Chapter XVII
Memories of the lost heroes • The point in tom's secret
SummaryBack in St. Petersburg, everyone remained in deep morning for the boys. Even Becky Thatcher regretted her coldness towards Tom, and the boy's schoolmates were remembering the last time they saw the boys. The next day, Sunday, everyone gathered for their funeral. The minister gave a flattering sermon about the boys, and the clergymen wondered hoe they could have only seen the mischief in Tom and Joe. Eventually, the entire church breaks down in tears. At that moment, the three boys, following Tom's plan, enter the church after having listened to their own funeral service. Joe's family, Aunt Polly, and Mary embrace Tom and Joe, showering them with love, leaving Huck standing alone. Tom complains, "It ain't fair. Somebody's got to be glad to see Huck," and Aunt Polly hugs Huck too, embarrassing him further. The townspeople then sing "Old Hundred" the loudest and most soulful way as possible.
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Analysis |
Mark Twain plays off the idea that everyone only understand the greatness of someone until they pass away, by making the whole town mourn greatly for the lost boys, even if most didn't even like them. The chapter also shows Huck as an outsider again, even if they were all the same on the island. This makes the island almost an escape; a bridge between a societal gap that Huck can sometimes face. It brought the boys closer making Tom care about more feelings than his own, representing maturity.
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questions to think about |
What do you think the island represents? Why?
Do you think Huck will become more accepted into society now? Will the town be mad at the boys? |
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