The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Key Themes
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Key Themes

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Questions and Answers

What does Tom think immediately when he sees Huck? What does this parallel?

He thinks Huck is a ghost, just like Jim did on Jackson Island.

Who does Tom eventually state he is after he kisses Aunt Sally?

He pretends to be Sid, Tom's brother.

How do Huck and Tom know that Jim is on the property?

Silas mentions 'the runaway' at dinner.

What do Huck and Tom see when they sneak out of the house?

<p>The duke and king have been tarred and feathered by a mob for being frauds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck say about a conscience?

<p>He says that it takes over the mind more than anything else, but isn't useful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is Jim being held? How does Tom know where he is?

<p>He is being held in a small cabin, where Tom saw another slave deliver food and lock the door.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What plan does Huck come up with to steal Jim? What is Tom's response and plan?

<p>Huck comes up with a simple plan that can be easily executed (steal the key), but Tom develops a much more complex plan that is riskier and '15 times more stylish'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is interesting about Jim's keeper? What do Huck and Tom get him to believe?

<p>Jim's keeper is very superstitious, and Huck and Tom get him to believe that neither of them know Jim, and vice versa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom say they have to saw Jim's chain off? What other extravagants has he added? What does this say about Tom?

<p>Tom is obsessed with romanticism and stubbornly adheres to a fantasy method of executing a prison break.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck steal? What is Tom's response? How is this ironic?

<p>He steals a watermelon from the slaves, and Tom makes a fuss about how it wasn't right to steal items unless it pertained to his plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is important about Huck's ideas on stealing? How has it varied throughout Huck's adventure?

<p>Huck tells Tom he steals to get what he wants, but earlier he only stole what was necessary to survive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Huck and Tom steal? What are they going to use the items for?

<p>They steal a pewter spoon, three plates, and a brass candlestick to hide in Jim's food to communicate with him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Witch Pie?

<p>Tom explains to Nat that Witch Pie is a pie that satisfies the witches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aunt Sally do once she notices the missing items? Who does she think took them?

<p>She gets angry and frustrated, believing that either the rats or her husband has taken the items.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do you make of Jim's willingness to engage in all of this?

<p>Jim appears willing to do what is 'necessary' to escape, following orders without being able to freely voice his opinions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom ask Jim to do in this chapter? List 3 things. Which do you think is the worst? What is Twain's point?

<p>Tom asks Jim to water a flower with his tears, tame a rattlesnake, and carve a message into the wall. Keeping a rattlesnake is the worst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck notice about Tom?

<p>Huck notices how stubborn Tom is.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Tom, Huck, and Jim infest the Phelps house with?

<p>Pests such as spiders, bugs, caterpillars, frogs, and snakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Phelps' plan with Jim? How does this make you feel about Tom? About Huck?

<p>They planned to return Jim to his owner, prompting Tom and Huck to realize they need to hurry to break Jim out.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's letter mention? What is the result?

<p>It mentions upcoming trouble and warns the family, which scares them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the men in the front room? What is their plan?

<p>They are farmers with guns who are going to ambush the 'gang' that wants to steal Jim.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Tom?

<p>He is shot in the leg after he trips over a rail.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Write the significant quotation by Huck about Jim. What does it say about Huck?

<p>&quot;I knowed he was white inside&quot; - Demonstrates Huck's deeply ingrained racism as well as compassion for Jim.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Huck goes to find a doctor?

<p>The doctor does not want to enter the canoe, as it is not stable with two people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the people in the Phelps' house believe?

<p>They believe that Jim is crazy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Tom returns?

<p>Aunt Sally thinks that he is dead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the local men want to do to Jim?

<p>They want to hang him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom tell Aunt Sally about Miss Watson? After all that has happened, how does this make you feel about Tom?

<p>Tom says that Ms. Watson died two months ago, so Jim is free.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom say that he will do for Jim? What are your thoughts?

<p>He says he wants to let him free.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do with the bullet? Is Tom a static or dynamic character?

<p>He makes it into a necklace. He is a dynamic character, but not in Huck's eyes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Jim once Aunt Polly and the Phelps learn what he did?

<p>He is freed, treated well, and Tom gives him $40.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim tell Huck about the body from the floating house? Why did Jim not tell Huck earlier?

<p>Jim tells Huck that the body in the house was Huck's father, Pap.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Huck's final plan? Why is this significant?

