Differences in the Character of Tom Sawyer in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Tom Sawyer also appears in Huckleberry Finn. How does his character differ in the two books?

Comparing Tom Sawyer's Character Across "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Tom Sawyer is indeed a character who appears in both "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," both written by Mark Twain. While Tom's character remains consistent in many ways across the two books, there are notable differences in his portrayal and development.

Tom Sawyer in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer": Embodying Childhood Adventure and Rebellion against Societal Norms

Mark Twain

In "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," Tom is the central protagonist, depicted as an imaginative and mischievous young boy. He often engages in imaginative play and creates elaborate schemes, such as forming a band of robbers or pursuing treasure hunts. Tom's character captures the essence of childhood adventure and embodies the spirit of rebellion against societal norms. Mark Twain's portrayal of Tom in this novel has been widely praised for its authenticity and vivid depiction of the joys and challenges of growing up in a small town along the Mississippi River.

Tom Sawyer in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn": A Critique of Societal Norms and the Power of Imagination

In "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Tom reappears as a secondary character, playing a significant role towards the end of the story. However, Tom's character undergoes some notable changes. While he maintains his imaginative nature, Tom's romanticized view of life becomes more pronounced. His exaggerated plans and insistence on unnecessary complications highlight the contrast between imagination and practicality. Critics have viewed Tom's character in "Huckleberry Finn" as a critique of societal norms and the idealization of adventure, contrasting with Huckleberry Finn's more grounded perspective. Some have praised Twain's portrayal of Tom as a means to explore the tension between imagination and reality.

Huckleberry Finn's Role as a Foil to Tom Sawyer's Character in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"

Huckleberry Finn, the primary protagonist of the second novel, is portrayed as more grounded and realistic. He often questions Tom's elaborate schemes and finds them unnecessary and even dangerous. Huckleberry's practicality serves as a foil to Tom's romanticism, and their contrasting approaches to life form a central theme in the novel. Some critics have applauded Twain's use of Huckleberry's character to challenge the notion of conformity and societal expectations, presenting an alternative perspective that values practicality and individuality over adherence to traditional norms.

Conclusion

Overall, while Tom Sawyer's character remains consistent in terms of his imagination, mischievousness, and love for adventure, his portrayal in "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" emphasizes his impracticality and a more exaggerated version of his romanticized worldview. Twain's depiction of Tom serves as a critical commentary on the clash between imagination and reality, and the importance of questioning societal norms. The contrasting characters of Tom and Huckleberry offer readers a nuanced exploration of different perspectives on childhood, adventure, and the complexities of navigating societal expectations.

Ardhendu De

References

1.The adventures of Tom Sawyer and The adventures of Huckleberry Finn : Twain, Mark, 1835-1910 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/adventuresoftoms1922twai

2. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer’s comrade). . . : Twain, Mark, 1835-1910 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/adventureshuckle00twaiiala