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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What prevented Injun Joe's capture at the Widow Douglas' house?

2. What reason does Tom give for not letting Polly know he was alive?

3. Why does Tom join the Cadets of Temperance?

4. Before the trial, does any of the town gossip speculate that Muff Potter is innocent?

5. Why does Tom say they need to stop and wait by the water?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Tom's approach to finding buried treasure?

2. Describe what happens the first time Becky goes to sleep in the cave.

3. Describe the Spaniard.

4. Does the Welshman take credit for saving Widow Douglas?

5. What good deed does Tom do for Becky?

6. Describe Huck's reaction to living with the Widow Douglas.

7. What does Tom think when he's whipped for ruining his schoolbook?

8. What does Tom say that people often find that leads them to a buried treasure?

9. What evidence of Becky and Tom do the searchers find in the cave?

10. What is the town's reaction after the murder trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bravery is an important issue in the novel. For example, when Tom Sawyer bravely takes on Becky's punishment, he wins her love.

1) In what ways is Tom Sawyer brave and in what ways is he not brave? What leads to Tom's brave acts?

2) What other characters exhibit bravery, and what is their motivation?

3) Does bravery have any disadvantages or negative aspects in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

The force of public opinion affects events in the novel, but public opinion is changeable and fallible. Discuss public opinion in the novel.

1) How does the public's opinion of Muff Potter change over the course of the novel? How does public opinion affect events, Muff's self-image, and Tom and Huck?

2) How does public opinion of Tom change over the course of the novel? What factors effect people's opinions about Tom?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, people show off, or posture. Tom shows off when he wants to get Becky's attention, but showing off is not just for children. The Sunday School teacher shows off for important guests, and the schoolmaster shows off for the parents and town.

1) Why do the characters in the novel show off? What do they hope to gain?

2) What different forms does "showing off" take? Why are these actions supposed to impress others?

3) How aware are the characters of others' "showing off"? How effective is it?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample