In the last chapters of this marvelous novel, Huck leaves Jim and Tom at the island and finds a doctor for Tom. Huck runs into Silas the next morning and who takes him home where the farmers and their wives discuss what was in Jim’s shed and the hole. They conclude that a band of robbers of "amazing skill" must have tricked the Phelpses and the people who sent the first letter. Sally doesn't let Huck go find Tom, which she still thinks is Sid might I add, because she lost Sid and does not want to lose him, too. Huck, touched by her concern, vows never to hurt her again. This is yet another example of how compassionate Huck is and how stupid Sally is. Again, how could she not know who Tom is?
In chapter 42 Tom does not return and a letter arrives from Sally’s sister. Sally pays no attention to the letter when she sees Tom, or better known as "Sid." Tom is only half conscious on a mattress with a crowd surrounding him. In this crowd is Jim in chains, and the doctor. Some of the farmers want to hang Jim at the moment but don't want to risk having Jim’s master's reaction. They treat Jim roughly and chain him hand and foot inside the shed. The doctor breaks it up and tells them that Jim sacrificed his freedom to help nurse Tom. This surprised me actually. Finally someone besides the kids have simpathy towards blacks.
In the last chapter of the book, Sally stays with Tom and is glad that he is improving. Tom finally wakes up and is so excited that they freed Jim at last, but he finds out that Jim is in chains. Tom says that Miss Watson died a while ago and that she said Jim should be free. The woman regretted ever considering selling Jim down the river at this point and then, Sally's sister walks in. She has come after getting a letter from Sally saying that "Sid", or Tom, had arrived with “Tom”—who was actually Huck. Tom was intercepting the letters between them, and she was them forced to come in person to sort out the confusion. At least she has some smarts to come herself. They finally identify Tom and Huck and scream at them for this fabulous misadventures. They're just kids, so why wouldn't they be adventurous?
All in all, I enjoyed this book because it was a great demonstration of adventure, rebellion, and great kids that learn to grow up a litter.
In chapter 42 Tom does not return and a letter arrives from Sally’s sister. Sally pays no attention to the letter when she sees Tom, or better known as "Sid." Tom is only half conscious on a mattress with a crowd surrounding him. In this crowd is Jim in chains, and the doctor. Some of the farmers want to hang Jim at the moment but don't want to risk having Jim’s master's reaction. They treat Jim roughly and chain him hand and foot inside the shed. The doctor breaks it up and tells them that Jim sacrificed his freedom to help nurse Tom. This surprised me actually. Finally someone besides the kids have simpathy towards blacks.
In the last chapter of the book, Sally stays with Tom and is glad that he is improving. Tom finally wakes up and is so excited that they freed Jim at last, but he finds out that Jim is in chains. Tom says that Miss Watson died a while ago and that she said Jim should be free. The woman regretted ever considering selling Jim down the river at this point and then, Sally's sister walks in. She has come after getting a letter from Sally saying that "Sid", or Tom, had arrived with “Tom”—who was actually Huck. Tom was intercepting the letters between them, and she was them forced to come in person to sort out the confusion. At least she has some smarts to come herself. They finally identify Tom and Huck and scream at them for this fabulous misadventures. They're just kids, so why wouldn't they be adventurous?
All in all, I enjoyed this book because it was a great demonstration of adventure, rebellion, and great kids that learn to grow up a litter.