The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Lesson Plan

Discuss the symbolism/meaning of Jackson Island

There are several ways to talk about the setting of Jackson Island:

• The Island represents the frontier.
• The Island represents an escape from civilization.
• The Island fits in with the nautical imagery of pirates.
• The Island introduces imagery of Mississippi River culture like steamboats.
• It allows the boys to imagine they are self-sufficient.
• They have a place to run away to, yet remain within walking distance of home.

Explain the lesson Aunt Polly learns from the Pain Killer scene

This is the first major scene in Aunt Polly's transformation. Her attitudes towards him change, as she can now understand the...