Tom vs. Aunt Polly: Discipline and Rebellion

The ongoing conflict between Tom's mischievous nature and Aunt Polly's attempts to raise him properly.

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The Jam and the Switch

The First Confrontation The Escape Tom steals jam, and Aunt Polly threatens him with a switch. He distracts her and escapes over the fence. Polly laughs but feels guilty. The Hookey Punishment Tom plays hookey and is punished by having to whitewash the fence. This leads to his famous scheme. The Pattern Polly's inconsistent discipline—threatening but rarely following through—allows Tom to continue his mischief. Their conflict is loving but constant.

The Pain-killer Battle

The Medicine War The Quackery Polly, worried about Tom's melancholy, forces him to take Pain-killer. Tom secretly feeds it to the cat, causing chaos. The Discovery Polly catches Tom and thumps his head with her thimble. Tom argues that he acted out of pity for the cat, and Polly feels remorse. The Truce Polly softens and allows Tom to stop taking medicine. Their conflict resolves into a deeper understanding, though Tom remains mischievous.

The Runaway and the Funeral

The Greatest Grief The Disappearance Tom runs away to Jackson's Island, and Polly believes he is dead. She mourns deeply, regretting her harshness. The Joyful Return Tom's return at his own funeral brings overwhelming relief. Polly forgives him everything, and their bond is strengthened. The Aftermath Polly's love is unconditional, but she continues to try to reform Tom. Their conflict is a cycle of rebellion and forgiveness.

Early in the story

After the funeral, mid-story

Mid-story