American Literature

Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain

1.) Statement about the main character
Tom Sawyer  He showed a range of emotions in the novel  his thirst for adventures, his envy for Hucks freedom, his naivety when he shows belief in superstitions and make-believe, his perseverance during his courtship to Betty and his struggle with Injun Joe and with social custom showed maturity and ability to conform despite his carefree ways.

Huckleberry Finn  He is the son of the towns drunkard who represents Toms envied freedom in the novel. Huck has played a significant part in shaping Toms character by showing him the difference and benefits of living within and outside a society.

Injun Joe  He represents all of Toms fears in the novel and the bad thing that can come out of having too much freedom where one is free to do anything he pleases.

2.) Statement on the subject
A carefree boy who at first thought that life is simply outwitting everyone else to take advantage of every situation. But after a few misadventures  witnessing a crime, being shunned by Becky, becoming pirates and testifying against Injun Joe Tom realizes the importance of social conformity.

3.) Statement on the setting of the novel
The setting of the story took place in a fictional town named St Petersburg during the 1840s

4.) Statement of the Theme
A boys road to adulthood and the struggles he needs to undergo in his quest for moral and social maturation.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
By Mark Twain

1.) Statement on the main characters
Huckleberry Finn  he is a skeptical son of a drunkard who represents people who come from lowest level of white society. From being an undisciplined boy, he turns out to be a thinking human being capable of emotions and not just someone who follow the dictations of the society.
Jim  He is an African American slave who is a representation of how society can be judgmental.

2.) Statement of the subject
A 13-year old boy whose freedom comes from being neglected by his own father in contrast to Jim who is experiencing slavery and oppression in the society mainly because of the color of his skin and their struggles for escape are the novels subject.

3.) A statement on the setting of the story
The story took place on Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg and along the Ohio River before the Civil War when slavery is at its peak.

4.) Statement on the theme
Slavery and oppression is a fact of life. People are judged by their skins color and race by their fellow human beings.