The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures
of Tom Sawyer
Study Guide by Course Hero
ABOUT THE TITLE

What's Inside The title refers to the protagonist, Tom Sawyer, and his
boyhood adventures.
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1
d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1
d In Context
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 3
h Characters ................................................................................................... 5
Critical Reception
k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 8
Mark Twain was a successful writer and lecturer in his time,
c Chapter Summaries .............................................................................. 14 both in terms of acclaim and by financial measures, and The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer bolstered this success. While not
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 30
universally loved, the book received significant positive
l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 33 response for bridging the gap between children's literature and
adult fiction. The Daily Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio) wrote, "It is
m Themes ...................................................................................................... 34 the most notable work which Twain has yet written, and will
signally add to his reputation for a variety of powers." And the
e Suggested Reading .............................................................................. 35
Hartford Daily Times wrote, "It is safe to predict that no one will
read the first page without reading all the rest." Further, as was
the case with other Twain works, positive responses were not
j Book Basics
limited to the United States. A review in the London Daily Times
noted, "Practical people who pride themselves on strong
common sense will have no patience with such vulgar trifling.
AUTHOR But those who are alive to the pleasure of relaxing from
Mark Twain serious thought and grave occupation will catch themselves
smiling over every page and exploding outright over some of
YEAR PUBLISHED
the choicer passages."
1876
The novel is not held in as high regard by modern critics as its
GENRE
sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which participates
Adventure
in the sea-voyage literary tradition of the Odyssey and which
PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR openly addresses the oppression of enslaved people in the
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is narrated in the third person American South. However, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
from a limited-omniscient perspective. continues to receive significant attention from scholars and is
still one of Twain's most popularly read works. The Adventures
TENSE of Tom Sawyer stands not only as a canonical example of
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is told in the past tense. American literature, but also as a strong testament to the
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide In Context 2
ability of a children's novel to function as a literary work.

African Americans
Twain's home state of Missouri held a unique position in the
Boy Culture and Boy Books years leading up to the Civil War. The Missouri Compromise of
1820 set Missouri's southern border as the line establishing
What readers today imagine when thinking of childhood is very North and South; however, Missouri itself—a slave state—was
different from the experience of 19th-century boys. During the north of that line. Moreover, not many people in Missouri
1800s middle-class boys who reached the age where they actually had enslaved people, and those who did had few. In his
could leave the watchful care of their mothers were freed more autobiography Twain notes, "In my schoolboy days, I had no
and more from the work they would have been expected to do aversion to slavery. I was not aware that there was anything
in previous decades. The freedom to exist without constant wrong with it ... if the slaves themselves had an aversion to
watch led to the kind of rule testing that characterizes The slavery they were wise and said nothing. In Hannibal we
Adventures of Tom Sawyer. As evident in their smoking pipes, seldom saw a slave misused; on the farm, never."
following outlaws, witnessing murder, or taking a skiff without
consent, the main boy characters continually skirt the edges of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was published in 1876, after
morality and legality, learning what it means to be a man and to the Civil War (1861–65), but according to the book's preface,
act independently. At the same time, they run up against the the events of the novel take place 30 or 40 years before that.
limits of that independence; for instance, they have no way to Even though Twain set this book during the slavery era in a
overcome Injun Joe or his partners in a fight, so they must hide slave state that established the line between free and slave
what they've witnessed or rely on adults to solve their states, the topic of slavery is barely addressed. The lack of
problems. In less dangerous ways as well, the boyhood acts of reference to slavery is noteworthy. In contrast The Adventures
manipulation, roughhousing, and even games such as marbles of Huckleberry Finn deals almost entirely with questions of
were characteristic of the emerging culture of boyhood. slavery and race in a way few books at the time did.
Books such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer were influenced

not only by the change in what it meant to be a boy in the 19th Native Americans
century, but also by the other American boy books of the time.
Twain admitted that the novel was written to fit into this stream But questions of race are not altogether absent from The
of boyhood novels, noting, "I conceive that the right way to Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Twain's attitude toward Native
write a story for boys is to write it so that it will not only Americans is troubling. Some critics have argued that the lack
interest boys but will also strongly interest any man who has of enslaved people in the novel is indicative of the novel's lack
ever been a boy." These books often included gangs (groups of of racism. However, other critics have noted the racism
boys with a hierarchal structure), schoolboy crushes (in this inherent in Twain's portrayal of Native Americans through the
case, Becky Thatcher), bullies, physical illness (the fever), character of Injun Joe. He is described as a "half-breed" whose
parental mortality (Tom's parents are dead, as are Huck's), Indian blood is presented as the root of his evil nature and
"romance" reading (for Tom, Robin Hood), tests of courage, sadistic behavior. Though some of Twain's later works begin to
and a conclusion in which the character leaves for college or a show greater sympathy toward Native Americans, those works
career. Twain's novel has the traits that place it within this still express ambivalence about the place of aboriginal peoples
tradition of boy books. in modern society. While Twain's status as a beloved author
has often led to a flattering portrayal of his stance on racism,
readers cannot assume that he is a champion for equality.
Racial Controversies in Twain's

Novels Language
As was characteristic of the time, racial epithets appear in
Twain's works, including repeated uses of the words nigger
and injun. Almost from the beginning, this authorial choice has
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Author Biography 3
created controversy. Is Twain supporting racism? Is he calling Robinson's murder were an allusion to those events, a
attention to hypocrisy? Does he mean to employ situational statement on the dangers of dealing with criminals and stealing
irony? Is he combating racism? Twain famously said, "The bodies, or simply a nod to the Gothic tradition wherein spooky
difference between the almost right word and the right word is events in graveyards were a standard element, the scene at
really a large matter—it's the difference between the lightning the graveyard is rich with interpretive potential.
bug and the lightning." Some critics commend Twain's choice
to confront readers with the ugly truth of inherited racism and Twain also had personal exposure to human dissection. When
its effects on young characters such as Tom and Huck; others he was 12 years old, Twain's mother consented to allow a
argue that the terms should be replaced with slave and Indian physician to conduct an autopsy on his father after he died,
for modern readers. Regardless, Twain's texts, like all texts, and Twain saw his father's autopsy through the keyhole of a
should be read critically, discussed, and challenged to analyze door. The novel's focus on corpses (not only grave robbing but
the author's intended meaning and to assess ongoing also Tom's seeing the corpse of Injun Joe in the cave) seems
relevance. to reflect both the period's interest in dead bodies and Twain's
personal exposure at a young age.
The 19th-century interest in anatomy is also evident in the

Medicine book that Tom and Becky's teacher, Mr. Dobbins, keeps under
lock and key. That book is probably Calvin Cutter's A Treatise
Medical developments of the 19th century figure into The on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene (1855). According to Alan
Adventures of Tom Sawyer in several ways. For example, Perry Gribben, the author of Mark Twain's Library: A Reconstruction
Davis Pain-Killer, which Aunt Polly gives to Tom, was one of (1980), there is evidence Mark Twain owned an edition of the
many questionable medicines popular in the 1800s. Some of Cutter book. In the novel the description of the book Becky
these, such as Pain-Killer, were alcohol based; others, such as steals from Mr. Dobbins matches the description of the book
Shiloh's Cure for Consumption, were opiate based. These that researchers believe Twain owned: "The title-
patented medicines had little to no health value, but their page—Professor Somebody's Anatomy—carried no information
ingredients were secret. People wanted to believe that they to [Becky's] mind; so she began to turn the leaves. She came
were useful. Pain-Killer, which Tom feeds to the cat, included at once upon a handsomely engraved and colored
not only alcohol but also cayenne pepper. frontispiece—a human figure, stark naked." Mr. Dobbins's
possession of the book and his need to hide it demonstrate the
Also at this time the medical community was beginning to
same historical debate about the acceptability of studying
understand that knowledge of anatomy was crucial for
anatomy that leads to Dr. Robinson's robbing a grave. In both
surgeons, though the propriety of the study of anatomy was
cases the inquiry into the subject requires stealth.
still debated. The dissection of a cadaver was a part of a
surgeon's education, but corpses were difficult to come by,
and some surgeons-in-training resorted to questionable means
of getting them. The most notorious of such cases were the a Author Biography
murders in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Burke and Hare (1828).
Burke and Hare provided corpses for medical students. It was Samuel Langhorne Clemens—better known by his pen name
a lucrative business, and the availability of fresh graves was Mark Twain—was born in Florida, Missouri, on November 30,
limited, so the two men began murdering people to sell their 1835, and grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. Twain, who was the
bodies. sixth of seven children, moved with his family in 1839 to the
frontier town of Hannibal since it offered better financial
The increasing number of medical schools in the United
prospects for Twain's father, John Marshall Clemens. However,
States—in 1800 there were four medical schools, and in 1876
during and after his early childhood, Twain spent many
there were 77—created a similar shortage, and the murder in
summers at his uncle John Quarles's farm in Florida. The
the graveyard in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is likely a
farmhouse, which had as many as 30 enslaved people on its
result of the doctor trying to steal a body. Twain, like most
premises, was a rural paradise for Twain; he would later use
educated people, would have been aware of the Burke and
these experiences, including the friendships he developed with
Hare case. Whether or not the grave robbing and Dr.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Author Biography 4
enslaved people, in his most important books. letters he had published in newspapers during his five-month
voyage on the Quaker City.
As a young boy Twain was sickly and was cared for by his
mother, Jane Lampton Clemens. She was a fun-loving, In 1870 Twain married Olivia Langdon and settled in Buffalo,
tenderhearted woman whose love of storytelling later inspired New York. Two years later he commissioned the construction
her son to write. Unlike his wife, John was a serious person of a mansion in Hartford, Connecticut, where he resided until
who felt great stress over the family's financial situation. He 1891.
was, however, a dreamer and believed one day he would be
wealthy. When John died in 1847, the family became destitute, During the 1870s Twain continued to write and give lectures
and Twain's boyhood was over. across the country. Over the next 20 years Twain wrote some
of his most famous books during summers spent at Quarry
At age 13 Twain left school to become a printer's apprentice Farm, located in Elmira, New York. The farm belonged to
for a local newspaper owned by his brother Orion. Twain Olivia's sister following the death of Twain's father-in-law,
began to contribute some sketches and articles despite Jervis Langdon. Twain published another travel book, Roughing
friction with his older brother. When Twain turned 17 he left It (1872), before turning to novels.
Hannibal and went to several large cities, including Philadelphia
and New York. He continued to work for newspapers, Twain's works were often sold by subscription via door-to-door
operating as a printer in Cincinnati, Ohio, and writing a series sales agents, guaranteeing an audience and a healthy profit
of letters under the pen name "Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass." before a book was even published. His best known works were
those inspired by his boyhood along the Mississippi: The
In 1857 another travel plan—this time to South America—was Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures of
abandoned for an opportunity to learn to pilot a steamboat on Huckleberry Finn (1884). He followed those successes with
the Mississippi River. He became a licensed pilot in 1859. He many more books, including the biting satirical work A
loved the job, and it impacted his writing greatly, inspiring many Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and the
articles later published in The Atlantic Monthly and key books antislavery novel The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894). He
such as Life on the Mississippi (1883) and The Adventures of continued to tour the country and abroad, having become
Huckleberry Finn (1884). In 1863 Twain wrote his first piece famous not only as a writer but as an entertaining lecturer.
under the pseudonym "Mark Twain." There are a number of
stories—some potentially untrue—about the origin of Twain's For all of his writing accomplishments, however, Twain was not
most famous pen name, including his own claim that he stole a wise businessman. In his later years, he suffered financial
the name from a senior riverboat captain who used to sign his difficulties, which ultimately led him to declare bankruptcy and
bland descriptions of the Mississippi River under the name to sell his Hartford home. Henry Huttleston Rogers of the
"Mark Twain." However, it is most likely that Twain adopted the Standard Oil Company took over managing Twain's finances in
name from a steamboat slang term meaning 12 feet of water. 1893 and got him back onto solid ground. When Twain
returned to the United States in 1900, he made good on his
When the Civil War put an end to commercial steamboat debts and attained increased public acclaim as a result.
traffic, Twain made his way out west and worked for a number
of newspapers. During this time in the West, Twain met the Twain suffered personal tragedies as well during the 1890s
influential author Bret Harte. He also first found publishing and early 1900s, losing first one of his daughters and then his
success in 1865 with a short story called "Jim Smiley and His wife. The tone of his writings shifted toward bitterness, though
Jumping Frog," which was printed in newspapers across the he retained his sense of humor, as witnessed in The Man That
country. The story would eventually appear in Twain's first Corrupted Hadleyburg, and Other Stories and Essays (1900), as
published book, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras well as the posthumous Mark Twain's Mysterious Stranger
County, and Other Sketches (1867). His first of many travel Manuscripts (1969). His bitterness also comes through in his
books, The Innocents Abroad, was published in 1869 and autobiography, which he began to dictate in 1906. (Twain
detailed his trip to Europe and the Holy Land on the steamship published his autobiography in parts in 1906–07, but a
Quaker City. The book was a major success, though the complete three-volume edition was published between 2010
foundation for his fame had already been laid by the many and 2015.) Twain died on April 21, 1910.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Characters 5
h Characters Becky Thatcher

