Tom Sawyer is a restless, funny boy who does not like to listen to adults and dreams of becoming as free as his friend, the homeless Huckleberry Finn. Let's take a brief look at the characterization of Tom Sawyer, a hero from Mark Twain's book.
Tom Sawyer has more than enough energy. He always comes up with something interesting, his wit and enterprise seem genius for the age of twelve. Tom is an orphan, and Aunt Polly is raising the boy. She cannot be called evil, she is generally good and kind, but she is guided by the principle from the Bible, which talks about proper punishment for a child. Therefore, Aunt Polly considers it her duty to punish the pupil for the cause.
Although we are talking about the characterization of Tom Sawyer, it is worth mentioning that the good boy and terrible sneak Siddy, Tom Sawyer’s half-brother, is being raised by Aunt Polly, and a sweet and patient girl Mary, who is Tom’s cousin, also lives with them. It is clear that Siddy is the opposite of Tom, they are so different in character and views on how to live. That's why Siddy likes to tell tales, and Tom is not averse to telling jokes.
What is told in the book about Tom Sawyer
For example, one day Tom accidentally acted as a witness to a murder and even managed to expose the criminal. Then he got engaged to a girl from his class, ran away from home in order to start living on a distant island where there was no one. Tom Sawyer attended his funeral, and one day he got lost in a cave, but was able to find his way out in time. He also found a treasure. All these adventures show the characteristics of Tom Sawyer.
If you look at the purpose of the book, you can see that the image of Tom Sawyer represents the carefree and wonderful childhood of the children in the mid-19th century.
A striking episode characterizing Tom
The characterization of Tom Sawyer is revealed very well at the very beginning of the story. Let's look at one episode from his life.
One day, instead of going to school, Tom decided to go for a swim. Aunt Polly found out about these pranks and roughly punished her pupil - Tom had to whitewash the long fence. But that's not so bad. I had to do the whitewashing in the middle of Saturday - a day off! The guys were playing happily at this time, and Tom could already imagine how they would laugh at him, seeing their friend doing tedious work.
Tom Sawyer was not at a loss; he made a cunning plan. There were a lot of useful things in his pockets, for example, a dead rat with a string (for greater convenience, untwist it in the air) or a key that could not open anything. But is it really possible to buy at least a little freedom with these “jewels”? The boy Ben approached Tom, clearly with the intention of getting behind him. And then the characterization of Tom Sawyer was revealed in all its glory. What did Tom come up with?
Our sly guy told Ben that painting a fence is his favorite thing to do, and that's why he's happy to do it. Ben first began to tease, but Tom asked in surprise what kind of work Ben thought was good, and then announced to him that Aunt Polly barely agreed to entrust this responsibility for whitewashing the fence to Tom. Tom's idea and his plan turned out to be correct, because soon not only the rogue Ben, but also others begged Tom to let them work on the whitewash...
Tom made an important conclusion, and so did we: when work, even difficult and tedious work, is not paid, it becomes not work, but a hobby, and doing it is interesting. But as soon as they start paying for it, the hobby will turn into work, and this is already boring.
You learned what the characteristics of Tom Sawyer are, what kind of character he is and what we can learn from him. Be sure to read about his adventures.
1. Mark Twain as the creator of a unique image.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of the hero.
3. Tom Sawyer is one of the most beloved characters in world literature.
Perhaps there is no more or less literate person in the world who has not read the novel by the famous American prose writer M. Twain. He created many wonderful works, such as “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”, “The Prince and the Pauper”, “Joan of Arc” and others. But it is “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” that is best known and loved by adult and young readers all over the world. What is the secret of such great and long-lasting popularity? It seems to me that it lies in the enormous charm that the author’s talented pen endowed on the image of this restless, restless boy.
In world literature there are a great many images of boys - adventurers, but Twain's hero is unique and original. At first glance, he is a completely ordinary boy from a small provincial American town. Like thousands and millions of his neighbors, Tom does not like to do household chores, hates going to school, prefers shabby clothes to a smart suit, and as for shoes, he tries to do without them. Attending church and especially Sunday school is real torture for him. Tom has a lot of friends who are just as naughty as he is. His intelligent head is constantly filled with all kinds of fantasies and inventions. Most likely, if the boy's parents were alive, he would have grown up more obedient and less wayward. The old maid - Aunt Polly - with all her efforts could not cope with the restless nephew entrusted to her care. But it was precisely this freedom that allowed Tom to remain a sincere, spontaneous, organic being. Of course, he is characterized by cunning, he can lie without any remorse, “steal” a delicacy without permission, but with all this, it is almost impossible to get angry with him.
At first glance, Tom Sawyer is the same ordinary boy as most of his peers. And yet he is a special hero, since Twain endowed him with all the most wonderful qualities that can only be inherent in a teenager.
