As a class everyone seemed to enjoy Tom more so than they did Ragged Dick. We see that Dick is quite a wild character because he tells stories of gambling, smoking cigars and staying out till late hours. However, we see a different side a more ‘tender’ side to Dick when the sun is up. He is constantly working because he knows that if he does not fend for himself that no one else will either. He is an honest young boy for his age and considering the circumstances he is placed in he seems to not be extremely off path:
"Don't you ever steal, then?"
"No, and I wouldn't. Lots of boys does it, but I wouldn't." (page 250)
Dick also seems very well aware of his surroundings and what they represent. For example: he lives in the city and knows the important buildings and what men work there as well,"Dick pointed out the City Hall, the Hall of Records, and the Rotunda" (page 288).He also refers to two important historical leaders: General George Washington and Napoleon. Dick never allows others to bring him down when they are attempting to make fun of his clothing or where he came from. Lastly, Dick is humble when it comes to receiving anything that is given to him as a gift. For instance, when he was given a new set of clothing that made him look ‘sharp’ and not a poor boy living on the streets.
Tom is the country boy that is too smart for his own good…literally. He is stuck doing chores and tricks his friends into wanting to paint and even gets one of them to give him something in return. Not many young boys could pull this off: "Say Tom, let me whitewash a little.... No is that so> Oh come on, now- lemme jsut try. Only just a little- I'd let you, if you was me, Tom" (page 329) Tom is rebellious, manipulative and yet that sweet southern boy. He seems so innocent compared to Dick because he is sheltered away from the ‘city that never sleeps,’ and is not getting involved into any mischievous acts that could potentially harm him. I loved reading about what he considered ‘his treasures’ because they are silly items that he holds closer to his heart than other things," He got out his worldly weath and examined it- bits of toys, marables, and trash" (page 326). Of course none of the items have a material value, however this restates the innocence that Tom truly has and why we he appeals more so to a reader.
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I agree with what you wrote about this topic, Tom is very liked by all readers because of his "innocence" unlike that of the city. Simple things such as his treasures or his manipulations make him a unique character indeed. Because of that, Twain portrays him to be very smart, and in some way more mature than those around him even. Good job, I enjoyed your posting!
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the notion of Tom being "too clever for his own good." I think it's an interesting thought to follow with though because most of the time he really can't help but use the tricks he has. Twain portrays Tom, in my opinion, as the kind of guy that would go out and pull off the world's hardest bank robbery job and then just give all the money away just because he's only in it for the thrills. It kind of portrays his misleading innocence. I agree.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I favor Dick over Tom. I enjoy reading about little boys in general, but Dick's good-hearted nature really won me over. I admire that he will not lie, cheat, or steal from people.
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