Famous Works Translation (Illustrated Edition) -- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Author: Mark Twain
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer draws its material from the social life before the American Civil War and is a reflection of the author's own childhood. Through the eyes of a child, the work observes the surrounding reality, revealing the closed, dull, and rigid life in the Southern United States during the 1850s and 1860s. It mercilessly satirizes and critiques the deformed education system, the hypocrisy and absurdity of religion, and the greed and stupidity of petty bourgeoisie. The author, through the character of Tom, says, "I would rather be a year-long grass hero in Sherwood Forest than be a lifetime President of the United States." This reflects his extreme aversion to mediocre and conservative social life and his yearning for a world of freedom and ideals. As the story progresses, the growth of a child from adolescence to maturity is shown in the plot: "childish behavior decreases while adult behavior increases." Taking the story of Tom and Becky as an example, it begins with two children being rich and capricious, then Tom shows a sense of chivalry, taking the punishment for Becky, and later, in the cave, he supports and cares for Becky everywhere. As for the storyline of Tom and Muff Potter, it starts with children being driven by superstition to go to the graveyard, then Tom goes against superstition, and eventually, he bravely testifies for Potter. As for the events on Jackson Island, it begins with Tom rebelling against Aunt Polly and running away, and ends with Tom being so heartbroken for his aunt that he worries. The complete contrast in attitudes between the beginning and the end is a sign of maturity. In the series of events involving the Indian Joe, it starts with the children searching for hidden treasure and ends with Tom bravely protecting Becky in the cave and Huck overcoming his fear to save the widow.