Tom

Author: Mark Twain
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer draws from the social life before the American Civil War and is a reflection of the author's own childhood. This work views the surrounding reality through the eyes of a child, revealing the closed, dull, and rigid life of the Southern United States in 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. Through Tom, the author says, "I would rather be a year-old hero in Sherwood Forest than a lifelong President of the United States." This reflects his extreme aversion to (mediocre and conservative) social life and his longing for a free and ideal world. As the plot progresses, a child grows from adolescence to maturity, with "childish behavior decreasing and adult behavior increasing." Taking Tom and Becky's story as an example, it starts with two children being mischievous and having tantrums, then Tom shows a sense of chivalry, taking the blame for Becky, and later supports and cares for her everywhere in the cave. In terms of Tom and Muff Potter's storyline, it begins with children being driven by superstition to the graveyard, then Tom goes against superstition, and eventually he bravely testifies for Potter. As for the events on Jackson Island, it starts with Tom fleeing from Aunt Polly out of rebellion, and by the end, Tom is so heartbroken for her that he worries. The complete contrast in his mindset before and after is a sign of maturity. In the series of events involving the Indian Joe, it begins 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.