<p>He plans to run away again, because he doesn't want to be civilized by Aunt Sally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tom and Huck's Reunion

  • Tom thinks Huck is a ghost, paralleling Jim’s reaction when he first sees Huck on Jackson Island.

Identity and Pretense

  • After kissing Aunt Sally, Tom pretends to be his brother Sid.

Discovery of Jim's Location

  • Huck and Tom realize Jim is nearby when Silas mentions "the runaway" during dinner.

The Duke and King

  • Huck and Tom witness the duke and king being tarred and feathered by a mob for fraud.

Conscience and Morality

  • Huck believes conscience dominates the mind but finds it ultimately unhelpful.

Jim's Captivity

  • Jim is kept in a cabin that Tom identifies after seeing a slave deliver food.

Plans to Rescue Jim

  • Huck proposes a straightforward plan to rescue Jim, but Tom insists on an elaborate, risky strategy.

Jim’s Keeper’s Superstitions

  • Jim's keeper is superstitious; Huck and Tom convince him they do not know Jim.

Romanticism vs. Reality

  • Tom insists on savagely romantic methods for the escape, showing his commitment to an idealized version of adventure.

Irony in Theft

  • Huck steals a watermelon, but Tom criticizes him, showcasing the ironic contrast in their moral views.

Huck's Evolving Morality

  • Huck admits he steals only for personal gain, unlike earlier in his journey where theft was survival-driven.

Items for Jim

  • Huck and Tom steal household items to create signals for communicating with Jim.

Witch Pie Mythology

  • Tom discusses "Witch Pie," claiming it appeases witches despite their absurdity.

Aunt Sally’s Suspicion

  • Aunt Sally suspects her missing items are taken by rats or her husband, showing her frustration.

Jim’s Compliance

  • Jim participates in Tom's elaborate escape plan, reflecting his lack of agency and social constraints.

Tom's Outlandish Demands

  • Tom asks Jim to perform ludicrous tasks; the most offensive is keeping a rattlesnake, highlighting the absurdity of romantic ideals.

Huck’s Observations

  • Huck perceives Tom's stubbornness, emphasizing Tom's fixation on his fantastical plans.

Phelps House Infestation

  • Tom, Huck, and Jim infect the Phelps house with various pests as part of their schemes.

Phelps’ Plan for Jim

  • The Phelps intend to return Jim to his owner, prompting urgency from Tom and Huck to save him, reflecting their concern for Jim.

Tom's Warnings

  • Tom sends a letter about impending trouble, inadvertently alarming the Phelps.

Ambush Plan

  • Local farmers are set to ambush men planning to steal Jim, showcasing the threats surrounding their escape.

Tom’s Injury

  • Tom is shot in the leg during an escape attempt, increasing tension and urgency.

Huck's Remark on Jim

  • Huck's quote about Jim’s character reveals a conflicting sentiment of racial prejudice mixed with empathy.

Doctor's Reluctance

  • The doctor hesitates to approach due to a shaky canoe, underscoring their precarious situation.

Misunderstood Jim

  • The Phelps family questions Jim's sanity, illustrating the misconceptions of slavery.

Aunt Sally's Reaction

  • Upon Tom’s return, Aunt Sally fears for his life, heightening the dramatic tension.

Local Men’s Intent

  • Local men plan to hang Jim, intensifying the urgency to rescue him.

Jim’s Freedom

  • Tom reveals Jim is free after Miss Watson's death, shifting the moral landscape.

Tom's Commitment to Jim

  • Tom promises to help Jim, signaling a change in dynamics and friendships formed through adversity.

Tom’s Transformation

  • Tom turns a bullet into a necklace, demonstrating his growth; he is dynamic yet remains a steadfast hero in Huck’s eyes.

Jim's Treatment Post-Rescue

  • After revealing his role in saving Tom, Jim is released and rewarded with $40.

Huck’s Discovery

  • Jim reveals Huck's father is dead, showcasing Jim’s protective nature.

Huck's Future Plans

  • Huck plans to escape civilization again, indicating his desire for freedom over societal constraints.

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Description

Explore key themes and events from 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' through this quiz. Delve into Tom and Huck's escapades and their moral dilemmas, including their complex relationship with Jim and the social dynamics they encounter. Test your knowledge on identity, pretense, and the clash of romanticism with harsh realities.

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