Apologia

Catherine Kish

Mrs. McConkey

ENG 3UE

December 5, 2011

Mark Twain: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn classic novels? One of the meanings that defines classic is ,"of an established set of artistic or scientific methods or standards" (Dictionary.com). Are these novels classics? Well, when faced with this meaning, and the novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn only one answer comes to mind; absolutely! One might think this because both of these novels are relatable, they teach lessons and they have historical significance. Both of these books are hard to forget and are sure to leave an impact on any reader now and well into the future.

One reason why these books are classics is because they are and will continue to be very relatable. In both of these books the main characters have to deal with their conscience. For example, when Huck and Tom see a man get murdered, they debate whether they should tell or keep it a secret; "Every reference to the murder sent a shudder to his heart, for his troubled conscience" (Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 117). This is significant because, people of today and well into the future will always have struggles between good and bad. There are always two paths in life and the decision over which path to choose is always influenced by human conscience. Another aspect of both of these books is the wanting to have a carefree life of fun and adventure. Everyone at some point feels the urge to rebel and break the rules to have fun. Huck and Tom also feel this way which inspires them to go on all of these exciting adventures; "[Huck] 'I'll foller him; I will by jingoes.' [Tom] 'Now your talking! Don't you ever weaken, Huck, and I won't" (Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 137). The last way in which this books are relatable is through the discrimination that takes place, particularly in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Inequality still exists in many aspects of our society and will continue to well into the future. It has been shown through history that discrimination is always imminent and there have even been numerous wars such as the Civil War because of it. Regardless of how fair society tries to make life, someone is always going to feel like an outsider. These books show how we can adapt to the discrimination around us and not let society influence our lives. For example, in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck befriends Jim even though at that time, it was extremely looked down upon. If there ever comes a time when conscience, freedom and inequality aren't issues, this book will still be popular because even though "[Huckleberry Finn's] a rapscallion, but we can't help but like and remember him." (Book Review) Overall, these books are very relatable because, they deal with conscience, freedom and discrimination.

The lessons that are taught in these books are substantial and significant. One of the first in the book occurs when Tom runs away from home. While away, Tom learns that with freedom comes responsibility. These books also prove the fact that "freedom is equated with standing outside society's rules"(Novelguide). When people know that they can get away with something, an element of freedom and independence is always brought in. For example, every teenager in the world at some point has to leave their parents and childhood behind. Some do crazy thinks like drugs and alcohol just to say they did. Most through just chose to leave their rooms messy because they know their parents won't say anything. However, they all come to learn the same thing as Tom when he runs away. Another lesson that these books teach is to tell the truth. When Huck tells the truth, he reaps the rewards and shows the benefits of doing what's right. "This novel seems to draw a thick line between harmless lies and morally corrupt ones" (Shmoop). The last lesson is to treat everyone equally. This lesson is particularly important in terms of what is mentioned in the previous paragraph. In-equality does and will exist forever. This lesson can hopefully minimize the effects in-equality has on people.

The last reason why these books are classics is because they are historically significant. In the book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, African-Americans are forced into slavery and are treated very poorly. However, Huck chooses not to listen to the people around him and befriend a slave so that he can save him. This is historically significant because at the time that this book is set in (right before the civil war) this would have been looked at as a horrible and disgusting. As a matter of fact, when this book was published, there was a lot of controversy surrounding it because people still weren't ready to accept the slaves as equals; "A month after it's publication, a Concord, Massachusetts, library banned the book, calling its subject matter "tawdry" and its narrative voice "coarse and "ignorant." (history.org). It is also significant because, it is almost a prediction of what is to come in the future. Nowadays, equality is put from in center and a substantial effort is made for people of every race and religion to feel included. A way in which The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is historically significant is through the treatment of children. In this book, the parents have a lot more trust in their children and let them have a little bit more free range. Now, children are coddled and overprotected way too much. This books show how children can have a bit more freedom and can make decisions for themselves. In general, these books are historically significant because they are a prediction of future societies and show the circumstances from which this book is written.

Overall, both of these books deserve the title 'classic'. They both cover historically relevant topics, teach lessons, and will continue to be very relatable. These attributes combine into an exciting, interesting and undoubtedly classic book.

Works Cited

"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Themes." Shmoop: Homework Help, Teacher Resources, Test Prep. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

"Book Review: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Audio." Books & Literature Classics. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.


