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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

by Mark Twain

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Student Question

What are the physical, personality, ethical, and emotional traits of Tom and Huck?

Quick answer:

Tom Sawyer is often depicted as imaginative and adventurous, with a knack for leadership and manipulation, while Huck Finn is portrayed as practical, independent, and morally grounded despite his rough upbringing. Physically, Tom is typically well-dressed and neat, reflecting his middle-class background, whereas Huck is more rugged and unkempt, symbolizing his outsider status. Ethically, Tom thrives on mischief and fantasy, whereas Huck displays a deeper sense of morality and empathy, often questioning societal norms.

Expert Answers

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If you are required to write an 8-paragraph essay on these two characters, I would suggest the following format:

1st paragraph - introduction with thesis statement

2nd paragraph - Tom's physical traits

3rd paragraph - Tom's personality/ethics

4th paragraph - Huck's physical traits

5th paragraph - Huck's personality/ethics

6th paragraph - Compare & contrast Tom and Huck physically

7th paragraph - Compare & contrast Tom and Huck ethically/personalities

8th paragraph - conclusion

Of course this is not a "set in stone" way of writing an essay, but it would give you a good framework to begin with.  Also remember that it is very important to use properly quoted examples from the book to support what you are saying about these characters.

Check the links below for more information about Tom and Huck.  Good luck!

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