I believe that Tom is a “bad boy” turned good. When the novel first started, Tom was an immoral, ruthless young boy who always played tricks on kids and had little respect for the adults in the society. As the novel progressed and as Tom went through more and more adventures, he matured. When the three boys went to Jackson’s Island, it served as a reflection time for Tom.

Upon coming home, the reader can definitely tell a difference in Tom’s attitude. He goes about the town with a new respect for everybody. We also see a change in the way Tom acts towards Aunt Polly. Then, Tom went through another period of reflection and maturation when the Indian Joe Case came along. After Joe was killed, we see an even deeper change in Tom’s behavior. He has matured greatly since the beginning of the novel. He is no longer an immoral, ruthless troublemaker. Tom is now viewed as an intelligent, adventurous young man.

Many of my friendships include getting into trouble for the fun of it. Getting into trouble gets the blood pumping and the adrenaline going. I think that is what Tom looks for when he gets into trouble. Tom’s friendships are mirror images of the friendships of today’s teenagers. They are there too help you when you need help. When you need alone time, they will get out of the way. The will do anything to have a good time, just like Tom and his friends. Another possible title for this book could be Tom Sawyer and Friends or maybe The Childhood Life of Tom Sawyer.