The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

After chapter 4 how does Tom feel about Mary?

chapter 4

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In chapter four, the reader is first introduced to Mary ­ Tom's cousin ­ who is attempting to prepare Tom for Sunday school. Twain spends a good portion of the chapter describing the actions between Tom and Mary for two particular reasons. First, we see that Mary is perhaps one of the only authority figures Tom trusts. He allows her to help him with his verses, wash him, and dress him. Second, we see that Mary also trusts Tom.Tom is unable to fool Mary, exemplified by his failed attempts to avoid washing his face. Moreover, she provides Tom with praise, referring to him as a "good boy" and rewarding his good behavior with a brand-new Barlow knife. Thus the relationship between the two is built on a foundation of trust and, in turn, Tom learns to respect as well as obey Mary.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/the-adventures-of-tom-sawyer/study-guide/section1/