"Classic Define Classic at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.


"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: Theme Analysis." Novelguide. Novelguide.com. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

"Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. London: CRW. Print.


"Twain Publishes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn — History.com This Day in History — 2/18/1885." History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

Personal Reflection

While reading The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, I disproved my belief that classic novels are boring. I discovered that they can be very captivating and very memorable. Over the course of reading both of these books, I feel that I did grow as a reader and as a student. For example, I got a stronger perspective on life in the mid 1800's in southern America. I now feel that I could talk more knowledgeably about the subject of slavery and inequality in the southern states. One thing that I have learned about myself is that I enjoy historically based books. I also found that going into reading with an open mind really helped me to enjoy the book. This allowed me to fully absorb the meaning of the book and the lessons within.

One of the lessons I learned from these books was to make my own choices. I also learned that society plays a huge role on our thoughts and therefore our actions. What we see and what we experience it what makes us who we are, not just our qualities or talents. The line between good and bad is very fine, just like the line between experiencing too much and too little. Yes we as children should be allowed to experiment and make mistakes, but there always comes a time when freedom can become dangerous. If there is one thing I learned from my very first personal reflection and the events that took place after, it is that anything can be taken too far. Events can be too hard to witness, a web of lies can come from behind and trip you. Everything has a boundary with a devil waiting on the other side to hurt you. But we all have it in us to experience life to the fullest without dangers. We have to be given the chance to succeed and stay away from the other side.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this project. I learned how to draw connections between different texts and my modern day society. I also learned that older books aren't necessarily boring books. I truly believe that I have grown greatly as a reader and a critic. I have improved my knowledge of the world as well as my belief in myself all while reading an amazing book.

Response 4

The last 150 pages of The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn are very eye opening and eventful. Some of the things that take place are very hard for me to believe. But with all of the things that happen, Huck doesn't seem to be substantially affected. He does however battle with his conscience and the norms of society.


Lies and deceit are a big part of this section. It first starts when Huck and Jim come across two men who are only out for money. They go from town to town with Huck and Jim trying to get money out of people. They do anything imaginable to become rich. Some of the things include claiming to be British, pretending to be heirs to a deceased rich man and claiming to have lost "everything". This impacts Huck on an emotional level. He feels bad for the people they cheat out of money and is always thinking of ways to escape from them.

One thing that I realised in this last section is that Huck compares himself to Tom Sawyer. When he comes up with plans, he always finishes by saying "I do wish Tom Sawyer was [here], I knowed he would take interest in this kind of business." (Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 31) In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom is always mentioning how great Huck's life is and how awesome is would be to be him. In my opinion this really adds to the characters and to the story because the reader gets two perspectives on one topic.


This book is similar to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in that both Tom and Huck have to decide between good and bad. Huck knows what the right thing to do is, but is worried that he will be "taking considerable many risks."(154) Huck does make the right choice though and he feels the benefits of telling the truth; "'I'll pray for you' [she said] it makes my eyes water a little to remember [her]."(157)


Overall, Huck learns the consequences and impacts of lying. Just like in our world today, there are punishments for those who chose to break rules. There are also rewards for those who speak out such as Crime Stoppers and MADD. That said, it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

Response 3

This post will be focusing on the first part of the book The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn. Huckleberry Finn is one of Tom Sawyers best friends and loves adventure just as much as him.



One of the themes of the first half of this book is friendship. In this book, Huckleberry Finn runs away from his abusive father with an African-American slave named Jim. At the time that this book is set in, the slaves are looked at as animals and not as equals; "The men was very huffy, and some of them wanted to hang Jim for an example...But the others said don't do it...his owner would turn up and make us pay for him." (Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 230) But Huck befriends Jim and thinks nothing of the prejudice around him. This shows the innocence of children. Just like today, many children are blind to the circumstances around them even though influences are everywhere. It is interesting that Huck isn't affected by the influences because, they are all around him and are even more substantial than the influences today.



This part of the book very clearly shows that there are no limits to love and friendship. If Huck would have been caught with Jim, he would have been punished severely but he still stuck beside him all the way to the end; "Jim won't ever forgit you, Huck, you's de bes' fren' Jim's ever had, en you's de only fren' ole Jim's got now." (251) Friendship can exist in a world of hatred and inequality. We chose who we befriend and who we leave out; labels and stereo-types shouldn't decide for us.


