Rose 2 Hour

nd

About every young boy does something they believe to be glorious. While in the eyes of their parents, is not. Tom Sawyer is no exception. In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, we witness a mischievous boys story and journey. This behavior is not permanent though. As Tom tangles himself up in situations that no child should be a part of, he matures into an admiral young man. Tom changed his attitude and conscience by realizing the results of his actions, doing the right thing, and protecting the people he loves. To begin, I feel that the first major change in Tom came from a feeling of fear. This was his journey to the graveyard with Huck. After seeing the murder play out, Tom had a sense of guilt. The feeling bothered him for quite a while after the murder. Toms fearful secret and gnawing conscience disturbed his sleep for as much as a week after this. (Twain, p. 89) At that moment, we discover Toms conscience distressing him for days at a time. This is a big step towards Toms maturity. Before, Tom felt no guilt whatsoever and he never thought twice about his actions. Tom also feels consequence for his actions. Toms heart was sorer than his body. (Twain, p. 84) I think that even though Tom underwent an awful experience, it changed him for the better. Secondly, the second big event that changed Tom was at Muff Potters trial. Tom could not take the pressure of the secret weighing upon his spirits anymore. After speaking the truth of what happened, everybody knew the reality of what happened. I believe Tom changed because he told the truth. He did the right thing. After a few moments, however, the boy got a little of his strength back, and managed to put enough of it into his voice to make part of the house hear: In the graveyard! (Twain, p. 237) Feeling as though he was risking his life, Tom did what he had to do. Thirdly, I believe that the biggest change in Tom was when he and Becky were lost in the cave. If you were lost in an old cave, how would you react? Tom portrayed pure courage and protected Becky no matter what. Telling her things were okay and not losing hope were just some of the ways that Tom changed Beckys attitude as well as his own. Oh its all right. This aint the one, but well come to it right away! (Twain, p. 307) Even with the failing hope, Tom stayed strong and helped Becky get though the experience. In conclusion, Toms changes came from three major events. From seeing a murder, telling the truth, to staying strong, Tom did it all. His journey started from being a mischievous boy to an intelligent youth. The events that Tom underwent may have

been very dramatic, but he ended up so much better because of them. Tom found the meaning of happiness, and he made an impact on the town.