the problematic chapters… image by missouri artist thomas hart benton

The Problematic Chapters…

Image by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton

Huck and Tom sneakout at night to beginthe epic endeavor offreeing Jim.Tom says they mustdig with a little knifeto free Jim. When this does not work hereluctantly allows anaxe.

Huck steals spoonsso that Jim can writewith them.

When a slave getssuspicious about alltheir odd projects, they blame witches. Theytell him they will bakea witch pie to appeasethe spirits.

The boys continuallyplay pranks on AuntSally such as stealingspoons and sheets.

Tom has Jim carveinscriptions in the walland make a Coat ofarms.

Tom also getsJim “pets” such asrats, spiders, andsnakes.

Shenanigans ensuewhen the rats theyare capturing forpets accidentally get loose in thehouse!

To make things moreexciting, Tom, ever helpful, writes a "nonnamous" letter to the Phelps family that reads, "Beware. Trouble is brewing. Keep a sharp lookout.

Alerted byTom’s letter,a group offarmers comesto the Phelps’house to keep them safe. Thiscomplicates theescape.

When Huck is tryingto steal food he is caughtby Aunt Sally. He sticks thebutter under his hat. Itmelts and she thinks hehas a brain fever. Eventuallyshe puts Huck to bed.

Tom is pleased thatthe escape was mademore exciting by all thefarmers. He was evenmore excited that hegot shot in the leg aspart of the escapeattempt.

The next morning Tom,Huck and Jim are allreturned to Aunt Sally.The group wants to killJim, but the doctor explains that Jim had achance of going for free-dom, but when he needed help with Tom,Jim chose to stay andhelp set his leg.

Tom then explains thatJim was already free sinceMiss Watson died and freedHim in her will. Tom givesJim $40 for his trouble.

Jim remarks that his hairy chestdid bring him good fortune.

The dead guy in the house? Thatwas Huck’s dad.

Judge Thatcher gives backHuck’s $6000.

Aunt Polly shows up and explainsthe trick of the switched identitiesbetween Tom and Huck.

Aunt Sally wants to adopt Huck

Final Line of the book:

“But I reckon I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before.