Skip to the content
The Library
of Alexandria
Sign inTry 3 months free3 months free

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Chapter 5 summary

Chapter 5 of 35 · 8 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 5, Tom Sawyer struggles through church until his beetle falls into the aisle and attracts a wandering poodle, whose painful encounters with it make the congregation laugh. The disturbance breaks the minister’s hold on his listeners, and Tom leaves pleased with the service but annoyed that the dog carries away his beetle.

What happens

  1. Aunt Polly brings Tom, Sid, and Mary to church, where townspeople gather for the morning service.
  2. The Reverend Mr. Sprague reads announcements and offers a long prayer; Tom catches a fly, but his aunt makes him release it.
  3. Tom briefly enjoys imagining himself leading a tame lion before the sermon becomes tedious again.
  4. Tom takes out his beetle, which pinches him and falls into the aisle, attracting a curious poodle.
  5. The beetle pinches the dog, which races around the church until its master throws it through a window.
  6. The congregation struggles with laughter through the remaining sermon, and Tom goes home delighted except for losing his beetle.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.

In this chapter

TomAunt Polly

What to notice

The disturbance does more than interrupt the sermon. It leaves the congregation unable to respond seriously to the minister.

Quick check

What makes the poodle race around the church?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free