Tom Sawyer is a classic for a reason, people are the same now as they were when the book was written. One of the better examples of this is the scene during Sunday School when Judge Thatcher arrives. Peacocks do not preen nearly as much. Of course Tom is able to preen and receive his Bible and then fail in an epic manner upon being introduced to the esteemed Judge Thatcher.
What was most interesting is even though I am extrememly familiar with the book having read it for the first time in second grade and at least twice a year every year through sixth grade it was new in many ways. The perspective and live experience of the reader has as much to do with the enjoyment of a book as the skill of the writer. Earlier reading had Aunt Polly as a foolish old woman. From the adult perspective the only question is why she had not pinched his head off long ago.
The inclusion of rules of behavior and superstisions adds richness to the story at many levels. This has not changed in the lives of boys either, just the superstisions and rules have.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a book well worth reading or rereading as the case may be.
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