom returns, Aunt Polly will not take Tom for granted, and her relationship will grow.
ReplyDeletePhil I agree I think this is just a bump in the road for tom and aunt pollys relationship that will make them stronger in the long run. It will make them closer now that tom sees that aunt polly really cares.
DeleteI think that as this book keeps going, Tom, Joe, and Huck will go on another adventure. They all really enjoy the feeling of being free without people in charge of them. They may bring some people with them, possibly Becky Thatcher. I think that this time they could get into even more trouble and actually need help. People will think that they are fine and just pulling another trick when they actually are in a bad state and need help. It would be a fun twist in the story and interesting.
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ReplyDeleteI think that tom running away will make his relationship with aunt polly stronger. However I do not think It will stop tom from going on more dangers adventure with huck and joe again. Even though Tom saw how sad it made aunt polly I do not think he will be mature enough to stop his foolish ways.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I agree with you, Also, I think that Tom will no longer run away from home.The reason that I think this way is because Aunt Polly is starting to "baby" Tom because she doesn't want him to run away again. One thing she does is, she get or does anything that Tom wants or needs. Anpther thing htat might happen, is Aunt Polly might adjust to his mischievous ways. When he runs off, she'll act like its nothing, and that it happens all the time.
DeleteI think that this book will show how Tom grows up to be a kind soul. After going to the island they all learn that they miss their families even Huck who really has no family at all. When they come back Huck has no one to love him, so Tom brings him over and lets Aunt Polly hug him. Tom makes Huck feel like he belongs in the town and on the earth at all. Twain makes you feel that even though Tom goes on alot of adventures and gets into trouble he has a big heart.
ReplyDeleteOne character that has continued to interest me is Aunt Polly. Her generosity and warmth are always present in her attitude, and towards her nephews. I think that some people may overlook her kindness and instead focus on her gullible, and often times mis-informed ways. However, to me, the wonderful traits overpower these not so great ones. Just think about it- she voluntarily took in Sid and Tom as orphans, and raised them as children of her own. Tom obviously is one of the more difficult kids out there- he is extremely mischievous, and adventurous. For Aunt Polly to care for Tom, as well as Sid, she must keep her temper and teach the boys well. As they say, a parent is the most important job, and that is the role Polly plays. Besides this trait, she is religious and keeps an active holy life. Tom's aunt is more than an aunt- maybe she can be forgetful, and sometimes non-inteligent, but her true character comes from the heart and is there to stay.
ReplyDeleteGrace I definitely agree with you on the fact that some of Aunt Polly's most important traits are overlooked. Twain portrays her as a grouchy, strict lady when really she is in a predicament with her self. She goes back and forth on whether to be strict with Tom or be forgiving. I also agree with you that it must be difficult to care for Tom and Sid while Tom is causing trouble daily and at the same time present herself as a good role model.
DeleteI think the feeling that Tom and his other friends have over trying to always impress each other is comical. Although everyone, even now, always desires people to be awed by them, the boys of St. Petersburg desire it more than anything else. On page 98, when Tom, Huck and Joe are smoking, Tom says, "I wish the boys could see us now." Or on page 28, when Tom obtains the Bible, the narrator states, " The boys were all eaten up with envy..." I look forward to seeing how this want for attention progresses throughout the novel.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story Tom, Huck, and Joe's relationship has intrigued me alot. Ever since Huck and Joe have been introduced to the story, they have been very important to the story. They have inspired me to do things with friends that they do. They imagine being things like Pirates, Indians, and Robin Hood. They also go on fun adventures to Jackson island, and to the graveyard at midnight. In one of the latest chapters we rad you can tell that they care about each other. When the boys come back to their own funeral and are getting lots of love Huck is not. Tom sees this and tells Aunt Polly to give him some so he feels loved. Throughout the rest of the story i hope these boys go on more adventures because they are my favorite part of this story.
ReplyDeleteGavin I also found Tom, Huck, and Joe's relationship interesting. However, I do not totally think that their relationship will last. I think because of their differences, like how Huck has no supervision, their friendship will come to an end.
DeleteGavin,
DeleteI totally agree with what you said that this is my favorite part also. But as josh said will the relationship last? I think it has many ups and downs just like many peoples. they are like brothers which means they fight a lot and care for each other also. I to hope to see them on more adventures even further away or just exploring together and making there relationship build together.
