Friendships in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Essay Example

What do you do when you are mistreated? Three friends had to answer this very question in the book by Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper are three friends who believed that they were mistreated by their parents or caretaker. Tom Sawyer, the leader of the pack, devised a plan. The three would run away to a island on the Mississippi river, stay for several days, then return just in time to appear at their own funeral. They expected the plan to award them more respect from their friends and family.

Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and Joe Harper should not run away for three reasons: there is a great risk of injury for the three friends, the three friends are helpless in the case of a crisis, and Tom and Joe are in an especially poor position.

The first reason that Tom and his friends should not run away is there is a great risk of injury for the three friends. The trip to the island would be perilous. The terrain to the raft they were stealing was rocky, ragged, and rough. Any misstep could be fatal. Furthermore, they didn’t know how seaworthy the raft was. They might sink like a rock. Once they made it to the island, if they ever did, they could run into all sorts of dangerous animals. 

The second reason that Tom and his friends should not run away is that the three friends are helpless in the case of a crisis. The boys only brought one night of food with them. They would likely run out of food before they predicted. Certain snakes and spiders are venomous, and some of these deadly creatures likely live on the island. If any of the boys were bitten, it would confirm their parent’s worst fears. They could also get stuck in a terrible storm, and, even if it didn’t harm them, would destroy any chance of a fire, and would likely blow away their shelter. With no shelter to protect them and no fire to keep them warm, they might freeze to death. 

The third reason that Tom and his friends should not run away is that Tom and Joe are in an especially poor position. Tom and Joe would be under a bad influence from Huck. Huck had always been homeless without a mother, so he grew up smoking and swearing. Every parent actively tried to keep their children away from the young terror of the town, Huckleberry Finn. Tom and Joe have always lived in a home with caretakers and food, and don’t know how to live on their own. Since Huck is the only one experienced in living without a guardian, they are likely in danger. Furthermore, Tom and Joe would be missed and even grieved over by their families. Even though they don’t think so, they are loved. 

Some people say that Tom and his friends should run away. They argue that Huckleberry Finn is not want in town, or any town, for that matter. However, this reason is invalid because when the boys return, Aunt Polly is even happy to see Huck! 

They also say that Tom would not worry his family with his plan. Tom’s plan included writing a note and placing it on her nightstand while she slept. However, plans can change, or he could drown on the way back across the river. Furthermore, this reason is selfish. The Boys would still worry Joe’s family, and all who cared about Huck.

Neither of these reasons – that Huck is not wanted in town and that Tom would not worry his family with his plan – are valid or give Tom any reason for the three friends to run away.

Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and Joe Harper should not run away because the three friends could get injured, the three friends are without help in a possible time of need, and Tom and Joe are in an especially poor position.