Discuss the development of Tom Sawyer over the course of the narrative. Does he mature? Does he change his perspective, or is he still the same boy as at the story’s beginning?

The story is primarily lighthearted, but there are moments of violence and extreme cruelty. Doctor Robinson’s murder is gruesome, as is Injun Joe’s description of how he wants to disfigure the Widow Douglas. Compare and contrast the comical world of the children as it merges with the darker, sometimes violent realities of the adults and their crimes.

When Tom sees Becky Thatcher, he is immediately in love and forgets about Amy Lawrence. What is it about Becky that enthralls him? Why is he so certain about his feelings for her?