Joe and Toms friendship strengthens during chapter 13 when they make a pact to stand by each other."They made a new compact to stand by each other and be brothers and never separate till death."(78). I thought this was a very powerful part in the story. However, I don't know if this bond will be forever lasting.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer i have found a deep understanding of the friendship between Tom and his best pals Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper. Twain does an excellent job of interpreting their boyish attitudes with imagination. In chapters eleven through fourteen the real adventure kicks into action. The boys enjoy playing games that we might call childish, but that is what children in this time did. Running away is something everyone as a child thinks about, these boys took the plan into real action though in these chapters. "Happy Camp Of Freebooters", the name of chapter fourteen. As soon as i read the name i could tell that the three wild boys did sleep on the island and stayed, "run away". I thought wow they have a lot of courage and resilience doing that. Overall i found the last few chapters showing real friendship and leadership from Tom and the other two boys.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of Tom Sawyer, Tom was introduced as a younger boy that is self-absorbed and cared about no on else. Now, after the Jackson Island incident, I feel that Tom is some one that has a sense morality and is becoming nicer to the people of St. Petersburg. He is kind to Joe and Huck. For example, during the boys funeral, after they figure out that the three boys are not dead, Tom invites Huck to celebrate. The reason he does this, is because Huck has no parents. An example of how Tom has developed a sense of morality is how Tom and the other boys knew how it would be wrong to stay on Jackson Island forever. Also, the boys know that it is wrong to have the entire town of St. Petersburg to think that they're dead. Through out the story, Tom has developed these strong skills.
ReplyDeleteDear 8th grade I realized that in my posts I referred to Joe Harper as Harry it might be because I have recently finished reading Harry Potter for the hundredth time.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest apologies
James
In the last few chapters I have noticed that the book has been getting more and more exciting with him running away and sneaking back... I have noticed tom has been getting a little selfless. He feels bad about running away so he decides to sneak back home and write a note to leave for his aunt. Tom is definitely getting more mature too. he knows what is wrong and write to do. Tom sawyer has been very interesting so far and I cant wait to see what happens next.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said completely. I also really like how mark twain shows to growing and maturing immensely. I also think that he is very selfless too. Throughout the book it shows how tom really isn’t that bad of a kid.
DeleteI'm not sure I could agree with that though I have a problem understanding how he isn't a bad kid I guess he wants to good thing but fails to do so and isn't a good role model but it does seem he matures because when he is "engaged" with Becky it starts a game but develops
DeleteThe character I believe changed the most throughout the book has to be Tom Sawyer. There is always some type of change in a character, mostly the main character. In the beginning Tom is a reckless child, who just wants attention. Later on Tom begins to show that he just wants to try new things before it's to late. He begins to become a bit more mature then what he was from the start. Tom cares more about peoples feelings and regrets a few things he has done or said. For example, how he brought up Amy, his ex, which made Becky break up with him when he really did like her. He forms a better conscience. For example, his inner voice tells him to go to Jackson Island so the people around him can stop struggling and wouldn't have to feel the pain of his wrongdoings. That also goes for how he cares for people's feelings. There are many characters who have changed in many ways, but I feel like Tom has changed quite a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you described your view. I too think that Tom Sawyer germinates and grows into a leader instead of an attention seeker. I also agree that his conscience becomes more developed because he begins to feel empathy. For example, in the most recent chapter we read, Becky and Tom are playing a game of cat and mouse. Instead of luring the other, both end up discouraged and very jealous.
DeleteIn most books I have read the main character of the story is a leader, a good person in general and does what is good for the most people possible. I thought about this while reading harry potter or other books ,but I don't believe that is what Tom is trying to do I think Tom acts very selfish . For example he wants to "die temporarily" in a attempt to make people fell saddened because of the "cruel things "done to him". Especially how when he was "engaged" with Becky she realized he was "engaged" with another girl this I think is a odd game and isn't seeming serous but my point is Becky doesn't take this well so he is very irresponsible
ReplyDeleteRyan, I agree with you in saying that he can be selfish but I think your missing the part that well he is a young boy, and when you were young wouldn't you have said that "wanting to die", would be such an okay thing to do and wanted to say it, I myself for sure definitely. If I think of young children I do think of things like overly dramatic and selfish, which is why I say that him "wanting to die", isn't such a bad thing for a kid in his age group to be saying, but nevertheless if someone in our age group said this it would be well frowned upon.
