Tom Sawyer Chapter Exegesis Scene

Tom Sawyer

Chapter Exegesis

Scene One

Chapter one of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer encompasses four clearly distinct settings; each of these cleverly set the plot, tension, and tone for the rest of the book. From the beginning, therefore, you know who Tom Sawyer is -- a mischievous, clever, precocious child with a good heart -- from where he comes, and with whom he lives.

Clearly from the South -- the reader need not know he lives in Mississippi to make the dialect connection -- and parentless, he lives with an aging, sweetly vain aunt. Tom has a sense of community and ownership in his home town and defends it from all 'citified' newcomers:

His cap was a dainty thing, his close-buttoned blue cloth roundabout was new and natty, and so were his pantaloons. He had shoes on -- and it was only Friday. He even wore a necktie, a bright bit of ribbon. He had a citified air about him that ate into Tom's vitals. The more

Tom stared at the splendid marvel, the higher he turned up his nose at his finery...

The first scene in Chapter One sets the relationship between the impish Tom and Aunt Polly; she a kind, simple-minded, honest, well-meaning victim to Tom's quick-witted, lightning fast reflexes, and response mechanisms - particularly when in trouble.

Scene Two

Scene two depicts Tom in a near-constant state of disregard for the rules by playing hooky from school. Regardless the inevitable consequences - and his intuitive understanding of just how far he can push Aunt Polly - he enters these situations willingly and with a boy's innocent heart.

Although Mark Twain doesn't describe the hooky scene in this chapter, the reader is able to envision scenes of swinging on a rope out over the creek, stamping through every pile of dirt and mud he can find, and cramming a frog into each pocket on his way home.

Scene Three

Twain offers a glimpse into the character of Sid, Tom's half-brother in Scene two:

Tom's younger brother (or rather half-brother) Sid was already through with his part of the work (picking up chips), for he was a quiet boy, and had no adventurous, troublesome ways.

By Scene three, the reader is made aware that Sid has a sly side to his nature; in revealing Tom's re-sewing of his collar to an already suspicious Aunt, Sid instantly becomes the anti-hero in the story. A whining, insipid tattletale, one automatically migrates to the good-hearted but impish Tom and sides with Tom in his innate dislike of his half-brother.

Scene Four

The fourth scene outlines Tom Sawyer's character and assertive nature while protecting his 'turf'. Alfred Temple, the new boy in town, is dressed up in Sunday finery and his appearance alone taunts Tom. Despite Tom's lack of understanding for the reasons for the discomfort, he puts out the challenge to the new kid. After much banty-like posturing, Tom finally takes the verbal taunt challenge and begins pummeling Alfred in the dirt. Fighting fair, Tom still shines despite his aggression, particularly in light of Alfred's cowardly stone throwing when Tom's back is turned.

Analysis

This first chapter in Tom's adventures is of cleverly constructed form; sharing all key elements needed to know in order to follow the story, identify with the protagonist, despise the multiple antagonists, and fondly recognize the doddering aunt as a 'straight man' to Tom's antics. The reader is immediately engaged in the story because Twain's style opens with dialog - known as a 'hook' in publishing parlance. The reader is instantly curious; why is this person named Tom being so vocally pursued? Who is doing the shouting? Why is this Tom character not responding?

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a snapshot of reality with which all readers can identify; it is not necessary to live in the backwaters of Mississippi to recognize sincere affection and security, sneaky and dishonest dealings, the bravado required when one is unwelcome but hiding it well, and the lasting desire to 'play hooky' and cause mischief in a tightly wound world.

Comparative Analysis

Tom Sawyer and Ebeneezer Scrooge are like fellows; scratchy and seemingly societal outcasts. When the results are in, however, they both have generous hearts and love for mankind.

In the Wizard of Oz, Tom can be compared to the Cowardly Lion; a reputation for prowess and courage, but really just a small child (cub) at heart.

In Peter Pan, Peter never wants to grow up - the quintessential similarity for all adults mired in life - Tom never does; Twain uses literary license to keep him perpetually the child and forever loved by millions.

Stuart Little is small, unique, and transplanted; Tom Sawyer is unique and assimilated into a family which is dissimilar to his nature and temperament. Each character grows through the challenges to become a beloved family member.