Tom Sawyer essay

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Recommended: Literary analysis of the adventures of tom sawyer

Mark Twain the author of "Adventure of Tom sawyer" was born in Missouri in 1835. He wrote about Tom Sawyer originally back in 1876, with the setting for the story, his home town of Hannibal Missouri, by the Mississippi River. Mark Twain reflection of women in society during his era can be conflicting at times. On thee one hand, He pictures some woman to be an "object" and also extremely dependent on men. Shown as weak, naïve, jealous, damsel in distress and can be seen as second class citizens at times. On the other hand, Mark Twain shows some women as 1st class citizens, an example of a model to society in manners, kindness, generosity and strong will. On the one hand, according to Mark Twain reflection of women in his character Becky Thatcher as damsel in distress, stereotypical blonde and naïve. Becky could be easily seen as the damsel in distress because for one, she ripped the teacher's book, didn’t take full responsibility and, she had to have Tom take the whipping for her. The author implied that women can not handle a distressed situation. "He was careful to keep from Becky, what it was he had seen. He told her he had only shouted 'for luck'." Moreover, the author, shows men as the strong dependable species versus women who stay stuck in their place hopeless waiting for a savior. "She had sunk into a dreary apathy and would not be roused. She said she would wait, now, where she was, and die- it would not be long. She told tom to go with the kite line and explore if he chose…" In another incident, Tom asked if she was ever engaged and she said no, so when she asked him what it was like? he explained it to her. He then asked her if she wanted to be engaged and she said yes. Tom then went on and told her that she can never ... ... middle of paper ... ... and memorize Bible verses. On the inside though she is struggling with raising Tom out of love. She doesn't want to be to harsh on him, but at the same time she knows if she's not harsh he might end with a horrible future. In conclusion, we have seen Mark Twain has many different conflicting emotions when it comes to women in society back in 1876. He has described some women as naïve, weak, jealous and damsel in distress. In a very shameful degrading view of women as second class citizens and always dependent on men. Meanwhile, his views change completely, specially his views on older women. His reflection comes from kind hearted women who in his life acted as his mother, a guardian. He sees older women in his life as kind, generous and strong willed. A true reflection of how Mark Twain sees the many Women in Tom Sawyer's life, their role and functions in society.

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