The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Lesson Plans by Bridget Baudinet
Mark Twain’s classic story of a mischievous small-town boy, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer has entertained readers for nearly 150 years. Though set in a bygone era, Tom’s desires for fun and freedom still resonate with young readers today.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Storyboard Text
- THE WHITEWASHED FENCE
- THE SYCAMORE-BARK LETTER
- Dear Aunt Polly,
- THE TREASURE
- The whitewashed fence is a reflection of Tom's character. Depressed by the thought of spending his Saturday painting, he twists the scenario to his advantage and cons his friends into painting for him. The fence thus symbolizes his avoidance of responsibility as well as his sharp wit.
- The sycamore-bark letter Tom writes to Aunt Polly during his absence on Jackson’s Island reveals Tom’s good heart and his love for his family. His clear efforts to write the letter and sneak away from the island to deliver it prove that, underneath it all, Tom truly loves his aunt.
- Injun Joe’s treasure is a symbol of excitement, danger, and adventure. The treasure is the real-life embodiment of Tom’s imaginings. Tom's games of pirates, robbers, and other dramatic scenarios, may have seemed childish, but the $12,000 treasure is proof that Tom’s games have a basis in reality. Even real life can be an adventure.
- SOCIAL HYPOCRISY
- Examination Day
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
- FREEDOM VS. RESPONSIBILITY
- Twain associated civilization with folly and hypocrisy. Many of society’s shows of “civilization” - Sunday School recitations, the school Examination, the funeral - are undercut by their ironic outcomes. The schoolmaster's drunkenness is "unmasked" during the Examinations, exposing his strict, upstanding persona as fraud.
- Tom spends much of his time trying to escape adult responsibilities. By playing hooky, avoiding chores, and running away, he finds the carefree happiness that his boyish heart craves. As he begins to mature, he does take responsibility for telling the truth in Potter’s trial and for saving Becky from the cave.
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