An In-Depth Analysis of the Hypocrisy Theme in Tom Sawyer (Literature)

This essay provides an in-depth analysis of the theme of hypocrisy in Mark Twain's novel, *Tom Sawyer*. The author argues that hypocrisy, particularly within the adult world, is the central theme, examining how the protagonist, Tom, serves as a vehicle to expose this societal flaw. The essay explores instances of hypocrisy through various characters, such as Mr. Dobbins, whose actions contradict his professed concern for his students, and the young ladies, whose idealized portrayals contrast with reality. It highlights the hypocrisy of the townspeople and Aunt Polly, whose actions often contradict her moral pronouncements, and how Tom's rebellious behavior is a response to the hypocrisy of the adult world. The essay also delves into specific events, like Tom's defiance of rules and Injun Joe's behavior, to further illustrate the pervasiveness of hypocrisy throughout the novel. Ultimately, the essay concludes that hypocrisy is the most prominent theme in *Tom Sawyer*, reflecting the author's critique of societal values and behaviors.

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

1THEME OF THE BOOK, TOM SAWYER
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

2THEME OF THE BOOK, TOM SAWYER
well. However, in the end of the chapter poetic justice is served when a cat reveals Mr. dobbins
head which is as bald as his visions and virtues.
Hypocrisy can be detected in almost every scene in this novel. The people of St.
Pertersburg show themselves to be church going and law abiding, moral individuals who have to
police their children in order to make them into good human beings. However, they often and up
being hypocrites who say something and do something entirely different. For instance Aunt Polly
often does not do what she says. She continuously says that she is going to punish tom by
whipping him but very often just taps him on his head as punishment. Tom is very frequently
punished for being true to his words but characters like aunt Polly remains the authority of
morals despite her actions not matching her words. Tom Sawyer disobedient and rebellious
behavior is symbolic of the fact that he is rebelling against this hypocritical fake adult world. the
act of running to Jackson’s island and tracking down Joe’s treasure has led to the breaking of
many serious rules by Tom and his friends, yet, they are welcomed home by the village. The
parents can hardly be punished for their hypocrisy because it is concerned with the ultimate
goodness of the families or the community. However, the character who truly deserve
punishment is Injun Joe who wanted to harm both Mr. Douglas and Mr. Robinson. His behavior
reveal that he incapable of forgiving people.
The theme of hypocrisy is seeped deep in the story from the very beginning of the novel.
In the first chapter itself Top appears to be a rebellious child who falls into the care of his aunt
who becomes the moral authority in Tom’s life. however, when she wanted to catch Tom going
to swimming she employed her own deceptive methods which forms a bad influence in the life
of Tom. Another instance is Tom fighting with some boys which is one the silliest act of

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dominance. However, this act has an uncanny resemblance with the act of adult’s conflicts which
are not that violent but are driven by the hollow wish to rise above the rest of the people.
Thus, concluding from the above discussion it can be said that the most prominent theme
of the novel, Tom Sawyer is hypocrisy. The theme of hypocrisy is generally related to the adult
world. This theme is evident in almost every chapter of the novel. Hypocrisy is mostly portrayed
by the actions of the characters and also the protagonist, Tom Sawyer.

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Reference:
3. twain m. Tom Sawyer. 1876.