The Tom Sawyer Single

Tom Sawyer can be described in many different ways. He's manipulative, cunning, clever, a rapscallion, a troublemaker, and an unlikely hero. Few people would call him a tough guy or a warrior—that is, unless they're members of the band Rush. This group depicts Tom Sawyer almost as a fearless warrior and a vigilante figure in their hit song called—you guessed it—"Tom Sawyer." Even if your students are the types who would scoff at any '80s music, they won't be able to help enjoying the catchy drum beats in this song. This can also open a neat discussion about how perceptions of character change over time: how did Tom Sawyer evolve from "troublemaking adventure-seeker" to some kind of Western or action hero?