Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Metamorphosis Of a Larva into a Butterfly

“It is not a boy's book, at all. It will only be read by adults. It is only written for adults.”

-------- Mark Twain

1.The brief introduction about Mark Twain

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens---America's most famous literary icon----was born in the small town of Florida on Nov. 30, 1835. He is a mastermind of humor and realism, is seen as a giant in world literature. His humor had great impact on the following men of letters. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", which is seen as one of his famous works, was written in 1876. The young protagonist of the novel, Tom Sawyer, is drawn from real life, but is a combination of the characteristics of three boys. Through Mark Twain’s vivid portrayal, he introduced the immortal character of Tom to the "Hall of Fame" of American literature.

2. Short Summary

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer centers on the youthful adventures of the young protagonist, Thomas Sawyer, who is bored with the monotonous school life and is always getting into mischief. He has a strong craving for adventure and also has a gift for active imagination. Therefore, many interesting, mysterious and unexpected experiences happen to him and his good friend, Huckleberry Finn.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is considered one of the greatest works of American literature not only because Mark Twain can portray the "idylls of childhood" in such a vivid and impressive way, but also because it reflects so perfectly the culture of mid-1800s America. In other words, these young children present an epitome of those American youth during the frontier period that came before Industrialization.

3. The Analysis of Tom Sawyer

1) His Intelligence Demonstrated in the Plots

(1) At the beginning of the novel, Tom successfully escapes Aunt Polly's beating by diverting her attention.

Analysis:

A vivid Tom Sawyer is so well represented before readers that we are immediately attracted by the lovely boy. Tom’s first impression leaves me thinking he is clever, irresponsible and fond of mischief.