Becky alternates between rejecting Tom's advances and
wanting his attention. She is in many ways the right match for
Tom Sawyer him. She sees through his manipulations but—like Aunt
Polly—continues to be fond of him. Moreover, Becky is willing
Tom Sawyer is a young man living in St. Petersburg, Missouri, to break the rules. She steals an anatomy book from Mr.
with his aunt Polly and half-brother Sid. His regular activities Dobbins, and she's willing to go on an adventure in the cave
include testing the rules and seeking adventure with his with Tom. That said, Becky is also quick to cry and allow Tom
friends. Tom is clever, easily able to manipulate his peers and to solve her problems. This is true both with the punishment for
his aunt. His brother and his teacher, Mr. Dobbins, both see the book's theft and when they are stranded in the cave.
through his ruses. His aunt does, too, but she wants to believe
the best of him. Becky Thatcher, his love interest, also wants to
believe him. He is at heart a good boy and ultimately chooses
to do the right thing on major issues (confessing that he is alive
Joe Harper
and revealing the murderer), but in day-to-day matters Tom is
Joe Harper is one of Tom's closest friends. He is a regular
less strict with his adherence to right and wrong.
companion on Tom's adventures and happily engages in make-
believe games of pirates or Robin Hood. However, Joe was not
a witness to the murder in the graveyard, so he is at times
Huck Finn seemingly less involved in Tom's life. He does run away with
Tom and Huck. Joe has an intact family, as opposed to Huck
Huckleberry Finn (Huck) is in many ways a less "civilized" and Tom. This may account for the apparent distance between
version of Tom. His father is a drunkard, and so Huck has been the characters. Joe has more rules he must follow because of
left to his own devices and is essentially raising himself. He's his more conventional household and upbringing.
kind to enslaved people and willing to risk himself to do the
right thing. He's also eager to avoid the trouble that comes
from doing so. He asks the Welchman not to reveal his
involvement in protecting the Widow Douglas, and he does not
Injun Joe
come forward to testify for Muff Potter. Huck does not seek a
Injun Joe is a stereotypical representation of a Native
proper home or nice clothes (casting them off when he's made
American. He's a man bent on revenge in more than one
to wear them at the novel's conclusion). His pursuit of treasure
situation. He strikes down the doctor, murdering him for a
with Tom seems no different from any of the other games they
slight in the past. His intent to attack the widow is also based
play. In the end, he'd rather throw away the money than accept
on his anger about a past transgression (in this case
the social rules and limits that it brings to his life.
committed by her now-deceased husband). Injun Joe lies in
order to have Muff Potter take the blame for the murder he
commits. He steals. He is, to the boys, the worst of threats. The
Aunt Polly novel does not give us reason to doubt their assessment. Injun
Joe has a cache of treasure and weapons, a result of past
The two traits that most often characterize Aunt Polly are her crimes. It is this treasure that Tom and Huck eventually claim
kind heart and her gullibility. She cites religion in disciplining as their own. Despite all of his crimes, Injun Joe's death is an
Tom, and even as she criticizes him she indulges him. She is accident. He is locked in the cave and starves to death while
eager to see the best in him. Tom is recovering from his ordeal. Joe's death is necessary for
the boys' safety, but they are not actively responsible for it.

Character Map
Huck Finn
Boy with great freedom
from social norms;
seeking adventure
Witness to
act of murder
Friends
Joe Harper
Boy with traditional Injun Joe
childhood and family; Vengeful criminal
seeking adventure Friends
Witness to
Tom Sawyer act of murder
Boy seeking adventure
Love interest
Aunt
Becky Thatcher Aunt Polly

Girl seeking love Kind and gullible woman
Main Character
Other Major Character
Minor Character

Full Character List Amy

A schoolmate of Tom and Becky's, Amy
is the girl Tom uses to make Becky
Lawrence jealous. Amy is eager for Tom's
approval.
Character Description
Mary is Tom's cousin; she's affectionate

Tom Sawyer is an orphan who lives with
toward him despite his trouble with
his aunt Polly. He has a penchant for Mary
Tom Sawyer following rules. She bribes him to get
trouble, although he ultimately has a
him to memorize his verses.
good heart.
Muff Potter is a drunk who is misled into

Huck Finn is one of Tom's closest
believing he is a murderer. His
Huck Finn friends. His father is a drunk, and Huck Muff Potter
imprisonment and trial lead Tom to
is without adult guidance.
reveal what he saw in the graveyard.
Aunt Polly is a kindhearted and trusting

Like a lot of physicians at the time, Dr.
Aunt Polly woman. She is raising Tom and Sid to
Robinson needs a corpse to study
the best of her abilities.
Dr. Robinson anatomy and so plans to rob a grave. He
is murdered by Injun Joe during the
Becky is a new girl at school and the body snatching.
object of Tom's affection from the first
Becky
time he sees her. She is often
Thatcher Ben is a friend of Tom's who is duped
characterized as crying, walking away, Ben Rogers
into whitewashing the fence.
or rejecting Tom.
Sid (Sidney) is Tom's half-brother, who

Joe Harper is the third member of
also lives with Aunt Polly. He's keen on
Tom's gang. He is one of Tom's closest Sid
Joe Harper getting Tom into trouble, and he
friends and runs away with him and
regularly sees through Tom's lies.
Huck.
Reverend Reverend Sprague is the minister at the

Injun Joe is a criminal with a temper.
Sprague church.
Early on Tom and Huck see him
Injun Joe committing murder, and their fear of him
is a significant driver of the novel's Alfred is a classmate of Tom and
action. Alfred Becky's. Becky spends time looking at a
Temple picture book with him to make Tom
jealous.
Mr. Dobbins is the schoolteacher. As
Mr. Dobbins was typical for teachers at this time, he
is free with physical punishment. Judge Thatcher is Becky's father, and at
Judge
the end of the book he helps manage
Thatcher
Tom's money and plan for his future.
Widow Douglas is a target of Injun Joe
because her late husband embarrassed
Widow
him by having him horsewhipped. At the Mrs. Thatcher Mrs. Thatcher is Becky's mother.
Douglas
end of the story she becomes Huck's
guardian.
Mr. Walters is the Sunday school
Mr. Walters superintendent (in charge of the Sunday
Mrs. Harper Mrs. Harper (Sereny) is Joe's mother. school) and very officious.
Jim Jim is Aunt Polly's young slave. Mr. Jones, the Welchman (sometimes
spelled Welshman depending on the
The book's edition), answers Huck's knock
Welchman when he seeks help for Widow Douglas.
At Huck's word he goes to protect the
widow.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Plot Summary 8
Later that night Tom slips out of his house to meet Huck Finn
k Plot Summary as planned. This adventure in the graveyard is the primary
driver of the action for the rest of the book. As the boys go to
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer takes place in the mid-1800s in the graveyard, they witness what they first imagine to be
a town along the Mississippi River. (Readers can deduce that it something supernatural. From their hiding place, however, Tom
is sometime between 1836 and 1846 because of a note in the and Huck see Muff Potter (the town drunk), Injun Joe (a known
preface from 1876 stating that it was "thirty or forty years criminal), and Dr. Robinson. The boys watch as the grave
ago.") The main character, Tom Sawyer, and his younger half- robbers dig up a corpse and put it in a wheelbarrow. Injun Joe
brother, Sidney, live with their aunt Polly in St. Petersburg, reminds the doctor that he'd turned him away and that Dr.
Missouri. Robinson's father "had [him] jailed for a vagrant." A scuffle
ensues. When Muff Potter falls to the ground, Injun Joe stabs
At the novel's opening Tom is in trouble for breaking the rules: the doctor. Tom and Huck flee. Joe puts the knife in Potter's
pilfering jam, lying to his aunt, and sneaking out. Aunt Polly's hand. In his drunken state, Muff Potter believes that he is the
response to Tom's actions flits between sorrow, laughter, killer. Injun Joe suggests that Potter flee, saying, "Don't leave
prayer, and punishment. Tom's rule-breaking behavior will any tracks behind you."
continue for the entire novel, as will responses of alternating
anger and concern from the female figures in his life. Not all of Tom and Huck weigh the possibilities, not knowing if the
his misadventures are equal, but the first instance of doctor is dead or that Muff Potter believes he's the killer. They
punishment stands out because it shows not only his agree that they will not tell anyone because they'd be in danger
character, but also his relationship with his peers. When Tom is if they did. Tom writes up a contract, and they sign it in blood.
sentenced by Aunt Polly to whitewash the fence, he manages However, Muff Potter does not flee. Instead he's caught and
to convince other boys to do the work as well as to pay him to imprisoned for a murder that only Tom, Huck, and Injun Joe
do so. Of course Tom lets Aunt Polly believe that he has done know he didn't commit. Injun Joe swears under oath that Potter
the work himself and collects another treat from her before murdered the doctor. Tom and Huck remain silent.
going out. While out, Tom sees Becky Thatcher for the first
All three narrative threads intersect at this point: Tom eases
time. He's smitten. His relationship with and pursuit of Becky
his guilt by giving Potter gifts through the jail window, his mood
drive a significant portion of the book.
further declines because Becky is sick and not in school, and
In addition to Tom's boyish troubles with Aunt Polly and his Aunt Polly is worried about him because of his mood. She
pursuit of Becky, the novel develops a third narrative thread: administers a series of suspect treatments until Tom is caught
his more complicated adventures with Huckleberry Finn, which giving his so-called medicine to the cat. At that point Aunt Polly
begin when Tom makes plans to go to the graveyard with realizes that she may have been wrong. She tells him she
Huck. These three threads are entwined throughout the novel meant well and points out that it did help.
and together drive the narrative action.
Becky returns to school, but Tom is once more rejected by her.
At school, after being punished for tardiness, Tom meets He speaks to Joe Harper, and the boys decide to "stand
Becky face-to-face. After some mild flirting Tom and Becky together." They run away to a little island in the Mississippi
make plans to meet. They speak further at the noon break, and River and invite Huck to join them. The three boys play at being
both of them are happy—so much so that Tom suggests they pirates and swimming in the river, returning for their funerals
get engaged and kiss. Becky is receptive until Tom slips and when they discover the town thinks they've drowned. They are
mentions his last love interest, Amy Lawrence. At this point greeted with rejoicing. Afterward Tom reveals in detail what he
Becky cries and turns away, even when Tom offers her a had witnessed while spying on Aunt Polly and Mrs. Harper
gift—an andiron knob. She knocks it to the floor, and Tom when he came back briefly during their island escapade.
leaves. Once he leaves he decides to become a pirate, However, he lets Aunt Polly think he had seen all of it in a
commencing typical boyhood adventures—exploring dream. Sid sees through him, but Aunt Polly believes Tom.
superstitions and imagining himself an outlaw in Sherwood
When Aunt Polly realizes that he's lied to her about his dream,
Forest with his friend, Joe Harper.
Tom reveals that he kissed her in her sleep and left a note. She

