The Inevitability of Growing Up

The novel's acknowledgment that childhood adventures must eventually give way to adult responsibilities.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Tom's Heroic Acts

The Steps Toward Maturity The Testimony Tom's decision to testify shows moral growth. He takes responsibility for his knowledge. The Cave Rescue Tom's leadership in the cave demonstrates maturity. He puts Becky's safety above his own fear. The Future Plans Judge Thatcher's plans for Tom's education signal the end of childhood. Tom will become a lawyer or soldier.

Huck's Adoption

The End of Freedom The New Life Huck is adopted and must learn to live by society's rules. His freedom is curtailed. The Compromise Huck agrees to try civilization for the sake of friendship. He is not fully tamed but is moving toward adulthood. The Conclusion The novel ends with the boys planning a robber gang, but the reader knows that childhood is fleeting. The story stops before they grow up.

Throughout the story

Late in the story