The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Youth Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls, I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account, for part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in. (Preface.3)

Twain lets you know right off the bat that being a kid isn't all fun and games. Sometimes it's just plain weird.

Quote #2

In a word, everything that goes to make life precious that boy [Huck Finn] had. So thought every harassed, hampered, respectable boy in St. Petersburg. (6.44)

Though the children envy Huck his freedom, they don't understand what price he has to pay for it.

Quote #3

Now as to this girl. What had he done? Nothing. He had meant the best in the world, and been treated like a dog -- like a very dog. She would be sorry some day -- maybe when it was too late. Ah, if he could only die temporarily! (8.1)

Tom, still young, can think of death and, instead of shuddering or having an existential crisis, simply wish it could work a bit differently for once.