Literary fragment about Tom Sawyer
Tom Sawyer sat lazily on the fence, watching the world around him with a mischievous glint in his eye. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the small town of St. Petersburg. Despite the peaceful appearance of the evening, Tom's mind was already teeming with ideas for adventure. He knew that tomorrow would bring new plans—some daring, some ridiculous—and he was eager for whatever lay ahead. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, mimicking the whisper of countless secrets shared by the trees as Tom thought about his next escapade.
He remembered the time he tricked Jim into trading his last apple for a crooked penny, a scheme that had ended with both of them laughing into the night. Tom loved mischief, but he also believed that life was a grand game to be played with cleverness. Every day brought opportunities to outwit the boring rules set by grown-ups, and he eagerly seized each one. Today, however, Tom was also contemplating something bigger—perhaps wandering down to the river or sneaking into the old haunted house on the hill. Every decision felt like part of a larger plot.
The townspeople often saw Tom as a troublemaker, but to him, he was an entertainer, a hero of his own stories. His friends admired him, even if they sometimes scolded him for his reckless pursuits. His eyes sparkled with a sense of freedom that was rare for a boy his age. Tom's mind roamed through fantasies of treasure chests, secret passages, and daring rescues. To him, the world was a stage, and he was both the star and the playwright, orchestrating each act with daring and wit.
Yet behind that playful mask, Tom sometimes felt a strange emptiness—an unspoken longing for something more meaningful. He wondered whether adventures alone would fill the void or if there was a deeper purpose to his antics. As the stars began to twinkle above, Tom sat quietly for a moment, contemplating the value of his carefree existence versus the quiet stability others seemed to seek. Despite his outward bravado, he was aware that at some point, he might crave something different, something real and lasting.
With a sigh, Tom finally jumped down from the fence and headed home, his mind already racing with ideas for tomorrow’s adventures. The night embraced the small town gently, promising new tales and surprises. As he disappeared into his house, the flickering candlelight hinted at the countless adventures yet to come—adventures that would turn a simple boy into a legend in his own right.
Reading Comprehension Workshop
1. What is Tom Sawyer doing at the beginning of the story? (Literal Question)
2. Why does Tom think life is a “grand game”? (Inferential Question)
3. What do the townspeople think of Tom? (Literal Question)
4. How does Tom feel about his adventures and mischief? (Inferential Question)
5. What does Tom contemplate near the end of the story? (Critical Question)
6. What is the significance of the stars in the story? (Inferential Question)
7. How does Tom perceive himself in relation to his environment? (Critical Question)
8. What is the main theme conveyed in this story? (Critical Question)