DeleteI agree with you, Ryan that he can be selfish sometimes, but I also notice that he does care for others and has a conscience.For example, in the graveyard scene where Injun Joe kills the doctor and blames Muff Potter, Huck shows signs of being terrified saying things like "Lord there coming!", Tom comforts Huck by telling him "oh,don't be afeared,I don't believe the'll bother us" making Huck comfortable with the situation. Tom was a good friend to his friend Huck, showing that he does care about others.
DeleteRyan i agree with what you said and did not really think of it that way until you brought it up. I think that could just be kids when they were young and thought that nobody was as important as they were.
DeleteI agree with you Judith. I think Tom really has shown us a softer side of him in the more recent chapters. However, I wonder if Tom has changed, or if he had those traits all along and didn't show us. When Tom was younger, he could have felt remorse after behaving in an uncivilized manor. Although Mark Twain never tells us, I think Tom has always had a generous side. I believe that even though Tom can sometimes be a nuisance, he still has a good heart, and a sense of morality.
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ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I completely agree with you. There is no way of knowing if Tom had those kind-hearted traits all along. I do feel like he did change because we never saw that soft side of him earlier in the novel. It came to us in a surprising way which makes me feel like he did change now.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the book, Tom has been a trouble maker and made everyone think he didn't know whats right and whats wrong. But later int he book he started showing the reader that he has a conscience and feels guilty from him actions. When he disappeared, he felt bad about Aunt Polly
ReplyDeleteJulia I totally agree with you. I could also see how much of a trouble maker he was in the beginning of the book, always sneaking out during the night time to play with Huckleberry, and skipping school. But I could see how he started to change, especially when he realized that what he was doing was hurting his grandmother's feeling... a lot.
DeleteAlthough the book is mostly about Tom, I have noticed many interesting things about another character: Becky Thatcher. Becky seems like she is pushed to be more mature, and tries to act older, but really, she has some childish ideas in her head. Instead of embracing them, she tries to ignore them. However, sometimes, they peek out.
ReplyDeleteFor example, Becky tries to shun Tom when he sits next to her in class. He offers her food and draws her pictures. Eventually, Tom writes down the words "I love you" and shows them to Becky. She exclaims, "You bad thing!" and turns away. Even though she tries to act like she is too mature and responsible for Tom, you can tell that Becky thoroughly enjoys the experience and likes him back.
Furthermore, Becky and Tom get "engaged." It is really just a game, but Becky and Tom believe it's real. Becky is flattered and overjoyed, while older, more mature people of her time would have found it childish, or strange.
To conclude, I believe that Becky Thatcher is a wonderful person, but she should embrace child hood while she still has it, because soon, it will end.
When the book began Tom was very self centered. He only thought of himself and his reputation. He would beat kids up, just because they were dressed better than he was. He was the kid that would do anything to make himself look good in the eyes of the community. As the story progressed he began to be a little more aware of the other people in the comunity, and their feelings. When they were on Jackson Island Tom began to feel bad, about keeping Aunt Polly waiting and suffering, not knowing if he was alive. He felt so bad, that he eventually came back and hid in his house, to see how things were back home. He almost left a note on her bedside table to say the he was alive and okay. I think throught the chapters Tom has matured a lot.
ReplyDeleteHuckleberry Finn has continued to surprise me throughout this story. He is introduced as a young boy who had to grow up and mature earlier than most children his age. He has no parental guidance like most children his age does. Because, he had to grow up so fast in order to take care of himself, I imagined him to be very adult-like for a kid his age. But, reading these past few chapters about the boys and their adventures on Jackson Island, I see that he does in fact ha the qualities of a young boy like Joe Harper and Tom Sawyer. He has many skills and abilities that seem very old for his age but when it is time to play he automatically transforms into a ten or eleven year old young child again.
ReplyDeleteJulia I agree with you that Tom knows whats right from wrong. He proves that he knows whats right from wrong when they were on Jackson Island. In that part of the story he really demonstrates that he isn't just a good for nothing troublemaker.
