The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Chapter 16 summary

What happens

1. The boys gather turtle eggs, swim, stage a circus, and play marbles before homesickness overwhelms their amusement.
2. Joe and Huck start toward shore, but Tom reveals a secret plan that persuades them to return.
3. Huck supplies pipes, and Tom and Joe boast about smoking before becoming sick and retreating into the woods.
4. A midnight storm carries away their tent sail and strikes the tree above their sleeping place while they shelter elsewhere.
5. The boys revive a sheltered remnant of fire, dry their food, and stay awake recounting their adventure until morning.
6. Tom revives their spirits through imaginary tribal battles, and a peace-pipe ceremony leads to more successful smoking practice.

In this chapter

What to notice

Joe admits that swimming loses its attraction without a prohibition. His complaint shows why unrestricted play cannot keep homesickness away.

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