How is Aunt Polly Related to Tom? The Family Ties of Mark Twain’s Classic Characters

Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of the most beloved works of American literature. It tells the story of a mischievous boy who lives in a small town on the Mississippi River in the 1840s. Tom Sawyer is a clever, imaginative, and adventurous hero who often gets into trouble with his friends, his enemies, and his strict but loving aunt, Aunt Polly.

But how is Aunt Polly related to Tom? What is their family background and history? And how do they influence each other’s character and development throughout the novel? In this article, we will explore these questions and more, using facts from various sources.

Aunt Polly: Tom’s Aunt and Guardian

According to Britannica, Aunt Polly is Tom Sawyer’s aunt and guardian in the novel. She is a kindhearted, rather simple old woman who takes her responsibility for Tom and his half-brother Sid very seriously. She tries to discipline Tom with whacks on the head with her thimble, frequent scoldings, and the quoting of Scripture, but she often fails to control him because she loves him too much and fears constraining him too much. She wants to be appreciated and loved by Tom, who often takes her for granted.

Aunt Polly is not Tom’s biological aunt, but his adoptive aunt. According to SparkNotes2, Tom is an orphan who lives with Aunt Polly and Sid, who are his half-brother and half-aunt. This means that Aunt Polly is the sister of Tom’s mother, who died when he was young. Tom’s father is also dead, and he has no other relatives except for his cousin Mary, who also lives with them.

Aunt Polly is a widow who has no children of her own. She takes care of Tom and Sid out of duty and affection, but she also struggles with loneliness and grief. She sometimes wishes that Tom would be more like Sid, who is a goody-goody who enjoys getting Tom into trouble. Sid is mean-spirited but pretends to be well-behaved, while Tom is warmhearted but behaves badly.

Aunt Polly and Tom: A Complex Relationship

Aunt Polly and Tom have a complex relationship that is full of conflict and love. They often clash over Tom’s mischief, disobedience, and lies, but they also share moments of tenderness, forgiveness, and understanding.

One of the most famous scenes in the novel is when Aunt Polly punishes Tom for eating jam by making him whitewash the fence on a Saturday. However, Tom manages to trick other boys into doing the work for him by pretending that it is fun. He ends up collecting various items from them in exchange for a turn at the fence. Aunt Polly is amazed by Tom’s cleverness and admires him secretly, but she also feels guilty for being too harsh on him.

Another memorable scene is when Aunt Polly thinks that Tom has drowned with his friends Joe Harper and Huckleberry Finn on Jackson’s Island. She mourns for him deeply and regrets not being more kind to him. However, Tom sneaks back home at night and overhears her talking to Sid about him. He realizes how much she loves him and decides to surprise her by appearing at his own funeral. Aunt Polly is overjoyed to see him alive, but she also scolds him for causing her so much pain.

Throughout the novel, Aunt Polly tries to balance her love for Tom with her duty to discipline him. She wants him to grow up to be a good person, but she also respects his individuality and spirit. She sometimes lets him get away with his tricks, but she also holds him accountable for his actions. She worries about his safety, but she also encourages his adventures. She is proud of his achievements, but she also humbles him with her wisdom.

Aunt Polly and Tom: A Lasting Influence

Aunt Polly and Tom influence each other’s character and development throughout the novel. They both learn from each other and grow as individuals.

Aunt Polly learns to be more tolerant, flexible, and compassionate towards Tom. She understands that he is not a bad boy, but a boy with a good heart who needs guidance and freedom. She appreciates his creativity, courage, and generosity. She supports his dreams and aspirations. She becomes more cheerful, hopeful, and lively because of him.

Tom learns to be more respectful, honest, and grateful towards Aunt Polly. He realizes that she is not a harsh woman, but a woman with a lot of love who cares for him and Sid. He respects her authority, wisdom, and faith. He apologizes for his mistakes and tries to make up for them. He becomes more responsible, mature, and noble because of her.

By the end of the novel, Aunt Polly and Tom have a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of each other. They are not only relatives, but also friends. They are not only guardians, but also companions. They are not only characters, but also icons of American literature.

Doms Desk

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