ReplyDelete-Elias Clark-Goldfeld
In the beginning of the book Tom was portrayed as this manipulative, selfish, trouble making boy. But now reading ahead we sure as well know that he is not such a bad kid, yes he does manipulate Aunt Polly and the other kids, yes he does some big acts of selfishness towards well all of his friends and family, and yes he does cause a lot of trouble. But, he does have a good heart and very well knows right from wrong, for instance while on Jackson Island he feels sorrow for Aunt Polly and the rest of the people mourning for him. He even goes as far as entering her room while she is asleep and contemplated leaving her a note saying he is okay. There was no way we could have known the good traits he has during the first chapter or 2.
ReplyDeleteTom is a very mischevious, clever kid. He is considered a trouble maker in the town of Petersburg, but is looked up to by all the other kids. Even though he is a trouble maker he is not a bad kid, you may not be able to trust him because he will trick you into doing something that helps him. He is a very clever kid that you should always be on edge when with him but he will never do something that could hurt you or put you in danger. Mark Twains main idea from this book is trying to form a child with the perfect childhood. He talks about things that most kids had done in their life, just not everything he does.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading the book, I thought of how Tom was so self-centered and always was thinking about how positively people view him. There was 2 scenes where he thought about what it would be like if he died. People were praising him and saying how wonderful he is in these visions. The ironic part about this is that when he faked his death in the chapter where he becomes a pirate on Jackson island with his friends,Joe and Huck. Everyone thought he was dead so they were praising him at his funeral,in which Tom attended just like in his visions. On the island, he was also saying things like "I wish the boys could see us now" as if they were seeing how cool Tom and his friends are on their own island. He wants the others to be jealous of him.
ReplyDeletei agree, and another thing i thought of was that tom almost never views himself in a bad way. it seems that he always thinks that others are the problem
DeleteYou can tell that Tom only cares for himself, and sort of "forgets" about thinking about others too. He skips school to go with Huck Finn for his own enjoyment, but never realizes that he is hurting his Aunt when he does that. Yet he keeps managing to get into more and more mischief. Also, Tom "gets what he wants" when he goes to the island because he can see everyone weep over him. He never thinks about how theyre feeling or how sad they are, he only cares that he is the talk of the town and that everyone misses him. Tom is immature and too young to know these simple things he can do like think before acting or thinking more about others.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the theme of pride plays a large role through the three boys' (Tom,Huck, and Joe) lives. The part of the book where this theme has been most evident is when the boys are on Jackson Island. While the boys are being "pirates", each of them are missing there home in St.Petersburg; even Huck. I single out Huck because even though his life in St.Petersburg lacks many necessities of life such as a good source of food, a bed to sleep in, and a home, he still misses it. After being on the island for a couple days the boys all secretly began feeling very homesick. None of them wanted to admit it so finally Joe Harper couldn't Stand it anymore and he was the first to lose the pride of being a "pirate", then Huck went shortly after. Finally, Tom was left with the decision of losing his pride or remaining homesick. Of course he chose to stay on the island and keep his pride. Twain did a great job describing the level of importance of the boys' pride, through their minds. I am eager to find out what other situations or aspects of life the boys find pride in as the story progresses.
ReplyDeleteI agree with John Farnham, about how Tom is a troublemaker but at the same time he has a good consience. Throughout the book Tom is constantly going on adventures with his friends (Huck), but those adventyures usually mean trouble. Like when Tom and Huck went to the woods with the dead cat to perform one of their superstitions, but instead witnessed a murder. They werent supposed to be there and they wouldnt have been if they had just gone to school.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that Tom has really grown as a person through out the book. He may still act the way he always has, but he no longer depends on others to get things done. Toward the beginning of the book, Tom had people whitewash the fence for him. He did this so that he wouldn't have to do it himself. Now, he's living on an island with two of his best friends and getting things in order to survive on the island. For example, when his friends needed dinner, they managed to go fishing and get something for themselves. They didn't have to go to some one else in order for them to get the food that they wanted.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Tom Sawyer, I have seen the evolution of Toms perspective on the world around him. He is growing up in a time where childhood is a valuable thing. Many children are forced to grow up without even releasing it. Tom continues to marvel at the growth and even failure of others while not releasing the growth within him self. His new found love for Becky is one example. To him it may be a game, but he truly does not understand what he is feeling. He is in love. Tom has made a decision to fall in love with Becky and this is changing his view of love and life. With the decisions he makes, he considers her. He grapples with the fact that she does not desire him as much as he does her. He wants to go away in order to receive her love. After has seen the murder in the woods, he sees the world as a scarier place. He is afraid Injun Joe will come after him. He is afraid of the consequences that will arise if he tells another soul. Tom begins to grow up within the story and he does not even notice it.
