Huck Finn #3
October 25th, 2006
Tom Sawyer plays a relatively large role in the opening chapters, and then disappears until the end of the book. Still, his purpose in the novel is distinct. What importance does Tom have in the novel, and how does he act as foil for Huck?
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Tom Sawyer seems to represent the movement of romanticism in the opening pages and in the end of the book. His “robber gang,” based off of the romantic chivalry books he has read, is really nothing but pretending to be bad.
Huck, the foil of Tom (in that Huck represents realism), sees Tom’s actions and games as foolish and pointless. As the two clash, their purposes are brought out more distinctly.
“Huck, the foil of Tom (in that Huck represents realism), sees Tom’s actions and games as foolish and pointless…”
and yet he goes along with them! what do you suppose is the significance of that?
perhaps it’s to show that people will go along with what they see others doing, even if they think it’s foolish or pointless. its showing the conformity of society. (just a guess, could be completely wrong)
Like the idea of mob mentality where the people follow the one who seems to be right or have the most power at the time
Truthfully I never got to the part where sawyer comes back I had to piece that together from the qoutes on the test though I plan to get some reading in. Certainly huck and sawyer are if not total opposites, close. I like what beth is talking about. Huck also follows the king and duke on there little chirade (hope thats spelled right) so this shows more of his following. I think maybe twain is trying to point out one of the faults in society.
Tom does bring romanticism into the story by making up imaginary games with Huck and not caring about the important things in life. The fact that he brings a state of order into the novel saves Huck from some serious trouble. Tom, being more educated the Huck, keeps him in check or uses his knowledge to help a struggling friend.
i think that sawyer plays an important role in the story because without him there would not be a gang of robbers and the story would not really make sense. also jim would not have been freed … again. … i like beth’s idea too about conformity…