Friendship

Children's friendships are at the center of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Tom's family - Aunt Polly, Mary, and Sid - does not always appreciate him and does not figure into his rich imaginative life. However, Tom's friends - Joe Harper and Huck Finn in particular - look up to him precisely because he is so imaginative and adventurous. The boys see each other as they want to be seen, and together they create an exciting world of intrigue and adventure. The friendship between Tom and Huck especially is highlighted in the novel. Tom admires Huck for his freedom from adults' rules, and he knows that his association with Huck makes him appear daring, an image he relishes. Tom also cares about Huck, concerned that he is alone in the world. When the boys return from their pirating adventure to attend their own funerals, Tom and Joe are...