doubts him until she finds the note he had left her. When Tom horsewhipped. Huck runs to her neighbor the Welchman's
departs for school the next morning, he decides to try to make house, reveals that the Widow Douglas is in danger, and begs
peace with Becky. She, however, rejects him yet again. that he not be named as the one who told. The Welchman and
his sons go to investigate the threat.
Tom's situation with Becky improves as a result of Becky's
misdeeds. Their teacher, Mr. Dobbins, makes the mistake of The next day Mr. Jones (the Welchman) tells Huck that the
leaving unattended the key for his locked desk drawer, and criminals escaped but that the Widow Douglas is safe. In
Becky cannot resist temptation. She opens the desk and steals speaking to him Huck accidentally reveals that the old
a book. She discovers a picture of a naked person in the book. Spaniard is Injun Joe. The Welchman offers Huck food and
Tom walks in on her reading, and she tears the page in her rest, which he accepts. He's still there when visitors begin to
hurry to close the book. Once more Becky is upset with Tom. arrive. He hides and overhears a conversation in which Aunt
In tears, worrying over getting punished, Becky leaves. Tom is Polly and Mrs. Thatcher realize that both Tom and Becky are
baffled. He is used to being "licked" at school and thinks Becky missing. Huck falls ill with a fever, and Widow Douglas
is overreacting. Once Mr. Dobbins discovers the state of his volunteers to look after him.
book, he begins searching for the culprit. As the tension grows,
Tom jumps up and confesses. Becky is, predictably, moved by Meanwhile Tom and Becky are lost in the cave for several
his actions. days. They despair of finding a way out, although Tom remains
upbeat for Becky. At one point they hear rescuers, but their
The time comes for the trial of Muff Potter. Huck and Tom answering cries are not heard. Tom uses kite string to navigate
discuss the situation, wishing they could "get him out." Once as he searches for a way out. When he finds someone,
the prosecution rests, the defense calls their surprise witness: however, it's Injun Joe. He hides his discovery from Becky.
Tom Sawyer. Tom reveals what really happened, although the Eventually Tom finds a way out, and after he goes back for
lawyer stops him before he can say Huck's name. As Tom Becky and convinces her to come with him, they push their
speaks, Injun Joe leaps up and flees. way out of the cave. They're rescued and returned to their
village, whereupon they take to their beds to recover.
Following the trial, Tom returns to his boyish antics when he is
struck by the urge to search for treasure. With Huck he begins Two weeks pass, during which time the judge has had the cave
his search. But while exploring a "haunted house," the boys gated shut. When Tom discovers this he tells the judge that he
discover that the fugitive Injun Joe is hiding in plain sight as an had seen Injun Joe inside McDougal's cave. A group of men
"old deaf and dumb Spaniard." The boys stay hidden as Injun accompanies Tom to the cave, where they find the body of
Joe and his accomplice discuss the money they have stolen Injun Joe.
and find another stash of money. Money is not enough,
however: Injun Joe's companion suggests that an upcoming job After Injun Joe's funeral, Tom and Huck set out to get the
can be dropped now, but Injun Joe says that it cannot because treasure from the cave. As they go they plan their "gang." A
it's about revenge. The boys escape detection, and the two brief worry about Injun Joe's ghost makes them stumble, but
men leave, taking their treasure with them. they decide that the presence of a cross keeps ghosts away.
Along with the treasure they find weapons and other goods.
For several days Tom and Huck attempt to find out where Injun They leave these behind.
Joe and his treasure are, and eventually they decide to
investigate a room in Temperance Tavern. When the boys get When they return they run into the Welchman, who directs
their opportunity, Tom tries the door while Huck stands watch. them to a party at Widow Douglas's house, where the widow
Inside the room, Injun Joe is passed out on the floor, but the announces that she is going to give Huck a home and take
treasure is not there. care of him. Tom reveals that "Huck's got money." He pours the
treasure out before the assembled group. All told the coins
On Friday Becky's mother agrees to a promised picnic. Tom come to around $12,000 (the equivalent of over $300,000 in
and Becky depart for McDougal's cave. At the same time, Huck the early 21st century).
continues his watch over the tavern. In the process he hears
Injun Joe and his companion discuss doing extreme harm to The novel concludes with the villagers seeking treasure
Widow Douglas because her late husband had Joe themselves, Huck being taken in by the widow, and Tom's

money and future being looked after by Judge Thatcher. Huck

is ready to throw it all away, as the constraints of civility are
uncomfortable to him. When after three weeks Huck runs
away, Tom convinces him to try his new life a little bit longer by
returning to their talk of being a gang of robbers.

Plot Diagram
Climax
7
10 Falling Action
Rising Action
6
11
5
4 12
3 Resolution
2
1
Introduction
Introduction Climax
1. Tom makes plans with Huck to go to the graveyard. 9. Tom and Becky get lost in the cave where Injun Joe is.
Rising Action Falling Action
2. Tom and Huck witness the murder of Dr. Robinson. 10. Tom and Becky get rescued.
3. Tom, Huck, and Joe run away to an island in the Mississippi. 11. Injun Joe is trapped in the cave and dies.
4. Tom, Huck, and Joe return to their own funeral.
5. Tom testifies against Injun Joe, who flees.

Resolution
6. Tom and Huck decide to search for treasure.
12. Tom and Huck find and reveal the treasure.
7. Tom and Huck discover the Spaniard is Injun Joe.
8. Huck sees Injun Joe at the widow's and tells the Welchman.

Timeline of Events
Mid-1800s, a Saturday
Tom must whitewash the fence.
The same Saturday
Tom first sees Becky.
The next Monday
Tom and Huck see the murder of Dr. Robinson.
A few days later
Becky is ill, and Tom grows despondent.
A few days later
Becky rejects Tom.
The same day
Tom, Huck, and Joe Harper run away.
The next Sunday
Tom, Huck, and Joe return.
The next Tuesday
Tom takes Becky's punishment for ripping the anatomy

book.
Several weeks later
Tom testifies against Injun Joe.
Several weeks later
Tom and Huck search for treasure.
The next day
Tom and Huck discover the Spaniard is Injun Joe.
The following night
Tom and Huck watch for Injun Joe to find his treasure.

The next Saturday
Huck sees Injun Joe at Widow Douglas's house and

warns the Welchman.
The same day
Tom and Becky get lost in the cave where Injun Joe is.
Sunday
Huck is sick with a fever.
The next Tuesday
Tom and Becky get rescued.
Two weeks later
Tom discovers Injun Joe dead in the cave.
The day after the funeral
Tom and Huck find the treasure.
That night
Tom and Huck reveal the treasure.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Chapter Summaries 14
c Chapter Summaries Analysis

St. Petersburg, Missouri, is closely influenced by Twain's
childhood home of Hannibal, Missouri. The town was situated
Preface along the Mississippi River, and the experiences that Twain
had there in his own life appear in the text in fictional ways. As
revealed in both Twain's letters and the autobiography he
Summary dictated in the first decade of the 1900s, people and events in
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer were drawn directly from
Twain's preface tells readers there are autobiographical Twain's childhood in Missouri. While The Adventures of Tom
sources to the events in the novel. It also alerts them to when it Sawyer is not truly autobiographical, Twain used his
is set and notes that the book is intended for children and experiences to create both this novel and another of his
adults alike. He makes a point to say that the two boys who are novels, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
at the center of the story are not based on singular individuals.
Twain revealed that his brother Henry was the basis of Sid in
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and the event with the thread
color of Tom's collar was drawn from Twain's life. He makes a
Analysis
point to tell readers that "Henry was a very much finer and
better boy than Sid ever was." Tom's antics in this opening
This brief entry dates the story. Twain wrote the preface in
chapter give readers a sense of his cleverness and
1876, and his statement that the events are set "thirty or forty"
troublemaking tendencies and of Aunt Polly's affection and
years prior sets the story's time as sometime between 1836
ineffectual concern for him.
and 1846. It validates the use of so many autobiographical
notes in a way that is not common in literature; Twain invites
comparison to his own life's events as sources.
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
Summary
Saturday comes and, with it, Tom's punishment. His task is to
Summary
whitewash the fence. It's a glorious day. Blossoms and
brightness abound, but Tom is sad. He starts to work, sighing
Tom Sawyer lives with his Aunt Polly and half-brother, Sidney,
and weary. He perks up when he sees Jim, Aunt Polly's slave,
in the town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. In the novel's opening
who is skipping and singing as he heads to fetch water. Tom
scene, Tom's aunt finds him hiding in a closet with jam on his
offers to get water in exchange for Jim doing some of the
face, proof that he's broken a rule. She worries that she isn't
whitewashing, but Jim refuses by explaining that he was told
doing "her duty by him" and notes that he's "full of the Old
not to fool around and that Aunt Polly warned him that Tom
Scratch" (the devil), but she also admits that his antics amuse
would ask him to whitewash the fence, and he was not to do it.
her.
However, Jim is tempted at seeing Tom's injured toe. Tom's
Tom plays hooky and goes swimming, but he covers up his ruse doesn't work though, and Aunt Polly catches them and
actions by resewing his shirt collar, which he would have had to chases Jim away.
detach to remove the shirt. It seems as if he'll get away with it
But Tom does manage to make his friends help him whitewash
until his brother points out that the thread color is wrong. After
the fence. He convinces Ben Rogers that whitewashing the
noting that he's going to get his revenge on Sid, Tom goes out
fence is fun. He protests when Ben offers, explaining that Aunt
and ends up in a quarrel with another boy. Tom wins his fight,
Polly wouldn't let Jim help. In a matter of minutes, Ben is paying
sneaks back into his house, and is caught by Aunt Polly. His
to do Tom's work, trading him a half-eaten apple for the
punishment is to spend his Saturday working for her.

privilege. He's followed by Billy Fisher (for a kite), Johnny Miller her knuckle raps for stealing sugar do not lessen his
(for a dead rat), and so on. By the end of the day, he's collected happiness. Sid is not punished for the same crime.
a pile of treasures, and the boys have completed his work.
Once Aunt Polly is no longer in the room, Sid again steals
sugar, but this time he breaks the bowl. Aunt Polly assumes
Analysis Tom is guilty and strikes him for it. When he points out that he's
innocent, she pauses for a moment before asserting that he
Tom is exceedingly clever. He is able to convince Ben and was surely guilty of something else she didn't know.
several other boys that it's not work to whitewash the fence.
There is some truth to this since enjoying a thing makes it less
of a chore and more of a pleasure. But Tom, who is clearly not Analysis
enjoying painting the fence, uses deception and bandwagon
persuasion to convince the boys to do his work. It is important As with the incident with the shirt collar in Chapter 1, both the
to note that Tom does not appear to view any allegiance as clodding and the sugar-stealing are also drawn from Twain's
sacred; he is as happy to deceive his friends as he is his family. own life. Twain wrote, "Henry never stole sugar. He took it
openly from the bowl. His mother knew he wouldn't take sugar
Tom's cleverness is something Aunt Polly and Jim both expect when she wasn't looking, but she had her doubts about me.
and are prepared to guard against. This would indicate that his Not her doubts, either. She knew very well that I would." Twain
friends should also be aware that Tom is capable of such goes on to explain that on the day when Henry broke the sugar
manipulation. However, not only are they eager to believe that bowl, he waited and "allowed the silence to work." However,
the opportunity to whitewash is fun, but they all pay for the instead of having a chance to say that Henry was to blame,
right to do so. This chapter reveals a level of intelligence and Twain's silence was greeted by his mother striking him. When
ingenuity that will serve Tom well in the novel. Tom has he pointed out his innocence, his mother—like Aunt Polly in the
precisely the right traits to set himself up for an interesting novel—noted, "It isn't any matter. You deserve for something
adventure. you've done that I didn't know about; and if you haven't done it,
why then you deserve for something that you're going to do."
Chapter 3 Aunt Polly is presented as someone who is susceptible to

deception but also shrewd when it comes to Tom's behavior,
as Becky is later in the novel. She is aware that Tom lies and
regularly makes choices that lead to trouble, but she also
Summary continues to trust in his goodness.
Tom reports to Aunt Polly to let her know the chore is done.
Not surprisingly, she doubts him. When she sees that the work
is completed, she praises Tom and rewards him with an apple
Chapter 4
and an "improving lecture" and quote from the Bible. Tom also
steals a doughnut on the way out and throws a clod of dirt at
Sid in revenge for pointing out the thread to Aunt Polly. Summary
In good spirits, Tom heads to the public square to meet his The next day, Sunday, Tom is to prepare the verses he was
friends for a game of war. He and his friend Joe Harper each meant to have memorized. He hasn't done so, unlike Sid. After
lead one "army." After their game Tom leaves and sees Becky trying to quickly memorize them, Tom attempts to recite them
Thatcher for the first time in the garden of a school friend. to his cousin Mary. She encourages him by way of bribery,
Becky is Tom's love interest from this moment forward, and he promising him a prize if he succeeds. He does so and is
tries to impress her by performing a series of gymnastic rewarded with a Barlow knife (a pocketknife). Shortly
maneuvers while ignoring her. She tosses a pansy to him thereafter she convinces him to wash and tidy himself. Mary
before going inside. Tom is in such a good mood when he takes over and brushes his hair and convinces him to put on
returns home that Aunt Polly's lecture for "clodding" Sid and nicer clothes and even to wear shoes.

Tom goes to sabbath-school with Mary and Sid. Along the way, the village, for example, and the "Model Boy" who takes
he proceeds to buy tickets from his classmates. These tickets "heedful care of his mother as if she were cut glass"). The
are the result of successful recitation of verses, and with minister's sermon ("when the lion and the lamb should lie down
enough tickets, a student earns a prize. together and a little child should lead them") catches Tom's
interest but only in the sense that he wishes he could be the
The superintendent, Mr. Walters, appears and makes a speech. child to lead a lion.
Present also are three guests, including Judge Thatcher. Mr.
Walters and the teachers and students show off for the Tom's interest shifts to a beetle, a so-called "pinch-bug." Along
guests, and Mr. Walters wishes that he had a student with with other congregants, Tom watches the beetle, especially
enough tickets to claim a prize. Then, shockingly, Tom goes when a poodle wanders in and studies the beetle. By the end
forward with enough tickets to claim a prize. Those who know of the sermon the poodle sits on the beetle, which pinches him,
Tom are suspicious, but he still receives the prize. and the entire church is "red-faced and suffocating with
suppressed laughter."
Tom, for his part, is lost for words. The judge is Becky's father.
Tom stutters at saying his own name. Then the judge asks Tom
a question that he should be able to answer—the names of the Analysis
first two disciples—but he obviously has no idea. Instead, he
answers, "David and Goliath!" The novel has both action-driven chapters that advance the
plot and chapters such as this one that provide character and
comic sketches. This chapter highlights many members of the
Analysis village we do not see regularly. As is common in Southern
literature (as with William Faulkner, who set several novels in
As with several of the earlier incidents, Tom's ingenuity is again the fictional Yoknapatawpha County), the world of the novel is
on display. He could work to earn the prize in the way the other larger than the cast of characters. Twain's descriptions here
students have done, but his plan is more complicated. He show us vibrant character types whose presence hints at their
wants the prize, so he purchases the tickets from the children own stories: a beautiful girl with numerous men trying to catch
who have earned them by reciting their verses. her attention, the "Model Boy" with his mother.
Twain makes sure the reader knows Tom is able to complete Also, a glimpse of the characters in the church makes clear
the task. When Mary offers him a reward for recitation, he is that the main characters of the story are not the focus of the
able to memorize and repeat the verses. However, he has village. An entire community beyond the main characters exists
chosen not to do so. The prize she offers (a knife) provides in St. Petersburg. The orphan and his aunt, the son of a drunk,
incentive. The prize offered at the school (the tickets) does and the newcomers are not the center of the community.
not. Tom's interest is in winning the bigger, more coveted prize, Twain doesn't suggest that Tom and Aunt Polly, Huck Finn, and
and he does so by gaming the system. Tom is always thinking, the Thatchers are outsiders, but they are not prominent
always planning, and in this case that plan results in both a members of the community. Tom is not interacting with the
prize and embarrassment. villagers seen in the church, either in this scene or the previous
scenes. Neither is Huck. The characters the reader has met
thus far in the novel live in the village, but Twain points out to
Chapter 5 the reader here that village life is much larger than them.
Summary Chapter 6
While at church, Tom spends his time watching the
congregants rather than paying attention to the service.
Through his observations, the reader gets a glimpse of
villagers who do not figure otherwise into the story (the belle of

hand to help her. He then says they ought to get engaged. He

Summary explains that she has to tell him she loves him, which she does,
and then says, "It's all over but the kiss."
The following morning finds Tom in low spirits. He alarms his
aunt by telling her that his toe is "mortified" (severely infected). Unfortunately for Tom, he slips and reveals that Becky is not
She discovers that this is untrue, but in the conversation, Tom the first girl to whom he has been engaged. He offers her a
slips and reveals his sore tooth. Rather than let him stay home gift—an andiron knob, a metal hearth support for firewood—but
from school, she pulls his tooth. she knocks it to the floor. In response Tom walks out. When
she calls him back he's already gone.
On the way to school, Tom meets Huck Finn. They discuss a
wart cure that involves taking a dead cat to a graveyard, and
they plan to go to the graveyard that night to try it. The devils
are expected to come for the recently deceased Hoss
Analysis
Williams, according to Huck.
Becky's rejection comes because of Tom's unplanned
Tom trades his tooth to Huck for a tick and goes on to school, admission. As with Aunt Polly, Becky sees his affection and
where he is in trouble for tardiness. After Mr. Dobbins strikes cares for him in return; however, his lies upset her. Becky is not
him, Tom is sent to sit with the girls. This, however, ends up as trusting as his friends. Jim, Aunt Polly, Sid, and Becky have
being a reward, as Tom begins to talk to Becky Thatcher. all seen the truth behind Tom's words, but his friends and
Becky is impressed by Tom's drawings, and after some classmates are more easily duped by Tom's stories.
flirtation he writes "I love you" to Becky.

The andiron knob (the decorative top on the metal frame that
holds logs in a fireplace) Tom offers Becky is symbolic of the
truth of his affections. Offering a physical token of intent along
Analysis with an engagement is traditional; rings were used as early as
the 15th century. While this is neither a ring nor an offer to her
One of the traits of the 19th-century "boy book" is the love
father, the andiron knob is—to Tom, who loves to collect odd
interest. Becky Thatcher provides the required schoolboy
objects—a sign of his regard for Becky. Her rejection of it is a
crush that is a mainstay of the genre. Becky is drawn to Tom
rejection of him, and his departure is not surprising in that
not because of his antics or his manipulation but because of
context.
his drawing.
Also evident in this chapter is the prevalence of superstitious

narratives among the boys. Readers have already seen Tom's Chapter 8
interest in stories through play (acting out armies in the center
of town with Joe Harper in Chapter 3) and in the narrative
aspect of the minister's sermon. Here readers see his interest Summary
in Huck's tales about the presence of devils in the graveyard
and about ways to remove warts with a dead cat. Tom doesn't return to school after the noon break. Instead he
goes into the woods, where he is faced with another
disappointment. His trick of burying a marble to draw out all of
Chapter 7 the ones he's lost (a superstition among Tom and his friends)
has been a failure. Upon consulting with a "doodle-bug" who
offers no answer, Tom suspects a witch. He throws a marble,
Summary looking for its match (another superstition). This, too, is
unsuccessful. Two more tries follow, and the final one is
Tom spends the morning in school toying with the tick and successful at finding the missing marble.
waiting for noon. At noon break, he is again able to talk to
Not long after, Joe Harper arrives, and the boys play Robin
Becky. As promised, he shows her how to draw, holding her
Hood.

Analysis Analysis
Here again readers see a reliance upon superstitions. This As with Sid and Aunt Polly, other characters in the novel are
builds upon Tom's belief that a dead cat can be part of a cure also drawn from Twain's life. Muff Potter was influenced by a
for warts and that devils appear in the graveyard. Whereas "drunken tramp" who died "burned up in the village jail,"
Aunt Polly refers to the Bible, Tom and Huck are more likely to according to Twain, and Injun Joe was based on a real person
use superstitious beliefs as a guide, and they seem largely as well. The figure who threatens Tom in The Adventures of
immune to the Christian beliefs constantly preached by their Tom Sawyer also stood larger than life in Twain's real-life
elders. recollections. In the novel he is not presented as having any
redeeming traits, and this chapter gives readers a first glimpse
Tom also consults Robin Hood here and elsewhere in the novel at his violence and vengefulness.
as a source of authority. At this point in life Tom is an orphan
being raised by his aunt; he lacks a father figure and gets many Significantly, the issue of grave robbing was a major concern
of his ideas about the world from reading and other fanciful during the 1800s (both in America and in Scotland). Surgeons
sources. In any case the reader sees in this chapter that Tom required bodies for medical school, but there weren't enough
is studying the actions of the characters in the Robin Hood available. A lack of bodies to use for dissection meant the
story. His playacting here and his playing army with Joe and understanding of anatomy was limited. On both sides of the
the boys at the onset of the novel both involve taking on the Atlantic, this shortage resulted in grave robbing (as well as
role of men trying to overcome great odds. His playacting also innovations to prevent grave robbing in some places). In
connects the novel to the larger genre of boy books. Scotland this resulted in the infamous case of Burke and Hare,
who murdered people in order to provide bodies.
Chapter 9 Aside from the issue of body supply, the ethics of human
dissection was highly debated. One side emphasized the
sanctity of the body. The other side focused on the practical
side of the issue: knowledge gained would enable better
Summary treatment of the living. Regardless of one's stance on
dissections, stealing bodies and selling them was illegal.
Tom and Sid go to bed, but Tom sneaks out to meet Huck in
the graveyard. Huck is there with his dead cat, and the boys The rest of the novel's action hinges on Tom and Huck's silent
wait for the devils to come and take away Hoss Williams. The witness of the murder of Dr. Robinson. It's the hinge on which
boys hear visitors in the graveyard, but rather than devils, body their childhood adventure-seeking swings into events that have
snatchers arrive. Injun Joe, Muff Potter, and Dr. Robinson grave real-life repercussions.
unearth a body.
Injun Joe begins threatening the doctor, who punches him.

Muff Potter jumps in to defend Joe. In the fight, the doctor
Chapter 10
takes the headstone of the grave and strikes Potter
unconscious. While Potter is down, Injun Joe fatally stabs Dr.
Robinson and then puts the knife in Potter's hand. Summary
Tom and Huck run away. Tom and Huck are terrified that they might have been seen by
the men in the graveyard. It is not clear to them yet whether
When Potter wakes up, Injun Joe tells him he ought to run. He Injun Joe has killed the doctor. In this situation Tom follows
fills in false details about what happened, claiming that Potter Huck's lead, and Huck very practically points out that Injun Joe
committed the murder, and Potter believes him. "wouldn't make any more of drownding us than a couple of
cats, if we was to squeak."
With Huck's wisdom in mind, the boys vow not to tell anyone

about what they've seen. Tom writes up a contract, and Tom In the week following these events, Tom's sleep is disturbed so
shows Huck how to write his initials. They sign it in blood. much that Sid reports Tom is speaking in his sleep. Aunt Polly
and Mary both admit they are also affected by the murder.
At this point they see a figure and hear a howl. This time Huck Afraid of giving something away, Tom fakes a toothache so he
consults Tom, who explains that the man (Muff Potter) is a can tie his jaw shut at night with a bandage. Tom's classmates
"goner." hold mock inquests, which Tom uncharacteristically avoids.
Tom eases his conscience by smuggling things through the jail
window to Muff Potter.
Analysis
Notably, the narrator points out that Joe's testimony carefully
Tom's reliance on stories and superstition comes to the omits admitting his guilt for grave robbing. No one in the village
forefront here again. Upon deciding not to tell what they know, steps forward to pursue charging him even though it is obvious
Tom drafts a contract as in adventure novels. And upon he has committed the crime.
hearing the howl, Tom assigns meaning to it in keeping with
folklore and the situation at hand.
Analysis
However, in this chapter the reader also sees Huck as a more
mature figure. Huck is more removed from society, while their As in earlier chapters, there is an emphasis on superstition.
other friend Joe is firmly a part of the traditional social order. The doctor's wound bled, and according to superstition, this
Tom falls somewhere in between. Huck does not attend school happens when a murder victim is in the proximity of the killer.
or have a proper home. He has no mother, and his father is an The superstition is not debunked as the killer is, in fact, close
alcoholic. His words are represented in what is called "eye to the body, because Injun Joe is helping to move the body.
dialect" (words are spelled to indicate how they're spoken
rather than according to spelling conventions). Tom must show The intensity of the guilt and fear that Tom feels, and his
Huck how to write his initials to sign the contract. In contrast, unwillingness to participate in the schoolyard games that other
the reader knows by now that Tom reads, draws, writes, and children have created in response to the murder, speaks to
memorizes verses. Huck is a contrasting figure, a less how witnessing the scene in the graveyard causes Tom to
educated, less "civilized" boy. But he is also the one who leave behind the innocence of childhood. He's now confronted
responds calmly to the situation. He knows violence and with the ugly reality of the darker side of human nature and
alcoholism in a way Tom does not. He points out that their lives experience—something with which Huck, as someone who
are at risk if they tell anyone about what they've seen, which exists on the fringes of proper society, is already at least
leads Tom to agree not to speak of it. somewhat familiar.
Chapter 11 Chapter 12
Summary Summary
The village has condemned Muff Potter for suspicious behavior Tom's sadness over Becky's absence from school causes Aunt
before he is even found. He claims he isn't guilty, but Injun Joe Polly to resort to numerous treatments. Among these cures are
lies at length. Tom and Huck are surprised that lightning does water treatment (being doused in cold water and wrapped in a
not strike Joe down. wet sheet) and administration of Pain-Killer. Tom outwits Aunt
Polly by asking for the medicine so often that she tells him to
Injun Joe helps remove the doctor's body, and there are get it for himself. Tom wisely dumps it into a crack in the floor
murmurs in the crowd that "the wound bled a little"—a in doses. He also feeds the medicine to the cat, which results
superstition about what happens when a murderer is near their in getting caught by Aunt Polly.
victim.