In my opinion, this section of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has a really nice message of friendship conquering all. It also demonstrates that we as humans shouldn't let our societies influence our choices and decisions. Our lives can be whatever we want and should be of our choosing.

Response 2

The second half of this book held many exciting and very unexpected adventures for Tom. Over the course of the rest of The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Tom grows as a character and as a human being. He has a lot of courage and determination which helps him to mature.


At more than one point in the book, Tom has to experience things that I don't think a child should have to. He witnesses a man get murdered and has to save himself and his friend Becky from a cave. Even though these events are horrific, they don't seem to affect him. He comes out with more confidence in himself and becomes even more adventurous; "With and eager auditory about him, [he] told the history of the wonderful adventure." (Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 160) It was amazing to read that Tom could remain calm and collected in such terrible situations. The stereo-types that we have for children as being weak and fragile are disproved by this book. We shouldn't assume that children are incapable or can't handle certain things just because they are small and young. They should be given the chance to experiment and grow as human beings.


Throughout the second half of this book, Tom becomes more aware of his values and morals; "Every reference to the murder sent a shudder to his heart, for his troubled conscience." (117) He realises that telling the truth to save others is better than keeping a secret to save himself. His selfishness decreases as he realises the benefit of others was more important. In my opinion Tom becomes a more relatable character when he had to chose between good and bad. Prior to this point, I really had no personal connection to Tom because I don't really love adventure and the factors that influence his life, don't influence mine. For example, the idea that innocent people can be hung doesn't exist in Canada anymore. But when he shares that he is fighting with his conscience, I immediately understand how he feels and why he has such a hard time deciding.

His near death experience also helps him to mature and almost open his eyes to the dangers of the world around him. When he is trapped in the cave, every trick and game he played before seemed insignificant to the expedition he would have to go on to escape. This is expressed clearly when Tom's Aunt Polly says "He warn't bad...only mischeevous...he never meant any harm, and he was the best-hearted boy that ever was." (83) His maturity helps him to stay calm in this situation and think of a logical plan of escape. This situation really forces him to grow up and stop playing childish games.


Overall, Tom grows substantially as a character in the last part of this book. His reaction to events shows that children should be given a chance to succeed in what ever they do, even if it is dangerous or risky.

Response 1

The first half of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer left me bewildered and amazed. It was really astounding that Tom and his friends could let everyone believe they were dead then show up at their own funeral. One of the themes in this novel is freedom and how far you can take it. Tom always finds a way to get into trouble and is constantly getting on his aunts nerves; "Umph! Well, you didn't get a lick amiss", [Aunt Polly] reckoned. "You'd been into some other owdacious mischief when I wasn't around, like enough."(Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 22) But for some reason, she keeps forgiving him. This is opposite to our world today where kids are coddled and watched at all times and can be punished for a lifetime for one mistake.

Throughout this section I often found myself wanting Tom to succeed even though he was not following the rules. I am usually annoyed by characters that continually ignore the rules just to have fun. But I somehow feel in love with Tom's cunning ways and his caring nature; "He thought of his flower. He got it out, rumpled and wilted, and it mightily increased his dismal felicity."(23) He is also a very free spirit which stops him from listening to his conscience. Even though he is a troublemaker, he does what he thinks is best and it usually works out in the end.

He also goes to a lot of trouble to achieve freedom. He is always scheming and coming up with ways to make life more challenging and exciting for himself. A very clear example of this is shown in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; "What's the good of a plan that ain't no more trouble than that...it wouldn't make no more talk than breaking into a soap factory."(Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 190) His impulsive nature creates a lot of excitement and I am always left wondering what he will do next.

When I first started reading my book and was learning about all of Tom's adventures, I thought he had it all. He did what he wanted when he wanted and he had so much fun. But as I got farther into the book, I realised that his freedom wasn't that great. When he ran away from home, he had to hide so that no one would find him; "[they] were cautioned to 'be mum and wait.' (Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 73) He also didn't have the trust of his family.

What I learned from this section was that it is okay to break some rules but there are limits on how far you can take them. With freedom comes responsibility and sometimes the distrust of others. But you can find adventure and fun in it when you know how to limit yourself.