Assignment about Tom Sawyer

Running head: THEME OF THE BOOK, TOM SAWYER
Theme of the book, Tom Sawyer
Name of Student:
Name of University;
Author note:

THEME OF THE BOOK, TOM SAWYER
1
Tom sawyer is a novel written by Mark Twain and published in the year 1976. One of the
most prominent theme of the novel is the hypocrisy of human nature particularly in adult society.
Mark Twain uses his protagonist, Tom as an agent to show the hypocrisy that the adult world
symbolizes. This essay discusses on the various aspects of hypocrisy as reflected in the Tom
Sawyer. The essay aims to explain how hypocrisy is the central theme of this novel giving
instances from the novel.
The whole of the novel revolve around the theme of hypocrisy and it is one of the most
prominent of themes of this novel. The theme of hypocrisy is brought to the surface by the
actions of the protagonist, Tom and also other minor characters. For instance the character, Mr.
Dobbin’s behavior towards his students becomes even more harsh as the days of examination
comes close. His increasing harshness towards his students is symbolic of the his attempts to get
appreciation from the crowd and build a good reputation in the town. He portrays himself to be
concerned about the his student’s progress and knowledge but all he wants is to build his throne
of power so that he gets praised by the people for his hard work and for that he is willing to hurt
his students. Mr. Dobbins goes to the extent of shaming Tom publically and that too cruelly. All
this just because he wanted to build a good reputation for himself while appearing to be
concerned about his students.
Another instance is the essays of the young ladies which represent an idealized view of
themselves as well as the world which is not even near the reality. The over the top flowery
language yet hand writing represents the inaccuracy in the vision that they have. The reader
understands that the girls are just fake and yet they are praised and given rewards by the higher
authority which further says that this inaccuracy is what is accepted by the higher auithority as