Summary: The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer

“‘Tom, I’ve a notion to skin you alive!’” (Chapter 19, page 120). The book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain, is a book about a young life growing up alongside the Mississippi. Tom gets into lots of trouble with Huck and Joe, while also going for Becky, who he is “engaged”. The main theme of the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is that throughout everything, children will stick to their childish thinking. Every once and awhile, Tom and his friends forget what they’re doing and get distracted. Since children are hardly ever focused and will often do this into their twenties, children sticking to their childish way is exhibited here. He says, “‘We’ll drop this thing for today, and play. Do you know Robin Hood, Huck?’”
“(Tom)... was not the Model Boy of the village. He knew the model boy very well though - and loathed him” (Chapter 1, page 4). Although this quote doesn’t directly relate to getting into trouble, it does infer that he will get in trouble in the future related to Sid, the model boy. Later, “Aunt Polly raised him by the usual handle - his ear - and cracked his head soundly with her thimble” (Chapter 12, page 79). This example directly relates to Tom getting in trouble, for he is being punished in this quote. Additionally, after Tom lies to Aunt Polly, she says, “‘Tom, I’ve a notion to skin you alive!’” (Chapter 19, page 120). This quote shows Tom being verbally abused for what he has done, and rightfully so. Tom also does other things only children
While talking about Hermits, they boys say, “‘What does he put sackcloth and ashes on his head for?’, inquired Huck. ‘I dono. But they’ve got to do it. Hermits always do…’” (Chapter 13, page 86). Even though Tom doesn’t know why, he still claims that they have to. Additionally, Tom says, “‘...but Huck, we can’t let you into the gang if you ain’t respectable, you know’” (Chapter 35, page 211). It doesn’t make much sense that you have to be respectable to be a robber, but Tom believes that anyway. Lastly, Tom and Huck says, “‘... and say ‘Devil follow corpse, cat follow devil, warts follow cat, I’m done with ye!’ That’ll fetch any wart’’Sounds right’” (Chapter 6, page 41). Without using common sense, Tom just automatically believes that this true. The main theme of the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is that throughout everything, children will stick to their childish thinking. This theme is related to the storyline of the book, and is backed by many quotes that support my thinking. Many times throughout the book, Tom and his friends demonstrate that they will remain thinking like a child until their teenage years. After reading this great book and diving into what the theme may be, I do believe that children will always be children is the theme of The Adventures of Tom