When Becky returns to school, Tom attempts to get her

attention only to be rejected again.
Analysis
Despite their talk of piracy and being forsaken, both Tom and
Joe have homes and families. The boys are playacting at being
Analysis pirates. For Tom and Joe the discussions of the ethics of
piracy (in which they intend to be pirates but not steal) and the
Twain had experience with Pain-Killer—one of many false
adventures of pirates are based on the grand stories of the
medicines sold at the time—as did his childhood cat. In his
boy books of the era. Huck joins Joe and Tom on the island
autobiography, he says, "It was not right to give the cat the
because he is invited, but he continues to interject real-world
'Pain-Killer'; I realize it now." However, he also echoes what the
questions and to counter the fictions the other two boys are
reader can deduce from the novel: "It was a most despicable
spinning.
medicine." He also cites a man of "good judgment" who
pronounced the medicine was "made of hellfire." The medicine As earlier, when Tom and Huck witnessed the murder, Huck's
was, in fact, made of both cayenne pepper and alcohol, so it is responses are grounded in reality, and his reality is stark. In
no wonder that it burned. this chapter Huck reveals that he rarely has enough to eat, but
with Tom and Joe he has enough to eat and he's safe from
At the time, such medicines were popular, and a doctor's
bullying. The cause of the bullying, which is mentioned only in
livelihood often depended on the popularity of a patented
passing, is unclear. What readers know, however, is that Huck
medicine made of undisclosed ingredients. The desire for a
is the son of a drunk, he dresses in worn-out clothes, and he
cure, a preventative, or a solution from alternative sources was
does not attend school or know his letters. He is wary of the
not something that ended in the 1800s; herbs, diet pills, and
temper of Injun Joe, who is known to drink as well. Huck's
homeopathy continue to attract people. In the 1800s patent
position makes him an outsider: he is not a man, but his
medicines were sold to people much the same way. Twain's
neglected, uncertain status places him outside the fantasy
mother, like many other people, was frightened by the cholera
realm of boys who are protected by family and security. Twain
epidemic of 1849. Twain agreed to take Perry Davis's Pain-
does not belabor Huck's situation, but throughout the novel he
Killer, and he writes in his autobiography that he intended to do
offers hints of what his life is like. The collected facts about
so. However, his initial experience with it changed his mind, and
Huck's life do not paint a lighthearted picture.
he poured it through a crack in the floor—and on one occasion
gave it to the cat—much as Tom does in the novel.
Chapter 14
Chapter 13
Summary
Summary Their next day on the island is as before. Tom studies an
inchworm (which means he'll get a new set of clothes,
Tom's response to Becky's rejection and his other difficulties is
according to superstition). Then they hear what they first think
to run away. He encounters Joe Harper, who is likewise feeling
is a storm but then realize is the cannon, indicating that
upset. The boys devise a plan to run away. Joe suggests they
someone has died. Huck shares a trick for finding the dead.
become hermits; Tom is for a life of crime, specifically piracy.
(Mercury in a loaf of bread will stop and float where a person
They locate Huck, and he joins them.
has drowned.) The boys discuss why the trick works, and they
The boys go to an island on the Mississippi River. There they lament not being on shore to find out who's drowned.
play at being pirates, although a note of seriousness is injected
Tom realizes the cannon was for them; the villagers believe the
when Huck says, "I don't want nothing better'n this. I don't ever
boys have drowned. They enjoy the thought of their fame and
get enough to eat, gen'ally—and here they can't come and pick
the envy they expect others will feel over their adventure. Joe,
at a fella and bullyrag him so."
however, asks what they think about going back. Tom rejects

this, and Huck sides with him. Despite this, when Joe and Huck
are asleep, Tom leaves the island. Chapter 16
Analysis Summary
Superstition and folk wisdom continue to figure prominently in For the next two days, the boys continue their adventure. They
the story. Insects and death are common features of the swim, explore, feast on turtle eggs, pretend to be in the circus,
superstitions in the novel so far. and play marbles. However, Joe grows homesick and begins to
lobby to leave. Tom tries to convince him to stay, but ultimately
The differences between the three boys and their families also Huck sides with Joe and tells Tom that he hopes he'll come
continue to become more evident. Joe, who has an intact too. However, as they are leaving, Tom reveals his "secret," and
family unit, is the first to consider returning at the realization the boys agree to stay a while longer because of it. (The secret
that they are thought to be dead. Huck has no reason to leave is not revealed to the reader in this chapter.)
or stay, but at this point, he's content. He sides with Tom when
Tom argues against returning. Tom disregards his friends' Tom decides to learn to smoke. Joe follows, and Huck agrees
thoughts and opinions. He also leaves the island—doing the to teach them. Predictably, Tom and Joe both get sick. After a
very thing he argued against doing. nap to recover, the boys' camp is drenched and thrashed when
a storm hits. They recover, build a fire, play at being Indians,
and smoke again. This time they avoid sickness.
Chapter 15
Analysis
Summary Despite seeing how Aunt Polly is mourning—and that Joe's
mother is, too—Tom is determined to continue his adventure.
Tom's return is part of the adventure. He sneaks into his home
Arguably, this is not as callous as it might seem because he
and listens to his aunt, his cousin, and Joe's mother. Even Sid is
has left behind a note for Aunt Polly and because he
upset. Tom leaves a note for Aunt Polly, kisses her in her sleep,
anticipates returning soon. Still, he does not consider Joe
and departs.
Harper's family even though he's seen Mrs. Harper's worry.
Back on the island, Tom finds that Huck and Joe are awake
On the island, although their playacting is not new, the addition
and discussing his absence. Tom sleeps, leaving the others to
of smoking is. Again Huck is set apart as more experienced. He
fish and explore.
teaches Tom and Joe to smoke. Tom and Joe both approach it
with arrogance, and not long after that, they suffer. Huck is
Analysis allowed to smoke because he is without guidance in his life. He

does not suffer any foul consequence for smoking, as it is
already a habit of his. The act of smoking, like drinking and
Tom's double standards are obvious here. He argues against
swearing, is an adult male activity. Here, away from the
going back, but then he does that very thing. In context his
households of women, Tom and Joe try on being older, much
motivation to do so appears to be the same as Joe's: He feels
as they try on being generals, pirates, Robin Hood, and Indians,
guilty and wants to check on his family. Despite this, Tom once
although for Huck the independence—and the bad habits—of
again chooses adventure over his family's feelings. He acts as
adulthood are far from a game.
a callous child in both cases, placing his own interests above
all else with his friends and his family. For all of Tom's love of
high-stakes adventure and his traumatic encounter with
murder, he still does not understand the seriousness of death
and grief.

people to a picnic. She retaliates by spending recess looking at

Chapter 17 a picture book with Alfred Temple, a well-dressed boy whom
Tom sees as snobby. When that doesn't get the desired result,
she starts crying and walks away. Alfred, angry at Tom, pours
Summary ink on Tom's spelling book. Becky sees him and is going to tell
Tom, but she thinks about how he's treated her and decides to
In St. Petersburg, Becky, the Harpers, and Aunt Polly are "let him get whipped ... and to hate him forever."
mourning. The boys' funeral is planned for Sunday, and Becky
is regretting her rejection of Tom and the andiron knob "to
remember him by." Analysis
On Sunday the boys arrive in the village and walk into the Based on his actions toward Aunt Polly and Becky, Tom's play
church for their own funeral. This was Tom's secret and the at being a man—much like his play at being a pirate—seems to
plan that convinced Joe and Huck to stay a little longer on the have no impact on his real life. Not only had he let them think
island. They enter the church and are surrounded by their he had died, but upon his return, he continues to lie to them.
joyous and relieved family members. Tom points out that Huck
is being ignored, and Aunt Polly makes a fuss over him as well. Both Tom and Becky are cruel to each other, and their cruelty
is of a kind. They use another person to get attention and
engender jealousy. They take turns rejecting the one they want
Analysis and then sulk or cry over it. Their behavior seems motivated by
pride and the desire to wound more than by genuine affection.
The arrival at one's own funeral holds strange appeal. The boys In her treatment of Tom and of Alfred, Becky reveals herself to
can hear what is being said about them, see who is mourning, be more like Tom than any other character in the novel.
and enjoy the rejoicing when the others realize they are not
dead. Nonetheless, there is an innate cruelty in the ruse. The
boys allow loved ones to worry and mourn to satisfy their own Chapter 19
interests and extend an adventure, and they enjoy the romance
of the community's grief. Notably, the decision to return is
Tom's. The other two boys cooperate, but the plan was his.
Summary
Presenting a funeral as comic is not uncommon in Southern
literature. For example, William Faulkner does so—with far Tom's return home does little to improve his mood. Aunt Polly
darker comedy—in both As I Lay Dying and Sanctuary. confronts him with his lies about a dream, and she is once
more disappointed in him. He offers his only exonerating
evidence: He left her a note and kissed her in her sleep. She
Chapter 18 doubts him, starts to check, and resists. When she does look,
she finds that, in this case, Tom is being truthful.
Summary Analysis
Tom's solution for consoling Aunt Polly is to lie to her and tell For all of Aunt Polly's tears over Tom, here is her proof that he
her about his "dream." That dream, of course, is what he saw does have compassion. The novel began with her worry that
when he had returned to the house and watched her grieve for she would "spare the rod" and therefore "spile [spoil] the child,"
him. Sid, once again, sees through Tom, but Aunt Polly believes but she is also in the difficult position of being the lone
the story. caregiver to two boys who've lost their mother (her sister).
Tom is a trying child throughout the novel, but the reader sees
At school Becky tries to get his attention, but Tom ignores her.
regular evidence that he cares for her—and that she cares for
He flirts with Amy even as Becky makes a show of inviting

him. While it is unpleasant and inefficient, the medicine Aunt Becky's forgiveness of Tom is tied directly to his willingness to
Polly gives him is a result of her worry. She tries to explain his accept her punishment. While she does not ask him to do so,
nightmares after the murder by admitting that it had upset her his actions buy her forgiveness after the andiron knob, his
sleep as well. Again, while their behavior toward each other is attempts at making her jealous, and even his apologies do not.
comic, the underlying truth is that Tom and Aunt Polly are Significantly, he does not volunteer in order to manipulate her
trying to find their way in their relationship. Aunt Polly's but because her worry over being caught and punished for her
gullibility can also be read as optimism that Tom, despite being actions weighs on him. This—like leaving the note for Aunt
filled with "Old Scratch," is at heart a good boy and will turn Polly—is a step in Tom's maturation.
into a good man with time. His note to her and the kiss he says
he gave her are affirmation of that belief.
Tom's interactions with the primary figures in his life—Aunt

Chapter 21
Polly, Mary, and Becky—reveal that while boys and men have
their own interests and rituals, women and girls primarily act in
supporting roles centered around male figures; they are
Summary
caretakers, worriers, punishers, and objects of affection for the
As vacation approaches, examination day arrives. Long, often
boys of the novel.
florid poems are presented here, allowing the reader to
experience the same tedium Tom does. He and his
Chapter 20 schoolmates counter their boredom by pranking Mr. Dobbins.