ReplyDeleteAfter Tom returns home from his trip with Joe and Huckleberry, Aunt Polly and others close to Tom reacted differently than I had expected. Tom went off without telling anyone his intentions and caused his family and Joe's family much pain. Throughout the book so far, Tom has shown that he truly loves and respects his aunt even though he has troublesome ways. His actions in this part of the book though, do not relay that statement. I think that Tom should have at least shown his aunt that he was safe or alive. She was inflicted with so much emotional pain and Tom should have realized that. He didn't seem whole heartedly sorry but Aunt Polly forgave him immediately, which was very unfair. I would've enjoyed this part of the story more if Tom didn't get away with his mean game and if he treated his aunt and family with more respect.
ReplyDeleteLauren, I totally agree about how Tom respects his aunt. Also, you are right how he should have at least said to his aunt that he is alive, to show that he really cared about her knowing where he is. Finally, you are making total sense, the book would have been more interesting if Tom didn't "run away", be mean to Aunt Polly and treated her with more respect. Overall, I am pretty much thinking what you are thinking with that part of the story.
DeleteI read a lot, so much of my writing is similar to that of the authors I am influenced by. I know that Mark Twain's style of writing is going to have a lasting imprint on me because of his old way of speaking. I am sure I could find other author with his style but the fact that his lives on is outstanding. The sentence structure is much more complicated than I am used to reading, but I try to look at it as a challenge. And I do believe the book is a challenge. He has a way with words that interested, and excites. This is because he pretty much changed the way written novels were written in those day. Instead of the mainstream English literature, he went on a limb to bring the American voice into his books. This was incredibly bold of him because the public would either love it or hate. The result is obvious. His simple language was easy for the public (at the time) to understand and follow. It brought on a revolutionized era of written story telling. I wonder to myself if American literature would be the same with out Mark Twain's contribution.
ReplyDeleteAilis this makes so much sense! I never really thought of his writing in that way. As of now (to me), Twain's writing is very interesting but I don't understand why it is so incredibly loved by everyone everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I love his styles of writing and his use of exquisite and varying words, but there are so many authors out there that have talent much like him and don't get as much recognition. After reading your opinion, I can totally tell how much his writing influenced and excited others. Now there are authors with his talent, but it seems like he must have really had an impact on how they write. His unique style of different perspectives and words must've started to bring more and more people into the field of writing and inspired others to follow in his footsteps. I really like how you said that and it occurred to me how many people (I being one) take it for granted that his writing has paved the path for American literature to this day.
DeleteI agree as well Ailis. Mark Twain has impacted English literature greatly, and writing probably wouldn't be the same without him. I wonder if perhaps his descriptive and talented writing pushed other writers at the time. Maybe they viewed him as an idol, and wanted to achieve his writing style. Personally, I know that I am pushed when there is competition, so Mark Twain may have been that competition that all authors needed at the time. This could have caused better writing and evolution of English literature.
DeleteI also agree with you Ailis, about his sentence structure. It is a challenge to read and I have to dig through each phrase to understand it. I believe that most written pieces of Twain's time were similar in structure. It may just be the style of writing from his time period. To conclude, I have loved Mark Twain's writing style so far, and I want to read more of his works. He really has changed English literature as we see it today.
Ailis, I completely agree, I do believe he contributed many new ideas and views to English literature. Although you said "his simple language was easy for the public (at the time) to understand and follow." I would have to disagree with you there. I think he does use a lot of language that people back then would understand, because that is the way people talked, but he also uses a lot of complicated phrases in his narrations. Sometimes I have trouble understanding it and we have to keep in mind that a lot of people back then were not as educated as the people today. So many of them would be re-reading and translating just like we do sometimes. You could be right but I think they probably had trouble just like us.
Deletetom sawyers character has evolved throughout the book. for example, his initial "love" for Amy was fleeting and insignificant. but with Becky, for the first time he is truly in love. it confuses him, these odd feelings. other experiences have also changed him, such as the murder in the graveyard. seeing a man get killed right before his eyes gave him a scarier view of the world. tom sawyer has evolved throughout the book.
