The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Main Events in Chapters 1-4 of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

• Tom Sawyer, a mischievous 12-year-old boy, runs away from his Aunt Polly's punishment and meets Huckleberry Finn, a poor outcast boy, in the woods.
• Tom tricks his friends into whitewashing a fence, earning him money and praise.
• Tom attends his own funeral with Huckleberry Finn, and they eavesdrop on the mourning townspeople.
• Tom gets into a fight with the new boy in town, Alfred Temple, and loses.

Main Characters Introduced in Chapters 1-4

• Tom Sawyer: the protagonist, a mischievous and imaginative 12-year-old boy.
• Aunt Polly: Tom's kind but strict aunt, who raises him.
• Huckleberry Finn: a poor outcast boy, who becomes Tom's friend and partner in mischief.
• Alfred Temple: the new boy in town, who is a rival to Tom.
• Sid Sawyer: Tom's half-brother, who is a goody-goody.

Themes Explored in Chapters 1-4

• Childhood rebellion and mischief: Tom's constant disobedience and tricks reflect the desire for freedom and autonomy in childhood.
• Social class: the contrast between Tom's comfortable life and Huckleberry Finn's poverty highlights the social divide in the town.
• Morality and guilt: Tom's feelings of guilt and remorse after his pranks and mistakes demonstrate the struggle to develop moral principles in childhood.
• Friendship and loyalty: Tom's bond with Huckleberry Finn shows the importance of loyalty and trust in friendships.