The prank involves not only "gilding" Mr. Dobbins's head, but
lowering a cat from the ceiling to snatch his wig so as to reveal
his golden head.
Summary
Strengthened by Aunt Polly's affection the next morning, Tom Analysis
apologizes to Becky. She is not as quick to forgive and rebuffs
him. He is once more dejected. One of the fascinating things Twain accomplishes in some of
his most comic moments is inviting the reader into the
Becky spies the key to Mr. Dobbins's desk and steals the book
schoolyard experience or the experience of being a child of
he is often studying. That book is an anatomy book, and when
Tom's age. Here, as in the chapters in the church or in the
she opens it, she sees "a human figure, stark naked." Tom
classroom, the reader is participating in Tom's life and
catches her with the book, and in her haste to hide it, she rips
emotions. Boredom? Restlessness? Impatience? Trying not to
the book. In her guilt and fear over punishment, Becky yells at
laugh at an inappropriate time? Almost everyone experiences
Tom, who is perplexed by her reaction to the possibility of
these things at some point, and Twain evokes them effortlessly
getting in trouble. He claims responsibility for the theft and, in
for the reader.
doing so, finally regains Becky's affection.
Twain notes in a gendered comment that "the right way to
write a story for boys is to write it so that it will not only
Analysis interest boys but will also strongly interest any man who has
ever been a boy." As the reader has seen, there are also truths
Becky's interest in Mr. Dobbins's book and Mr. Dobbins's about society, human nature, and various other things that
keeping the book under lock and key reflect the 19th-century Twain blends into a story nominally for children. In Twain's
debates about human anatomy. On one hand study of the body hands the elements of the boy book become far more complex
was considered improper, but on the other hand the medical than one would expect in a simple adventure story for boys.
community understood that knowledge of anatomy was
crucial. Human anatomy was a source of increasing public
fascination, while still taboo—hence Becky's fear of
punishment.

Summary Summary
Tom joins the Cadets of Temperance. He promises to "abstain The time comes for the trial of Muff Potter. Huck and Tom
from smoking, chewing and profanity." The difficulty is that discuss it, wishing they could "get him out," but they promise
now that he promised not to do these things, he wants to do each other to keep quiet about what they have seen. They
them. However, the Cadets' fancy uniform is also tempting. He continue to take Potter gifts, and he tells them how much he
waits, hoping for a funeral so that he would have the appreciates it. For two days the boys watch the trial. On the
opportunity to wear it, but his patience expires, and he quits. third day the prosecutor's repeated offers to "take the witness"
Instantly he discovers that although he is free of his promise, are dismissed by Potter's lawyer. After the prosecution rests,
he no longer wants to break those rules: "The simple fact that the defense calls their surprise witness: Tom Sawyer. Tom tells
he could, took he desire away." what he saw, although the lawyer stops him before he can say
Huck's name. Just as Tom is about to reveal Injun Joe as the
In a brief mention, the reader learns that Becky is absent. Not killer, Injun Joe leaps up and flees.
long after this, Tom comes down with the measles. While he's
sick, there is a revival. When he recovers, Tom finds that all of
his friends are "saved." Tom has a relapse, and when he Analysis
recovers a second time, his friends are back to themselves:
"Poor lads! They—like Tom—had suffered a relapse." Tom's guilt and an urge to do the right thing influence him to
take the stand. In many ways this choice allows readers to see
the novel as Tom's journey to adulthood. He knows the risks of
Analysis honesty. Injun Joe is well established as a threat, and Muff
Potter is equally well established as a criminal (albeit a much
As with many comedic sections in the novel, this chapter less frightening one). But Tom does not allow an innocent man
seemingly does not advance the plot. However, what is to hang. He voluntarily goes to the attorney and offers his
highlighted through both the Cadets and the revival is that the testimony. He makes that choice without pressure from
society in which Tom lives has a number of control measures outside forces, parental figures, community leaders (who have
to help the community adhere to good behavior. Tom, as is already judged Potter before his trial even began), or friends
typical of the protagonist of a boy book, struggles with the (who either don't know or want to keep silent). Tom
rules. Many of his companions do, too. What makes taboo acts independently offers his testimony.
(drinking, smoking, and vulgar language) appealing, according
to Twain's narrator, is the fact that they are forbidden rather However, Tom doesn't warn Huck of his intentions despite the
than inherently appealing. Tom's experience—desperately fact that he's about to endanger him by telling the truth. The
wanting to do them when they are forbidden but no longer only reason Huck is not likely to be targeted is that the lawyer
wanting to do them once he is allowed—implies that it is not, in stops Tom from saying his name. Nonetheless, Tom is typically
fact, the revival or youth groups that enable a person to resist seen in the company of two boys—Huck and Joe Harper. He's
temptation. not seen in anyone else's exclusive company for the entire
novel, so when he admits on the stand that there was a second
Arguably, this is supported by Becky's theft of Mr. Dobbins's witness, it is likely that Injun Joe would have only two suspects
anatomy book earlier in the novel. The teacher kept the book if he watched Tom. Both Huck and Joe Harper are put at risk
hidden, and its status as a forbidden object meant that as soon by Tom's testimony.
as Becky saw the chance to access it, she did. This is the same
tactic Tom purposefully uses when convincing boys to
whitewash the fence. (He denies Ben the opportunity until Ben
pays for the privilege.)

freedom. Ultimately that is the fantasy of such playacting; a life

Chapter 24 in which one can evade responsibility yet still reap rewards is
the ultimate boyhood dream. This is what underlies the
adventures in boy books, and it is what Tom pursues here.
Summary
Tom is a hero, and Huck is not named. Muff Potter's gratitude Chapter 26
makes Tom sure he's done the right thing, but Tom is plagued
by nightmares of Injun Joe. Tom worries that he'll never be safe
until Injun Joe "is dead and he had seen the corpse." Brief hope
comes in the form of a detective, but nothing significant is
Summary
found. Tom is left to continue worrying.
Tom tells Huck about Robin Hood, and they play pretend.
Eventually, though, they end up exploring a "haunted house."
They toss their tools aside and go upstairs. When they hear
Analysis noises, they hide. Presently, they see the "old deaf and dumb
Spaniard" who has recently been around town, along with
The novel doesn't address the effect these events have on
another man. When the Spaniard speaks, the boys discover
Tom's friends or family. As with Tom's decision to let everyone
that he is none other than Injun Joe. The criminals plot and fall
believe he'd died but then appear at his funeral, the narration
asleep. Tom and Huck initially plan to slip out when the men
reflects Tom's characteristic solipsism. His focus is on himself.
sleep, but the creak of a floorboard makes them discard that
Tom's movement between concern only for himself and
plan. They continue to wait.
thinking of the feelings and well-being of others suggests the
difficulties of maturing. When the criminals awaken they discuss the money they have
stolen and prepare to hide it. In doing so they find another
stash of money. Injun Joe's companion suggests that a job can
Chapter 25 be dropped now, but Injun Joe says that it cannot because it's
about revenge. He realizes then that there was fresh earth on
the pick he'd used to dig up the treasure. The criminals start to
Summary search the house, but when Joe falls through the rotten wood
of the stairs, he gives up. The two men leave—taking their silver
In a return to more childlike thoughts, Tom is struck by the and the newly found gold with them. Once they're gone, the
urge to search for treasure. He attempts to enlist several boys worry that Injun Joe was referring to revenge against
friends, but it is Huck who agrees. Together the boys begin Tom.
their search. Their search, fueled by superstition, is thwarted
by their misreading of signs and fears of haunted houses and
dead bodies. Analysis
In the wake of the boy-book adventures of the prior chapter,
Analysis the novel returns to the real-world threat faced by Tom. Earlier
in the novel the length of the digressions into boyhood play are
In a letter to William Bowen, Twain revealed he was aware of longer, but in the final ten chapters of the book, these
and read boy books, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer playacting sections are shorter and the focus shifts to the
demonstrates many of the characteristics of such books. In narrative thread with Injun Joe at its center. In this chapter in
this chapter readers see the start of the adventure that particular the attempt to return to play is literally interrupted by
propels action toward the conclusion. Treasure hunting is the Injun Joe's appearance. Returning to the comforts of make-
end goal of being pirates or robbers. Whether the reward believe and childhood is not possible. Injun Joe enters the very
comes through an adventure or work, the result is the same: house where they are playing, shattering the illusion of

romantic adventure. Tom sees Injun Joe passed out on the floor. The boys flee.
Since Tom didn't see the treasure or the cross it is to be
The transition from boyhood to adulthood is also represented hidden under, they agree to continue to watch.
here in that there is an actual treasure. The boys see it. They
learn that it's not only the gain from Injun Joe and his
accomplice's crimes but also a second treasure hoard that is Analysis
presumed to be from other criminal deeds. The treasure they'd
hoped to find is there, but so are the real-world dangers they Huck is steadfast in his interest despite the danger. Tom still
were hoping to avoid. must return home. The line between adventure and real threat
is blurring. The boys' characters continue to be highlighted by
their actions: Huck stands watch, while Tom enters the room
Chapter 27 where the killer is.
Here, too, we see that Tom is brave in a way that may come
dangerously close to foolishness. He has openly confirmed
Summary that he witnessed Injun Joe committing murder. Joe is a
wanted man as a result. Tom's interest in treasure, however,
Tom dreams of the events at the house. He seeks out Huck,
overcomes what would be a rational response to the danger of
and they decide to try to find the hiding place Joe and the
such a close encounter with Injun Joe—namely, flight. He has
other man discussed. After a little research into the local
not outgrown his romantic notions of adventure even in the
taverns and deductions about what they've seen, they settle on
face of very real danger.
a room in Temperance Tavern as a likely possibility. They
decide to watch and find out more. In the meantime they agree
to gather all the keys they can find to try to open the door of
the room in the tavern. Chapter 29
Analysis Summary
Notably, by this point in the novel, Tom's primary companion is On Friday the Thatcher family returns, and Becky's mother
Huck. The novel began with Joe Harper as Tom's closest agrees to a long-promised picnic. Because it will be a late day,
friend, and Tom's days included time in the schoolroom, Becky's mother suggests she stay with a friend. The
playacting, and pranks. At this point, Huck is his closest group—including Tom and Becky—departs for the ferryboat,
confidant. As the reader has seen, Huck is not a part of the and they all go to McDougal's cave.
boyhood world. He engages in play when invited, but neither
school nor reading boys' stories is a part of his life. Instead At the same time, Huck continues his watch. He is beginning to
Huck is the one who teaches the others to smoke and advises doubt that it's worth it, but that night, he sees two figures slip
Tom not to speak of the murder they witnessed. out. He follows them as they go to the edge of the Widow
Douglas's house. There Injun Joe and his companion discuss
doing her extreme harm because her late husband had Joe
Chapter 28 horsewhipped. Huck slips away and runs to the home of a

neighbor, the Welchman (Mr. Jones). He reveals that the
Widow Douglas is in danger, and he begs that he not be named
as the one who told. The Welchman and his sons go to
Summary investigate the threat.
For three days the boys watch for their opportunity. Finally
Tom goes to try the door while Huck stands watch. The keys
prove unnecessary since the door is unlocked. Inside the room

