The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Chapter 31 summary
Chapter 31 of 35 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 31, Tom and Becky stray from the picnic group inside the cave, lose their way, and face hunger and darkness as their candles run out. Distant calls raise hope but fade away, and Tom encounters Injun Joe before hunger drives him to explore again while Becky remains beside a spring.
What happens
- Tom and Becky explore unfamiliar caverns, flee disturbed bats, and discover that they cannot find their way back.
- They conserve candles, share their saved cake, and settle beside a spring as their last light burns out.
- Distant calls draw them toward a pit, but the sounds fade before anyone reaches them.
- Using kite string to mark his route, Tom explores a passage and sees Injun Joe, who immediately runs away.
- With Becky too weak to move, Tom promises to return and crawls into another passage seeking help or escape.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Tom reveals why they must remain near water. Their dwindling light makes further movement dangerous and turns their exploration into a fight for survival.
Quick check
How does Tom mark his route when he explores near the spring?
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