The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Chapter 15 summary

What happens

1. Tom swims to the Illinois shore, hides in the ferry’s skiff, and crosses to the village.
2. He slips into Aunt Polly’s house and hides beneath the bed while the family and Mrs. Harper grieve.
3. Tom learns that the abandoned raft convinces people the boys have drowned, and Sunday funerals are possible.
4. Aunt Polly’s prayer moves Tom, but he retrieves his bark message, kisses her, and leaves without revealing himself.
5. He borrows the skiff to cross the river, leaves it behind, and swims back to the island after sunrise.
6. Tom interrupts Joe and Huck’s discussion of his absence, describes his adventures over breakfast, and goes to sleep.

In this chapter

What to notice

Tom recognizes his aunt’s suffering, yet chooses not to reveal himself. His affection and his continued secrecy exist together.

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