Analysis Analysis
The is another situation drawn from Twain's life. He notes that Huck's concern for Widow Douglas brings him back even
a raid on the "Welshman's house" was proposed by a drunk though it means he risks exposure. In fact this is a close
emigrant one night. The only people present were "a poor but parallel to Tom's actions when he returns from the island to
quite respectable widow and her young and blameless quell Aunt Polly's concern. Widow Douglas also cares for Huck
daughter." In Twain's notes on the story in his autobiography, in his illness, as Aunt Polly did for Tom. The reader can hope
the widow defended herself with a musket and slugs. that the widow uses something more efficient than quack
remedies.
In this chapter part of the narration is immersed in Huck's
perspective, and it is clear that Huck's view of the world is At this point the reader can surmise that the widow knows of
much more pragmatic than Tom's. Like Tom's choice to testify Huck's involvement, that she suspects it because he's at the
for Potter, Huck's actions here are proof that he considers Welchman's house, or that this is simply an extension of the
things other than his own safety. However, in contrast to Tom's previous times she was kind to Huck. The novel does not
actions, Huck acts in such a way that his own safety is taken clarify. What is clear, however, is that Huck is unable to join in
into account. Potter, a drunk like Huck's father, does not the attempts to rescue Tom and Becky. Huck's own good
motivate Huck to risk himself. The widow does. Huck notes deeds and his illness remove him from the action. The
that she's been "kind to him more than once," and he takes resolution of the dilemma with Injun Joe is solely in Tom's
action to see to her safety. domain now.
Summary Summary
The following day Huck returns and is welcomed warmly by the Tom and Becky are lost in the cave. Their adventure over the
Welchman. He tells Huck about what happened, that the next several days is harsh. They wander, find water, and eat
criminals escaped but also that the Widow Douglas is safe. The the remains of their "wedding cake" that Tom has saved. As
sons go to see the sheriff, and Huck tells the Welchman what time passes, both despair of finding a way out—although Tom
he knows. In doing so he slips and reveals more than he remains upbeat for Becky. At one point they hear rescuers, but
intended; when confronted, Huck admits that the old Spaniard their answering cries are not heard. They have no more
is Injun Joe. The Welchman offers Huck food and rest, which candles left and no food left either.
he accepts. He's still there when visitors begin to arrive. He
hides. While in hiding he overhears a conversation in which Becky grows weak with hunger and fear, and Tom decides to
Aunt Polly and Mrs. Thatcher realize that both Tom and Becky use his kite string to navigate and explore in search of a way
are missing. In the following discussion it is revealed that they out. When he finds someone, however, it's Injun Joe, who does
are likely still in the cave. A search ensues, and the robbers are not recognize him and runs away. He hides his discovery from
temporarily forgotten. Becky and decides to stay at the spring with her, but the
combination of fear and hunger lead him to explore again a day
When the Welchman returns to his house, he finds Huck fallen later. By now Becky has given up, and she asks that he come
ill with a fever. Widow Douglas volunteers to look after him. back and "stay by her and hold her hand until all was over."
Tom kisses her and pretends to be upbeat, and then he
resumes his search.

Analysis Analysis
As with numerous other details, the cave is based on Twain's The resolution of the escape stands out, as it's told several
experiences. He describes a cave from his childhood: "Many layers removed. The last chapter ended with "bodings of
excursion parties came from considerable distances up and coming doom," and this one opens with the town's perspective
down the river to visit the cave. It was miles in extent." Twain rather than the children's narrower point of view. The story of
had been lost there once, "along with a lady, and our last their escape is not told in the moment. There are a few
candle burned down to almost nothing before we glimpsed our explanations for this narrative move, the most obvious of which
search party's lights." is that the telling allowed it to seem larger than it was. The
children are weakened and take to bed for several days.
Tom's experiences in the cave are less quickly resolved than Logically, that is not indicative of a heroic escape.
the ones in Twain's own history. What they do, however, is
position Tom in an adult role. He takes responsibility for Becky, At this point in the book, the reader sees that Huck is in bed,
whose helplessness and despair add to Tom's sense of too. Both Tom and Huck are healing, under watch, as is Becky.
responsibility. He assures her of their safety, hides dangers This also alleviates the guilt of responsibility for Injun Joe's
(namely, Injun Joe's presence) from her, and works to find their entrapment in the cave. Tom is weakened. He is thereby not
freedom. As Tom acts as an adult rather than as a boy, he also accountable for his failure to let the judge and the rest of the
behaves in a more adult fashion by kissing Becky. They share townsfolk know that the murderer is in the cave. In fact he
cake, hold hands, kiss, and spend several nights together—a can't even tell Huck, and if he could, Huck's also too sick to act.
symbolic solidification of their romantic relationship. They work
together, and they are ultimately closer as a result of the Two weeks pass. Tom decides again to go see Huck. He stops
obstacles they face at McDougal's cave. along the way at the Thatcher house. While there, he learns
from the judge that the cave has been locked. It is at this point
that Tom, in shock, tells the judge that he had seen Injun Joe
Chapter 32 inside the cave.
Summary Chapter 33
Tom finds a way out, and after he goes back for Becky and
convinces her to come with him, they push their way out of the Summary
cave. They're rescued by men on a skiff and given food and
rest. As they reveal their story, Tom learns that they are five The men once more load the skiffs and go to McDougal's cave.
miles away from the cave entrance. Upon their return to their When the door of the cave is unlocked, they find Injun Joe
village, the two children take to their beds to recover. dead, seemingly from starvation.
When Tom is up, but before he is fully well, he learns of Huck's After Injun Joe's funeral, Tom and Huck meet. Tom reveals that
fever and goes to see him. He is refused for three days. When the treasure is in the cave and asks Huck to come with him to
he is allowed to see Huck, Tom is under the supervision of get it. They gather supplies, "borrow" a skiff, and set out for the
Widow Douglas to be sure he doesn't "introduce [any] exciting treasure. As they go they plan their "gang." A brief worry about
topic." Injun Joe's ghost makes them stumble, but they decide that the
presence of a cross keeps ghosts away. Along with the
In the following days the body of Injun Joe's accomplice is treasure, they find weapons and other goods. They leave these
discovered. behind in case they need them to go "robbing."

Analysis Analysis
The racism inherent to Twain's portrayal of Injun Joe is Much like appearing at their own funeral, Tom and Huck arrive
different from his representation of enslaved people. Joe is a at a gathering of people at the end of their adventure. This
grave robber, a murderer, a liar, and a thief. He seeks revenge time, however, Huck is eager to escape. The party in their
much greater than the slights against him. He is intimidating to honor is the start of their inclusion in society. That inclusion is
the point that the villagers are unwilling to stand against him to solidified when Tom brings the treasure into the room. Whether
pursue a grave robbing charge. There are zero redeeming they are ill gotten gains or not, the treasure belongs to two
qualities in the novel's depiction of Injun Joe, and the veritable orphans. They've faced illness, death, and a murderer
references to his race are constant (it is, after all, part of the and returned victorious.
name people use to refer to him). His death is demeaning:
eating bats and starving to death in a cave. It is also, according Now they are absorbed into society. The significant characters
to Twain, based on real events. in their lives—other than the dead antagonist—are all present.
The boyhood treasure is real, and with it they will be able to
Here at the end of the conflict with Joe, the boys also call up access aspects of society that would otherwise be denied
the same sources of authority that they'd used throughout the them.
novel—stories and superstition. The cross itself becomes
another totem of superstition for them, albeit one that is Huck's reasons for standing speechless for Tom's great reveal
connected to proper society. Their boyhood adventures are not made clear in the novel. Was it a continuation of his
seeking treasure seem to be resolved, in that the hidden urge to escape? Was it because of the widow's
treasure is found and claimed, though the boys refuse the announcements? Or was it another example of Huck's
weapons they also find. They overcome their superstitions and worldliness? The money buys their way into a world that has
leave behind the most untamed place they've visited in the not heretofore welcomed Huck, one the reader has seen
whole of the text to return to the village. Numerous transitions readily judge the boy and others in less socially acceptable
in their lives are presented in this singular event. positions.
Summary Summary
When Tom and Huck go to wash and change, Sid is there to With the revelation that the entire town has embarked on a
further worry them. They are already eager to flee, and Sid's treasure hunt, Tom settles in to a future where Judge Thatcher
revelation that the party will expose secrets only adds to their is minding his money and helping to guide his future. Huck runs
worry. away—until Tom finds him and tells him that to be in the gang
of robbers they discussed, he needs to give civilization another
At the party, the Welchman reveals Huck's role in rescuing chance.
Widow Douglas. The boys learn that she intends to take Huck
in and look after him. She adds that she'll help him get a start in
business with what money she can spare. Tom stalls this grand Analysis
gesture by announcing, "Huck don't need it. Huck's rich!" The
adults are speechless, as is Huck, but Tom retrieves their The town-wide treasure hunt is an inversion wherein it is not
treasure and pours it out before them. the boys who are becoming mature adults, but the adults who
are undertaking seemingly childish pursuits (hunting buried
treasure) because Tom and Huck's adventure was so
successful. Tom has found a male figure to guide him, and he's

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Quotes 30
done so by way of breaking a lot of rules and having

child, as the Good Book says. I'm a
adventures.
laying up sin and suffering for us
Both boys are rewarded—literally—with the modern equivalent
of over $100,000 each. both, I know. He's full of Old
However, simultaneously, Huck rejects all of it. His response to
Scratch ... but he's my own dead
being taken in by Widow Douglas solidifies the difference sister's boy."
between Tom and Huck. While Tom has begun to mature by
this point in the novel and accept the rules of society, the limits
— Aunt Polly, Chapter 1
of those rules are smothering for Huck. He'd rather sacrifice
wealth than be in a house, wear restricting clothes, and
navigate constricting social norms, suggesting that, for him, Aunt Polly looks to her religious scriptures for guidance to
social norms imply not growing maturity but artificial figure out how to best raise her nephews, Tom and Sid. At the
constriction. Huck's rejection results in Tom's going after him same time, she's trying to find a line between discipline and
and luring him in with stories of a gang of robbers, telling him, kindness.
in essence, that the adventures do not have to end.
She says he's full of "Old Scratch" (the devil), so she wants to
get the mischief and sin out of the boy. She refers to physical
Conclusion punishment (the rod), but she also feels pity for Tom and
knows that the loss of a mother is a hard thing to bear.
Summary "They said they would rather be

The novel ends with a short section noting that the story is the outlaws for a year in Sherwood
"history of a boy." It ties to the preface in that the author
inserts himself directly, writing about the fact that the book is a
Forest than President of the
novel, a story, and a history. Furthermore, these two United States forever."
paragraphs state that "most of the characters" are alive,
"prosperous and happy." It also alludes to the possibility that
— Narrator, Chapter 8
the author will "take up the story of the younger ones" in the
future.
Tom, Joe, and Huck all play at being robbers throughout the
novel, although their ideas of outlaw life are very different from
Analysis the reality. Robin Hood, a robber with ethics, is a favorite.
Elsewhere, Tom points out that there are rules for treatment of
The conclusion is two short paragraphs, shorter even than the women during robberies; there are also guidelines for seeking
preface in length. Twain does, in fact, "take up" the story of one treasure.
of the younger characters in the future: He wrote The
These are noble criminals who follow a code of conduct, unlike
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn years later. That novel, which is
Injun Joe who does not. However, they still have freedom.
arguably Twain's best-known work, is a companion to this one.
g Quotes "Next the ghastly ticking of the

death-watch in the wall at the
"Spare the rod and spile [spoil] the bed's head made Tom shudder—it

meant that somebody's days were imagining how he would trounce

numbered." her if she were."
— Narrator, Chapter 9 — Narrator, Chapter 20
The novel is filled with superstitions, portents, and omens. Becky's rejection of Tom leaves him at a loss. He's
Often these are dire and death-related. In this case a beetle is accustomed to people bending to his will, and when things
an omen of death. Their numbered days are being counted off don't go his way, he's more than willing to resort to fighting.
by the insect. However, Becky is a girl. Therefore, according to the social
norms of the day, the rules are different. He has the same
feelings but no way to express them because boys should not
"Then he robbed the body. After hit girls.
which he put the fatal knife in

Potter's open right hand, and sat "Now he found out a new
down on the dismantled coffin." thing—namely, that to promise not
to do a thing is the surest way to
make a body want to go and do
Injun Joe's lack of morals and lack of guilt both are highlighted that very thing."
here. He is calm enough to sit and wait. He's easy with murder,
with lying, and with letting another man hang for his crimes. — Narrator, Chapter 22
Tom's experience with the Cadets of Temperance shows how

"She found that the medicine did restrictions make a thing more or less appealing. Smoking,
really diminish, but it did not occur cussing, and drinking only appeal to Tom when he's not
allowed to do them. When he is allowed, they are no longer
to her that the boy was mending tempting.
the health of a crack in the sitting-

room floor with it." "As usual, the fickle, unreasoning
world took Muff Potter to its
bosom and fondled him as lavishly
Aunt Polly trusts Tom to take the medicine, but she knows him as it had abused him before."
well enough to check on him, too. This is the duality of her
parenting of Tom, wanting to trust him while being reminded by
history to mistrust him.
The narrator here highlights how fluid the attitudes of rejection

"He moped in the school-yard and acceptance from the village are. Muff hasn't changed, but
their attitude toward Muff Potter has completely reversed. The
wishing she were a boy, and novel offers other examples of the complete reversal of

attitude, such as how Tom is treated by Aunt Polly, Becky, or

floated up out of the distance, an
even Mr. Walters.
owl answered with his sepulchral
note."
"One of those omniscient and
awe-inspiring marvels, a detective, — Narrator, Chapter 25
came up from St. Louis, moused

Although this is a children's story, Twain's penchant for
around, shook his head, looked descriptive writing comes through powerfully at moments.
wise and made that sort of Twain had early success as a travel writer, and he was skilled
at immersing a reader in a location. Here that descriptive skill is
astounding success which used to evoke the same spooky setting as the Gothic novels
that were still popular in Europe at the time.
members of the craft usually
achieve."
"He likes me becuz I don't ever act
as if I was above him."
This section offers a wink to the popular detective stories of
— Huck Finn, Chapter 28
Twain's era. Wilkie Collins's novels (1860s) and Poe's short
fiction (1840s) were the earliest detective fiction in English.
Twain's novel (1876) was published after these, but Twain Huck's pronouncement on slavery reveals an awareness of a
speaks to the popularity of the detective figure in the late 19th critical issue that was significantly ahead of its time. Missouri,
century. where Twain lived initially, was a slave state, but it was atypical
in numerous ways. Twain's own attitude toward slavery was
more in keeping with the North, and Twain continued to
represent the topic of slavery in a way that sets his novels
"There comes a time in every
apart from much of Southern literature.
rightly constructed boy's life when
he has a raging desire to go
"Tom kissed her ... and made a
somewhere and dig for hidden
show of being confident of finding
treasure."
the searchers or an escape from
— Narrator, Chapter 25 the cave."
This novel is a boyhood adventure story. Treasure hunting, like — Narrator, Chapter 31
playing Robin Hood or pirates, is part of that genre.
While stranded and weakened, Becky and Tom share a kiss.

