Chapter XXXI
an exploring expedition • trouble commences • lost in the cave • total darkness • found but not saved
SummaryOn the day of the picnic, Tom and Becky decide to adventure into the cave by themselves. As they walk around, they find many springs and taverns, and eventually find their way into a tavern filled with bats. The bats chase them down many corridors and even blow out Becky’s candle. After this, they decide they can’t go back the way they came, so they try to find another way out. While walking, they realize that nobody will notice their absence until Sunday afternoon and they didn’t leave any marks to find their way back to the bats. This causes Becky to break down totally, but their hopes are restored when they hear other voices down the corridor. Tom shouts and shouts, but the voices fade away and the children start to starve. While back at the spring they found Tom decides to explore side tunnels (using string), and sees a hand across a void realizing that it was Injun Joe. He runs back and decides not to tell Becky. The chapter ends, with the children slowly dying, and Tom crawling through the cave to find a way out.
|
Who We Are |
Mark Twain creates great suspense as we experience the hunger and fear taking over the characters. The cave also truly represents the path to maturity for Tom. As the couple gets lost, Tom acts responsible and takes hold of the situation, caring for Becky as she breaks down. In the cave is where the readers can start to see separation of Tom and Becky's maturity levels as Tom starts to reach adulthood.
|
Our History |
Will someone find them or will they make it out on their own? Will they make it out at all?
Why does the cave empower Tom, where as it break downs Becky? |
Proudly powered by Weebly