Group Name :
1. Tegar Fahmi Wijaya (20230130024) 2. Hildan Wahyu Finanto (20230130083)
3. Mokhamad Zhafran Dewabrata (20230130119)
Book Review “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”
Introduction
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain is a classic American novel that captures the essence of childhood in the pre-Civil War era through the mischievous exploits of its main character. This book is one of Mark Twain's most famous works, published in 1876.
Body
The story centers around Tom Sawyer, a clever and adventurous boy living with his Aunt Polly in the fictional town of St. Petersburg along the Mississippi River. Other important characters include Sid (Tom's half-brother), Becky Thatcher (Tom's love interest), Joe Harper (his loyal friend), and Huckleberry Finn (the town outcast who becomes Tom's closest companion).
Storyline
The plot follows Tom's numerous adventures, from tricking his friends into whitewashing a fence, witnessing a murder committed by the villainous Injun Joe, getting lost with Becky in a cave, to eventually finding buried treasure. Throughout the story, Tom grows from a mischievous child into a more mature character while still maintaining his adventurous spirit.
Opinions from Readers
Readers have consistently praised Twain's authentic portrayal of childhood freedom and imagination. Many highlight his ability to blend humor with social commentary on the rigid social structures and hypocrisies of small-town America. The novel provides a realistic depiction of boyhood adventures that resonates across generations, though modern readers sometimes note the dated racial attitudes reflected in the text.
Conclusion
After reading this timeless tale, one is left with a nostalgic impression of youth's golden days, when summer seemed endless and adventures awaited around every corner. Twain masterfully captures both the innocence and the wisdom of childhood, creating a story that remains as engaging and insightful today as when it was first published. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is both a captivating portrait of 19th-century American life and a universal celebration of the freedom, creativity, and adventure that are integral to the experience of growing up.
Impressions After Reading the Book
Reading "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia for the freedom and simplicity of childhood. The vivid descriptions of summer days spent exploring, swimming, and playing make readers long for their own carefree youth. What's particularly striking is how Twain balances the innocence of childhood with darker themes like murder, superstition, and social conformity. The book leaves readers with a bittersweet appreciation for youth's fleeting nature and a renewed respect for the wisdom children often possess. Twain's keen observations of human nature, wrapped in humor and adventure, make this novel not just entertaining but also thought- provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own childhoods and the social structures that shape our lives.
Works Cited
Twain, M. (1876). The adventures of Tom Sawyer. American Publishing Company.
