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Outline (Inspiration)

Tom Sawyer
When most people read this book they call Tom the hero,
but I think that some of the things he does are more villainous.
Twain was known for his irony, and I think Tom Sawyer may
be more ironic than people think.

1. Hero
   1. Brave
      1. Tom goes with Huck to the graveyard at midnight.
         . . . but he's being disobedient.
   2. Altruistic
      1. He takes the blame for Becky.
         . . . but he's only doing it because he wants her to like him.
   3. Loyal
      1. Tom stays with Becky in the cave, and protects her
         from the knowledge that Joe is in the cave, too.
         . . . but if he left her, he'd be all alone too.
2. Villain
   These are all serious offenses. I think they outweigh the
   times when Tom is "good."
   1. Dishonest
      1. Tom cons his friends into whitewashing the fence for him.
   2. Insensitive
      1. He does not consider Aunt Polly's pain when he runs
         away to the island.
   3. Cowardly
      1. He keeps silent when he knows Joe will frame
         Muff Potter for murder.