Boy Issues Involving Tom Sawyer

An issue that I find interesting in the "Adventures of Tom Sawyer"is how Tom seems to be the epitome of the typical boy in the Nineteenth century. Tom is a the kind of boy that does not like to do what he is told and will find ways trick his Aunt without her knowing: "Hang the boy, can't I never learn anything? Ain't he played me tricks enough like that for me to be looking out for him by this time" (p. 314-315)? Tom also is okay with "play[ing] hookey, and [having] a very good time" rather than doing chores or attending church (p. 315). A fight never seems to intimidate Tom when he sees the "model boy" and tries to pick a fight with him because Tom [loathe(s)] him (p. 318). He tells the boy that "[He] can lick [the boy]'" and is not afraid (p. 319). The most famous incident that happens with Tom is his ability to manipulate others to do what they want, even if the person being manipulated does not realize it. When painting a fence as punishment for playing hooky, Tom tells his friend Ben that "it's got to be done very carful; I reckon there ain't one boy in a thousand, maybe two thousand, that can do it the way it's got to be done" (p. 329). He uses this strategy to bribe Ben to paint the fence while he goes and spends his Saturday afternoon swimming.

All of these characteristics that Tom portrays shows the overall behavior of a young boy. Tom is carefree, spontaneous and not afraid of trouble.