Tom loves Aunt Polly dearly. Not knowing how to pacify his inclinations, the boy nevertheless worries if he sees that he is causing his aunt anxiety and grief. This is characterized by a sense of justice. He does not tolerate pretense, hypocrisy, or insincerity. That is why the obedient brother Sid often becomes the object of Tom's hostility. Sometimes the boy is overcome by the desire to become a good, “correct” child; it is not his fault that he most often fails to curb his irrepressible temper. What Tom Sawyer has in common with all the boys in the world is that he does not tolerate boredom, routine, or monotony. He will always prefer spanking or other physical punishment to cramming and sadness at a church service. This is a lively, impressionable nature with a rich imagination.
Not every adult is capable of admitting that he is wrong, but anyone can do it. Repenting of his escape from home, the boy convinces his friends to return to the city.
Tom Sawyer has many extraordinary character traits. One of them is his entrepreneurial spirit. It’s not for nothing that the episode with the fence has become a textbook one. Here the boy shows remarkable abilities as a psychologist and organizer. Leadership qualities are generally inherent in Tom. He easily manages to inspire his less inventive and brave friends to take risky actions. Tom is able to wholeheartedly sympathize with those who undeservedly suffer insult and injustice. Despite his fear of Injun Joe, Tom, along with his bosom friend Huckleberry Finn, risking their lives, helps out the hapless Muff Potter by testifying in court. Not every adult is capable of such a brave act committed by a sympathetic boy. This, in my opinion, is true heroism.
Another episode that shows us Tom at his best is the pages about him getting lost in the cave with Becky Thatcher. The boy managed to keep his cool and find a way out, while still constantly supporting, comforting and encouraging the girl. In the finale, Tom helps neutralize a gang of bandits and save the life of a respectable townswoman.
The author rewards his hero - Tom becomes a rich man, a heroic figure, and deserves the respect of the most prominent townspeople. However, even this last test the boy passes with flying colors. He does not become arrogant, does not boast of his heroism and wealth. This is still a spontaneous teenager full of charm.
Saying goodbye to him, the reader remains convinced that Tom Sawyer will retain all his best qualities, become a wonderful person and, having turned into an adult man, will do many more wonderful things.
Composition
1. Mark Twain as the creator of a unique image.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of the hero.
3. Tom Sawyer is one of the most beloved heroes in world literature.
Perhaps there is no more or less literate person in the world who has not read the novel by the famous American prose writer M. Twain. He created many wonderful works, such as “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”, “The Prince and the Pauper”, “Joan of Arc” and others. But it is “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” that is best known and loved by adult and young readers all over the world. What is the secret of such great and long-lasting popularity? It seems to me that it lies in the enormous charm that the author’s talented pen endowed on the image of this restless, restless boy.
In world literature there are a great many images of boys - adventurers, but Twain's hero is unique and original. At first glance, he is a completely ordinary boy from a small provincial American town. Like thousands and millions of his neighbors, Tom does not like to do household chores, hates going to school, prefers shabby clothes to a smart suit, and as for shoes, he tries to do without them. Attending church and especially Sunday school is real torture for him. Tom has a lot of friends who are just as naughty as he is. His intelligent head is constantly filled with all kinds of fantasies and inventions. Most likely, if the boy's parents were alive, he would have grown up more obedient and less wayward. The old maid - Aunt Polly - with all her efforts could not cope with the restless nephew entrusted to her care. But it was precisely this freedom that allowed Tom to remain a sincere, spontaneous, organic being. Of course, he is characterized by cunning, he can lie without any remorse, “steal” a delicacy without permission, but with all this, it is almost impossible to get angry with him.
At first glance, Tom Sawyer is the same ordinary boy as most of his peers. And yet he is a special hero, since Twain endowed him with all the most wonderful qualities that can only be inherent in a teenager.
Tom loves Aunt Polly dearly. Not knowing how to pacify his inclinations, the boy nevertheless worries if he sees that he is causing his aunt anxiety and grief. This is characterized by a sense of justice. He does not tolerate pretense, hypocrisy, or insincerity. That is why the obedient brother Sid often becomes the object of Tom's hostility. Sometimes the boy is overcome by the desire to become a good, “correct” child; it is not his fault that he most often fails to curb his irrepressible temper. What Tom Sawyer has in common with all the boys in the world is that he does not tolerate boredom, routine, or monotony. He will always prefer spanking or other physical punishment to cramming and sadness at a church service. This is a lively, impressionable nature with a rich imagination.
Not every adult is capable of admitting that he is wrong, but anyone can do it. Repenting of his escape from home, the boy convinces his friends to return to the city.
Tom Sawyer has many extraordinary character traits. One of them is his entrepreneurial spirit. It’s not for nothing that the episode with the fence has become a textbook one. Here the boy shows remarkable abilities as a psychologist and organizer. Leadership qualities are generally inherent in Tom. He easily manages to inspire his less inventive and brave friends to take risky actions. Tom is able to wholeheartedly sympathize with those who undeservedly suffer insult and injustice. Despite his fear of Injun Joe, Tom, along with his bosom friend Huckleberry Finn, risking their lives, helps out the hapless Muff Potter by testifying in court. Not every adult is capable of such a brave act committed by a sympathetic boy. This, in my opinion, is true heroism.
