The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain has remained a literary classic for over one hundred years. First regarded as a book for boys, the work has proven itself across many genres of literature. The many adventures and attitudes that the book conveys provides the reader of today with the experience of going back in time to see another way of life in the old south of the United States. The Mississippi River town of Saint Petersburg, Missouri is the central setting of Tom Sawyer; the reader gains a true sense of small town life in a rural southern town during the pre-civil war era. Though published after the Civil War, it is widely agreed that the story takes place before the war since the sequel also occurs before the war. Through comparing known facts that occurred during this period and the references given through the story, the reader is able to construct an accurate historical picture of what life was like for Tom and his community.

The one room schoolhouse that Tom attends is a dictatorship style situation. The variety of learners within the classroom encompasses elementary students through high school students. Learners sit in straight unchanging rows t

The wearing of shoes seems to be the mark of a young boy in summertime and considered fashionable. Quoted Mark Twain suggests "...a boy who didn't go barefooted, or wore shoes when it was not absolutely necessary, was viewed as a Miss Nelly. The unfortunate lad being an object of complete derision among my companions." (Wagner). Weather conditions and formal dress seem to be the main factors that determines shoe wearing in the south during this period. This is in direct contrast to today's view of style; many children today wear shoes that cost over a hundred dollars a pair in an effort to fit in among their peers.

Home life in the mid 1800's is much different from the experiences of a modern family today. The most notable differences include the absence of electricity and running water. Lamps and candles provided the necessary light a family needed during the dark hours. The use of candles for lighting purposes in the home is mentioned when Tom comes back to spy on his family after they believe he is dead; the candle flame flickers when the door opens, demonstrating the means of light in the home. Aside from the generic burning of candles for home lighting purposes, candles play a vital role during the time that Tom and Becky are lost in the cave. Visual purposes and marking directions in the cave demonstrate the necessity of candles during that period. Without candles, Tom and Becky begin to lose hope of rescue or escape. Twain gives no indication of running water or restroom facilities existing in this community. The children in the story carry water from the town water pump to their homes; this provides the reader with the understanding that plumbing within the home is nonexistent. The only mention of hygiene in the story is the method of bathing; Tom takes his Sunday bath using a "tin basin of water and a piece of soap" (442). History reveals that a successful town must be near a reliable water supply, the Mississippi River provides both water and excitement as a setting for Tom's adventures.<

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Approximate Word count = 1366
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)