How Does Tom Sawyer Show Courage

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Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” With this, Tom Sawyer can be related well. As he is known for throughout town, he is always getting into danger, but yet always finding a way out. As he matures, he becomes more courageous, not only getting himself out of trouble, but saving others from it. In The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, thematically courage is essential, along with bravery, in the presence of danger, and this courage is key when helping others in the time of need. Toms courage is clearly displayed when Tom takes the blame for Becky. Becky is about to be whipped by the teacher for tearing his book, when Tom speaks up. He exclaims, "I done it," taking the whipping for a grateful Becky Thatcher. (152) This greatly shows tom's courage and selflessness, despite his selfish ora. Tom sticks up for her, nobly lying in the midst of utter danger. This shows Tom's courage, but contradictory displays Becky's cowardly ways. This also displays many other possible themes, but I feel courage is the stronger shown.…show more content…
Tom courageously does this, defying his and Huck's blood oath. He does this all the while believing death may be a result of breaking the oath, and/or the possibility of Injun Joe hunting him down (173). This courage shows us that Tom is selfless in the most dangerous times. Standing up for others, testing fate, when no one else would. This is a valued quality, and theme pushed upon the reader. And within this small moment, within this story, it strengthens the book, and is a key component to overall in this
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