Tom Sawyer

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 35 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. What do you learn about Tom from the way he acts with Aunt Polly, Sid, and the new boy in Chapter 1? Use details from the chapter to support your ideas.
2. How does Tom turn the job of whitewashing the fence into something other boys want to do? What does this show about the way Tom thinks?
3. Tom can be mischievous, but he also has strong feelings. How does Chapter 3 show both sides of Tom's personality?
4. Why is it funny or surprising when Tom receives the Bible prize at Sunday school? What does this moment tell you about appearances and honesty?
5. In the church scene, how do the pinch-bug and the poodle change the mood? Why do you think Mark Twain includes this silly event?
6. How do Tom and Huck show different attitudes about school, rules, and superstition in this chapter? Which boy would you rather spend an afternoon with, and why?
7. What causes Tom and Becky to quarrel in Chapter 7? How could either one of them have handled the problem differently?
8. Tom imagines himself as a pirate, a robber, and Robin Hood. What do these adventure words mean to Tom, and why do they make him feel better when he is upset?
9. How does the graveyard scene change the feeling of the story? What details make this chapter feel scary or serious?
10. Why do Tom and Huck make a secret oath after what they see in the graveyard? Do you think keeping the secret is the right choice? Explain your thinking.
11. The word conscience means the part of you that helps you know right from wrong. How does Tom's conscience bother him in this chapter?
12. What does Aunt Polly's pain-killer episode show about her care for Tom? How does the scene with the cat add humor to the chapter?
13. Why do Tom, Joe, and Huck decide to run away to Jackson's Island? What are they hoping to escape from, and what are they hoping to find?
14. What parts of island life seem exciting to the boys? What parts show that their adventure is not as easy as they expected?
15. Why does Tom sneak back home instead of simply returning for good? What does this choice show about him?
16. How do the storm and the boys' homesickness change the mood on the island? What do the boys begin to understand about home?
17. How do the people's reactions at the funeral affect Tom, Joe, and Huck? What is surprising about the boys' return?
18. How do jealousy and pride cause problems between Tom, Becky, and Alfred? What lesson could the characters learn from this chapter?
19. What does Aunt Polly learn about Tom's secret visit home? How does this change the way she feels about him?
20. Why does Tom take the blame for Becky when the schoolmaster finds the torn book? What does this show about Tom's character?
21. How does exam day reveal the personalities of the teacher and the students? Which part of the school celebration stands out most to you, and why?
22. During vacation, Tom tries new activities and goes through sickness and boredom. What does this chapter show about how quickly people's feelings and interests can change?
23. What makes Tom's testimony in Muff Potter's trial brave? How might Tom be feeling when he tells the truth?
24. After the trial, why might Tom feel both proud and afraid? How does Injun Joe's escape keep the danger alive?
25. Why are Tom and Huck so interested in buried treasure? What does the word treasure mean to them besides just money?
26. How does the haunted house scene build suspense? Which details make you worry about Tom and Huck?
27. Tom and Huck try to understand the clue about Number Two. What do they think it means, and what do you predict they will do next?
28. How does Huck show courage when he follows Injun Joe and gets help? Why is Huck's decision important to the safety of others?
29. How does the picnic create both fun and danger? What clues show that Tom and Becky may be in trouble?
30. Why is the town so worried about Tom and Becky? How does Huck's sickness add another problem to the story?
31. How do Tom and Becky react to being lost in the cave? What does Tom do that helps them keep going?
32. How does the news about Injun Joe after the cave is sealed make this chapter feel shocking? What might readers feel about what happens to him?
33. The word fortune can mean a large amount of money or luck. How do Tom and Huck's choices lead them to their fortune in this chapter?
34. How does Huck feel about being praised and about living with Widow Douglas? Why might a comfortable home still feel hard for him?
35. At the end of the book, what has changed for Tom and Huck? What do you think Mark Twain wants readers to think about freedom, friendship, and rules?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

How does Tom turn the job of whitewashing the fence into something other boys want to do? What does this show about the way Tom thinks?

I think Tom makes the fence seem special by acting like it is fun and important work. He does not beg the other boys to help, which makes them want to try it even more. This shows that Tom is clever and understands how to make people curious. He uses his imagination to get out of trouble.

Why does Tom take the blame for Becky when the schoolmaster finds the torn book? What does this show about Tom's character?

Tom takes the blame because he cares about Becky and does not want her to be punished. I think he knows he will get in trouble, but he chooses to protect her anyway. This shows that Tom is not only a prankster. He can also be brave, kind, and loyal when it really matters.

How do Tom and Becky react to being lost in the cave? What does Tom do that helps them keep going?

If I were lost in the cave, I would feel scared just like Tom and Becky do. Becky becomes very tired and worried, but Tom keeps trying to find a way out. He shares food, comforts her, and explores carefully with the kite string. I think Tom shows real courage because he is afraid but still keeps thinking and helping.