The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Chapter 18 summary
Chapter 18 of 35 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 18, Tom wins Aunt Polly's forgiveness with an account he calls a dream, then enjoys the admiration his pirate adventure brings at school. His efforts to make Becky jealous turn against him, and she withholds her knowledge that Alfred Temple deliberately ruins Tom's spelling lesson with ink.
What happens
- The narrator explains how Tom and his fellow pirates return secretly and hide in the church before their funeral.
- Tom describes household events as a dream, winning Aunt Polly's affection while Sid privately doubts his story.
- Tom and Joe enjoy their schoolmates' admiration, and Tom ignores Becky while paying attention to Amy Lawrence.
- Becky invites friends to a picnic, then makes Tom jealous by looking at pictures with Alfred Temple.
- Tom escapes home at noon, and Becky angrily dismisses Alfred when Tom stops appearing.
- Alfred pours ink on Tom's spelling lesson; Becky witnesses it but decides not to warn Tom.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Tom recognizes that his own pride blocks reconciliation. His pleasure in hurting Becky changes into regret when she gives Alfred attention.
Quick check
Why does Becky decide not to tell Tom about the ink?
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