ReplyDeleteMark Twain does a good job writing the book, writing about what a boys life would actually be like. Most of the what Tom Sawyer acts like in the book is exactly like me. For example, Tom pretends in his mind if he was dead, picturing what everybody would act like if he was gone. Also, when Tom is at the school yard and sees Becky Thatcher, he tries to act like she isn't there by showing off. I do the exact same thing when there is somebody really good at something or some girl I like, I would just try to get there attention. That is why I think Mark Twain did a good job writing the book, trying to make Tom Sawyer act like an actual kid.
ReplyDeleteJason, I completely agree with you. Mark Twain does show a great job of a boys life in the old days. I completely agree with you that he did try to make Tom Sawyer look like an actual kid.
DeleteI think in the more recent chapters of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher has gained a lot more respect for Tom. She has always admired him, but never showed much respect until the cave scene. She played hard to get, and even insulted him. Sometimes, she found ways to criticize Tom to make herself look more prim and proper. It almost seemed like she was trying to deny the fact that she liked Tom back. For example, when Tom tells Becky that he is in love with her, she slaps him while filling up with joy. I think that in the cave, she finally admits to herself that she likes a boy.
ReplyDeleteShe remembers how Tom took a beating for her, and is immensely grateful when he helps her out of the cave. Becky even tells her father of Tom's "noble" deeds. I think Becky has always loved Tom in a playful way, but it just took her a while to realize it.
During Tom Sawyer I started to understand the complex friendships between Tom Sawyer and his buddies Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper. Twain does an great job of explaining the boys' emotions with a great deal of creative ideas. My favorite chapters are eleven through fourteen because this is when the adventure starts to happen. The boys really enjoy playing games that are pretty childish, but that is what kids did in this time. When the boys ran away is something almost everyone as a child thinks about at times, these three boys turned the plan into a reality. I thought that Tom, Joe and Huck have a boat load of courage risking their lives going out onto the wild with barley any food or water. These chapters really show true friendship between these three trouble makers.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Cam. Mark Twain did explain Tom, Huck and Joe's emotions a great deal. My favorite part of Tom Sawyer was when Tom and his friends didn't really think being pirates were difficult. But when they finally planned on being pirates, they liked the idea, but they felt guilty if they stole. Which I found ironic.
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ReplyDeleteAt the end of the novel, Becky Thatcher really shows that he has gained more respect and trust for Tom. Mark Twain shows this from when Becky and Tom are stuck in the cave and they are lost. When they are in the cave, Becky starts to think that they are trapped and will never get out of the cave alive. Tom starts to care for her and they are both worried as well. Tom starts to look in his pockets for food and finds a piece of cake. After the last candle, Becky starts to cry on him. This shows that she has more respect for Tom because before this happend, Becky did not like Tom as much as she did now. From reading this novel, I have seen the friendship change from good to bad.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the points you made in your writing, I agree with you that the major is when tom Tom and Becky wander off into the cave at the picnic. I really liked youre piece and thought the explanation of youre idea was well thought through and made a good point.
DeleteTom Sawyer experiences so much more in his childhood in St. Petersburg then most kids get nowadadays. In the book Tom gets to run off and swim with his friends and spend all of his time outdoors. One specific example of this is how Tom and his friends spent three days out on an island, I cant think of a time when i had spent over three days in the woods. Sadly, kids now adays dont go outside for an hour a day but spend lots of days on electronics. Tom Sawyer had a picturesque childhood while kids now dont usually get the same experiences that they should.
ReplyDeleteThe thing i liked most about the book Tom Sawyer was how the story took place in the south. What i mean by this is how Tom is always saying how he knows every single person in the small town, but if this took place in the north there mite be a lot more times when he has no idea who a person is and not know every single person indivisually. Also i think that it was cool reading English is an accent that i am not used to and you have too sound it out in your head to fully understand what the people are saying and what they mean.
ReplyDeleteIn Tom Sawyer I noticed the theme that Tom is always the hero. At the beginning of the book I saw that Tom always seemed to manipulate things and people in a way where he would come out on top. An example in the beginning of the book was the white washing. In the middle of the book I started to know that Tom would always not only be okay, but would be somehow admired for whatever was happening. This theme continued even through the end, and I saw it finally carried through when Tom escaped from the cave, and then came back for the treasure. Also, when Tom convinced Huck to go back and live with the widow. Tom's mini adventures all turned out well for him, even though many were very risky and dangerous.
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