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Tom Sawyer

Tom Sawyer. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Published 1876 Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens, 1835-1910 ) Hannibal, Missouri – Twain’s hometown Novel’s setting – “St. Petersburg”. PLOT. plot—sequence of events in which each event results from a previous one and causes the next

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Tom Sawyer

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  1. Tom Sawyer

  2. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer • Published 1876 • Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens, 1835-1910) • Hannibal, Missouri – Twain’s hometown • Novel’s setting – “St. Petersburg”

  3. PLOT • plot—sequence of events in which each event results from a previous one and causes the next • What is the plot of Tom Sawyer? • Hmmm, is there a plot? • “episodic” – episodes, fragments, anecdotes • “a stringing together of remembrances” • List subplots

  4. A Missouri Childhood • Is it a memoir? • Did the author have a good childhood? • Is it a children’s book? Who is the audience? • Twain said written for adults

  5. Adults in Tom Sawyer • How are adults written about? • What does the author think of adults? • Adults in book - list • Satire • Scenes where human flaws are exposed – social critique – satire • Tom is the agent for exposing the shortcomings and shortsightedness of the adult population • Social criticism of Hannibal and the American rural life it represents

  6. Tom – Good Boy or Bad Boy? • Fundamentally a “good boy” although acts out in “bad” ways • Gradually reveals Tom’s inner goodness • Conscience – testifies at Muff Potter’s trial • Compassion towards Becky in the cave • “Foils” – Sid, Willie (the Model Boy), St. Louis smarty

  7. Tom and Community • Action never farther than a few miles from the community • Drawn back to community: • Pirate – returns • Appearance at funeral • Only character who negotiates the divide between children and adults • Only one who speaks to both sides

  8. Moving Toward Adulthood? • Becky • Coming into wealth • Persuades Huck to go to the Widow’s

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