Introduction

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic American novel first published in 1876. It falls under children's literature and bildungsroman genres, focusing on the adventures of a young boy named Tom Sawyer and his friends Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. Together, they explore caves, search for treasure, and face the challenges of growing up.

Set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, the story reflects Twain's own experiences along the Mississippi River. Twain's writing captures the humor, imagination, and innocence of childhood while also delving into deeper themes like societal expectations and moral development.

Plot Summary

Tom Sawyer is an orphan who lives with his aunt Polly and his obedient and well-mannered half-brother Sid. Tom is quite mischievous and often gets into trouble, while his aunt struggles to teach him discipline.

One day, she catches Tom skipping school, so she punishes him by making him whitewash the fence. Tom is embarrassed that his friends will see him working on a Saturday, so he tricks them into thinking he is actually enjoying himself. His friends decide to try it themselves and end up doing the work for Tom.

Tom soon meets Becky Thatcher and instantly falls in love with her. He asks her to be engaged to him, and she agrees, but breaks off their engagement when she learns that Tom has been engaged to Amy Lawrence.

On his way to school on Monday, he meets his friend Huckleberry Finn, the naughtiest boy in St. Petersburg. Huck lives with his abusive father, Pap, who is constantly drunk. The boys agree to meet at midnight in the graveyard to bury a cat and look for a cure for warts.

At the cemetery, they witness Injun Joe and Muff Potter trying to dig up a dead body for Doctor Robinson. Injun Joe and Muff ask Dr. Robinson for more money, but he refuses, and a fight breaks out. Dr. Robinson knocks Muff unconscious, and then Injun Joe murders Dr. Robinson, framing Muff for the crime. The boys are horrified and make a blood oath never to tell anyone what they have seen.

One day, Tom, Huck, and Joe decide to become pirates and run away to Jackson Island. They set up camp and spend their time enjoying various activities and having lots of fun. A few days later, Tom goes home to check on his aunt, only to find out that everyone believes they drowned and is planning a funeral for them.

Tom quickly returns to the island to inform his friends, and together, they devise a plan to return on the day of the funeral. The town celebrates their return when they show up, and everyone is thrilled.

Soon, Muff's trial begins, and the judge sentences Muff to death. Unable to watch an innocent man be killed, Tom breaks the blood oath and testifies against Injun Joe. However, Injun Joe escapes by jumping out of a window.

Shortly after, Tom and Huck decide to search for hidden treasure in an abandoned house. While they are getting ready, they spot Injun Joe entering the house in disguise, accompanied by his friend. Injun Joe notices that someone else is using the house, so he decides to stash his coins elsewhere.

The following week, the boys secretly follow Injun Joe to discover where he plans to hide the stolen coins. Meanwhile, Becky celebrates her birthday with a picnic, and some kids, including Tom and Becky, visit McDougal's Cave. Tom tells Huck to track Injun Joe and gather information about the coins. Huck overhears Injun Joe confiding in his friend about his plan to murder Widow Douglas. Huck hurries to get help and informs Mr. Jones about Injun Joe's intentions. Mr. Jones and his sons set out to look for Injun Joe.

Tom and Becky have not returned; everyone realizes they are lost in the cave. They go to search for them but fail to find them. Tom explores and sees Injun Joe, who has been using the cave as a hideout. He finds a way out, and he and Becky return to town. After that, Judge Thatcher closes off all entrances to the cave. Tom tells everyone that Injun Joe is inside and might need help, regardless of who he is. The townspeople go to the cave and find Injun Joe dead.

Tom tells Huck that Injun Joe likely used the cave to hide the coins, so they decide to investigate using the secret exit Tom discovered. Inside, they find $12,000 worth of silver and gold coins, which they keep as a reward for their bravery and honor.

Soon after, Widow Douglas decides to adopt Huck and groom him into a respectable young man, but Huck runs away. He returns when Tom persuades him to join his gang of pretend robbers.