The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Study Guide Chapters 21-25  

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1.  Why does the school master become more and more severe? 

2.  What is the consequence of this increase in severity for the smaller boys?

3.  Whom do the boys enlist for help with their plan?  Why does he agree to help them?

4.  What does it mean that the master  "always prepared himself for great occasions by getting pretty well fuddled"?

5.  What is Examination Evening?

6.  What speech does Tom give?  You may need to look this up!

7.  What is the "prime feature of the evening"?

8.  Four "prevalent feature[s]" are noted about the girls' speeches.  Explain at least two of them in your own words.

9.  How does Twain describe the composition that wins first place?

10.  What causes the school master to turn his back to the audience?

11.  Explain how the boys get their revenge on the school master.

12.  The Cadets of Temperance were a group that opposed drinking alcohol, and advocated a moderate, or "temperate" lifestyle.  Why does Tom join them?

13.  What desire does Tom suddenly find himself focused on?

14.  Why is Tom disappointed when Judge Frazer seems to be  "on the mend," or getting well?

15.  Explain how Twain makes Judge Frazer's death humorous.

16.  Why does Tom abandon writing a diary?

17.  Why is the Fourth of July a failure?

18.  Why is Mr. Benton, the U.S. senator, an "overwhelming disappointment"?

19.  What are some of the events of the summer?

20.  What illness affects Tom for two weeks?

21.  Explain the final blow that happens while he is ill, but that he doesnÕt realize until he gets better.

22.  What event stirs the town out of its sleepy atmosphere?

23.  What favors has Muff Potter done for Tom and Huck over the years?

24.  Why do Tom and Huck have guilty consciences when they bring Muff Potter tobacco and matches?

25.  Why does the audience at the trial begin to grow annoyed with Muff Potter's attorney?

26.  What surprise does the defense attorney spring after the prosecution has rested their case?

27.  What happens at the climax of Tom's testimony?

28.  How and why does Tom's name go into "immortal print"?

29.  What happens daily that makes Tom glad he did the right thing?  How does he feel at night?

30.  What is Twain's opinion of detectives?

31.  Where do Tom and Huck first look for treasure?

32.  What will Huck do with his share if they find it?

33.  What will Tom do with his share?  What is Huck's opinion of this?

34.  Why do they believe they have been digging in the wrong place?

35.  In Huck's opinion, what is worse than dead people?

36.  As the chapter ends, what are Tom and Huck's plans?