Another episode that shows us Tom at his best is the pages about him getting lost in the cave with Becky Thatcher. The boy managed to keep his cool and find a way out, while still constantly supporting, comforting and encouraging the girl. In the finale, Tom helps neutralize a gang of bandits and save the life of a respectable townswoman.
The author rewards his hero - Tom becomes a rich man, a heroic figure, and deserves the respect of the most prominent townspeople. However, even this last test the boy passes with flying colors. He does not become arrogant, does not boast of his heroism and wealth. This is still a spontaneous teenager full of charm.
Saying goodbye to him, the reader remains convinced that Tom Sawyer will retain all his best qualities, become a wonderful person and, having turned into an adult man, will do many more wonderful things.
Other works on this work
Images of heroes in Mark Twain's story “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” My attitude towards the main character of Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” The Adventures of "Tom Sawyer" Mark Twain - artistic analysis The sunny world of childhood in Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a wonderful book, magical, mysterious. It is beautiful primarily for its depth. Every person at any age can find something of their own in it: a child - a fascinating story, an adult - Mark Twain’s sparkling humor and memories of childhood. The main character of the novel appears in a new light during each reading of the work, i.e. The characterization of Tom Sawyer is always different, always fresh.
Tom Sawyer is an ordinary child
It is unlikely that Thomas Sawyer can be called a hooligan; rather, he is a mischief-maker. And, more importantly, he has the time and opportunity to do everything. He lives with his aunt, who, although she tries to keep him strict, is not very good at it. Yes, Tom is punished, but despite this, he lives quite well.
He is smart, resourceful, like almost every child of his age (about 11-12 years old), you just have to remember the story with the fence, when Tom convinced all the children in the area that work is a sacred right and privilege, and not a heavy burden.
This characterization of Tom Sawyer reveals that he is not a very bad person. Further, the personality of the most famous inventor and mischief-maker will be revealed with more and more new facets.
Friendship, love and nobility are not alien to Tom Sawyer
Another virtue of Sawyer - the ability to love and sacrifice - appears before the reader in all its glory when the boy discovers that he loves. For her sake, he even makes a sacrifice: he exposes his body to the blows of the teacher's rods for her misconduct. This is a wonderful characteristic of Tom Sawyer, which highlights his sublime attitude towards the lady of his heart.
Tom Sawyer has a conscience. He and Huck witnessed a murder, and even despite the not at all illusory danger to their lives, the boys decided to help the police and rescue poor Muff Potter from prison. The act on their part is not only noble, but also courageous.
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as a confrontation between the world of childhood and the world of adulthood
Why is Tom like this? Because he's doing relatively well. Tom, although difficult, is a beloved child, and he knows it. Therefore, almost all the time he lives in the world of childhood, in the world of dreams and fantasies, only occasionally looking into reality. The characteristics of Tom Sawyer in this sense are no different from those of any other prosperous teenager. Such a conclusion can be made only if we correlate the two images - For Sawyer, fantasy is like the air he breathes. Tom is full of hope. There is almost no disappointment in him, so he believes in made-up worlds and made-up people.
Huck is completely different. He has a lot of problems, no parents. Or rather, there is an alcoholic father, but it would be better not to have him. For Huck, his father is a source of constant worry. His parent, of course, disappeared several years ago, but it is known for certain that he did not die, which means that he can appear in the city at any moment and begin to abuse his miserable son again.
For Huck, fantasies are opium, thanks to which life is still somehow bearable, but an adult cannot live in a world of illusions all the time (and Finn is exactly like that).
Sawyer is even a little sorry because he doesn’t know how things really are. His world manages without tragedy, while Huck's existence is a constant struggle. Just like an ordinary adult: he leaves the world of childhood and realizes that he has been deceived. Thus, another characterization of Tom Sawyer is ready.
What kind of adult would Tom be?
A tempting question for all those who have read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. But it seems that it is not for nothing that the story about the boys does not say anything about their adult lives. There may be at least two reasons for this: either there will be nothing remarkable in these lives, or for some, life will not present any pleasant surprises. And all this can happen.
What will Tom Sawyer be like? The characterization could be like this: in the future he is an ordinary, ordinary person without any special achievements in life. His childhood is full of various adventures, but by and large they always happened in some comfort zone, and this allowed Tom to constantly fabricate fantasies.
With Huck it's a different story. At the end of the adventures, Finn leaves the bourgeois world, where satiety and morality reign, into the world of the streets, where freedom reigns, in his opinion. The tramp boy does not tolerate boundaries. But it is impossible to live forever outside the framework and breathe only the air of freedom, because any life needs one form or another. If a separate vessel (person) is not limited, it will break out, destroying the vessel itself. Simply put, if Huck does not choose a certain value system for himself, he may well become an alcoholic and die under the fence, like his dad, or perish in a drunken brawl. Adult life is not as bright as the life of a child, which is a pity.
On this not very happy note, Tom Sawyer says goodbye to us. The characterization of the hero ends here.