This is, theoretically, a boy's story, but in instances such as this
"Spirits whispered in the rustling the readers can see that Tom is maturing. He not only
comforts Becky, but also projects an image of confidence at
leaves, ghosts lurked in the murky
odds with his feelings.
nooks, the deep baying of a hound

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Symbols 33
this gift. When Becky knocks it to the ground, Tom realizes that
"That drop was falling when the
he's been rejected.
Pyramids were new ... it will still be
falling when all these things shall
have sunk down the afternoon of The Cave
history."
The cave is a place of both sex and death. Tom is here with
Becky. They share their "wedding cake" from the picnic and
are alone together for several nights. He kisses her before
When Injun Joe's body is found in the cave, it appears that he going away to seek their escape. At the conclusion of their
had been trying to collect water dripping from a stalactite to adventure Becky's father treats him with respect and starts to
avoid dehydration. Injun Joe's life and death are rendered plan for Tom's future. There is no literal sex in the cave, but it
inconsequential in the face of all the history the formations in functions symbolically as such.
the cave have weathered.
Similarly, the cave is a place of death. Injun Joe dies there,
which resolves the greatest threat against Tom (and Huck).
Tom does not cause this death, but his actions lead to the gate
"No, Tom, I won't be rich, and I being sealed—thereby creating the condition that results in
won't live in them cussed Injun Joe's death. Furthermore, during Tom and Becky's time
there, they fear they are facing death. Twain makes clear that
smothery houses." the threat was not imagined, as they require multiple days to
recover.
— Huck Finn, Chapter 35
Huck is willing to sacrifice the modern equivalent of well over

$100,000 because it brings restrictions with it.
The Treasure
In keeping with the grand tradition of boyhood stories, Tom

l Symbols and Huck go on an adventure seeking buried treasure. Yet the
treasure does more than provide a sense of adventure for the
boys; it symbolizes a secure future for them both. Judge
Thatcher attends to Tom's future, planning his financial
The Andiron Knob options. Widow Douglas had already decided to take care of
Huck, but the treasure means Huck has the ability to live on his
own in the future.
Tom offers an andiron knob to Becky when she realizes that
Tom describes the treasure as "old metal," which is technically
she's not the first girl he's professed to love forever. Thus Tom
true, but it's much more than that: it ensures financial security
offers Becky a symbol of his intent when his words are flawed.
beyond boyhood and into adulthood.
The tradition of giving a token of affection is not restricted to
the day of engagement or marriage, but it is a tradition upheld
in America and many other countries. An andiron knob is the
ornate top of the metal support used to hold the wood in a
fireplace. It represents their romance and the social eventuality
of domestic family life—Tom offers her "hearth and home" with

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Themes 34
the punishment for Becky when she rips the anatomy book,
m Themes and he pretends to be sure of their ultimate rescue from the
cave in order to ease her fears. Similarly he is swayed by Aunt
Polly's worries and guilt throughout the novel. When he runs
Establishing Authority away he returns home, leaves a note, and kisses her in her
sleep. Afterward he relays a "dream" to comfort her. He is, as
men were expected to be in the 1800s, protective of the
women in his life.
Throughout The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the characters,
especially the young boys, look to various sources for Moreover Tom ends the book with half-truths to Huck in order
guidance and authority—and sometimes challenge the to convince his friend to give "civilized living" another chance.
authority of those sources. The Bible and folklore are given Here and earlier—in Tom's willingness to protect Huck's safety
near-equal authority among the characters in the novel. by not exposing him as a witness—Tom demonstrates not only
Similarly, both fictional figures such as Robin Hood and real a boyhood loyalty, but also the foundational traits of friendship
figures—including the judge and the detective—as well as the between men.
townspeople's opinion are imbued with authority. Aunt Polly is
Tom violates other social norms by stealing (the skiff, for
the strongest proponent of biblical authority. She prays, refers
example), lying (manipulating his peers), and smoking. He
to "Old Scratch" (the devil), and laments Tom's failures in
justifies these with a combination of boyhood logic and
morality. Tom's sense of morality is guided not only by religion,
rationalization. However, Twain's authorial voice leaks into the
but also by superstition and popular narratives. Robin Hood
text as he reveals that the town's attitudes toward Muff Potter
especially is a powerful source of authority for the boys. The
and toward Tom and Huck change based upon their latest
idea of a thief who was "square" with the poor is interesting to
action or misfortune. While The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is
them, much as the stories of pirates are.
arguably a "children's book," Twain's representation of the
Common among all these stories is "a code." Whether it's a town's inconsistent embrace of morality functions as social
thieves' code from fantasy stories, a set of rules from the Bible, critique.
or sayings from superstition, Tom tries on various sources of
authority in his search for answers and solutions. The appeal of
these sources is heightened because neither Tom nor Huck
has a father to consult. Tom's is deceased; Huck's is a drunk.
Transition to Adulthood
So they turn to alternate sources of authority in stories,
religion, and superstition.
While Tom and Huck are definitely not adults by the end of the
book, the novel tracks their journeys toward adulthood. At the
onset of the novel, Huck is closer to adulthood because he is
Social Pressures not in school and he's free of adult supervision. Tom on the
other hand is under the care of Aunt Polly. However, Huck's
increasing presence in Tom's life casts Huck in the role of an
Tom and Huck both strive to follow the rules as best they adult mentor.
can—without sacrificing their freedoms. From Tom's painting of
When the novel begins Tom regularly plays childlike games
the fence to the boys' revelation of the truth about the murder
with Joe Harper. The inclusion of Huck in their activities signals
in the graveyard, they face adult questions and problems and
a move away from pretend toward reality. Huck teaches Tom
the consequent pressures of those situations. They regularly
and Joe to smoke, and Huck introduces real, adult concerns
choose to speak up for those in need, as with the wrongly
into their lives when he points out that he rarely has enough to
accused Muff Potter and the Widow Douglas, who is targeted
eat. As the novel advances, the boys' time at pretend
by Injun Joe for her late husband's acts.
decreases, as does Joe Harper's role. By the end playing
Tom also protects Becky Thatcher and Aunt Polly. He takes pretend is fully interrupted by Injun Joe's appearance and a

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Study Guide Suggested Reading 35
real treasure hunt. stability in Tom's and Huck's lives.
Huck provides the voice of caution after Tom and Huck However, while family interactions are a necessary part of
witness a murder, pointing out the very real consequences Tom's life, he is much more invested in his relationships with
they could face if Injun Joe discovers they witnessed his crime. friends and with Becky. Even Sid, his brother, is only a minor
Huck, however, is still a boy, and his decisions are those of a character. That being said, Tom is willing to lie, manipulate, and
boy forced to function as an adult too soon. For example he break promises to everyone in his life, from Aunt Polly to Huck,
recommends hiding what they've seen rather than testifying. In suggesting that no allegiance, no matter how close, is more
many ways Huck is neither functionally boy nor adult but rather important to Tom than his own freedom and independence.
caught somewhere in transition. When the novel ends, Huck
revisits the role of boy—resisting the civilizing influence of
Widow Douglas. Tom convinces Huck to accept civilization by
telling him stories, but he encourages Huck's respite from e Suggested Reading
adulthood by asking him to join his band of robbers.
Batzer, Benjamin David. "The Antics of Pretend Play: Tom
Sawyer's Narrative(s) of Empowerment." The Midwest
Quarterly, vol. 57, no. 1, 2015, pp. 83–99.
Realism and Romance
Li, Shuqin. "A Probe into the Profile of Tom Sawyer in the
Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Theory and Practice in Language
Studies, vol. 3, no. 6, 2013, pp. 1021–37.
A feature of Tom's transition to adulthood is his relationship
with stories and games of adventure, which glamorize the lives
Sandock, Mollie. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: Overview."
of outlaw figures such as pirates, Robin Hood, and robbers.
Reference Guide to American Literature, edited by Jim Kamp,
Perhaps for this reason, Tom often seems oblivious to real
3rd ed., St. James, 1994.
danger. Although he is frightened and his sleep is disturbed
after seeing the murder in the graveyard, he frequently acts Sweeney, Erin. "'A far-off speck that looked like daylight':
unthinkingly when dealing with the very real threat posed by McDougal's Cave and the Vagaries of Discovery in The
Injun Joe. Huck, who has had to fend for himself for much of Adventures of Tom Sawyer." The Mark Twain Annual, no. 10,
his life, is more cognizant of the dangers of revealing what they 2012, pp. 55–70.
know about the murder. However, he, like Tom, is excited by
the prospect of finding treasure. Importantly, Twain does not
ultimately suggest that childhood play and the desire for
adventure are childish and need to be left behind. On the
contrary, the boys' impractical and dangerous search for
treasure turns out to be enormously beneficial for them in real
life.
Family and Independence
Family situations vary widely in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Becky Thatcher and Joe Harper both come from loving homes
with two parents; Tom and his brother are orphans taken in by
an aunt; and Huck has an abusive, neglectful father and no
home. The novel frequently, although subtly, hints at the lack of
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The Adventures

ABOUT THE TITLE

j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1

ability of a children's novel to function as a literary work.

Books such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer were influenced

Racial Controversies in Twain's

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The 19th-century interest in anatomy is also evident in the

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h Characters Becky Thatcher

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Becky Thatcher Aunt Polly

Other Major Character

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Full Character List Amy

Mary is Tom's cousin; she's affectionate

Muff Potter is a drunk who is misled into

Aunt Polly is a kindhearted and trusting

Sid (Sidney) is Tom's half-​brother, who

Reverend Reverend Sprague is the minister at the

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money and future being looked after by Judge Thatcher. Huck

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Rising Action Falling Action

4. Tom, Huck, and Joe return to their own funeral.

5. Tom testifies against Injun Joe, who flees.

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Tom must whitewash the fence.

The same Saturday

Tom first sees Becky.

The next Monday

Tom and Huck see the murder of Dr. Robinson.

A few days later

Becky is ill, and Tom grows despondent.

A few days later

Becky rejects Tom.

The same day

Tom, Huck, and Joe Harper run away.

The next Sunday

Tom, Huck, and Joe return.

The next Tuesday

Tom takes Becky's punishment for ripping the anatomy

Several weeks later

Tom testifies against Injun Joe.

Several weeks later

Tom and Huck search for treasure.

The next day

Tom and Huck discover the Spaniard is Injun Joe.

The following night

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The next Saturday

Huck sees Injun Joe at Widow Douglas's house and

The same day

Huck is sick with a fever.

The next Tuesday

Tom and Becky get rescued.

Two weeks later

Sid (Sidney) is Tom's half-brother, who