# Showing Off in Sunday School explained — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

> Chapter companion for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

## What happens

Tom Sawyer struggles to memorize Bible verses for Sunday school, but his mind wanders. With Mary's help and the promise of a gift, he succeeds and receives a Barlow knife. At Sunday school, he shows off to impress the new girl, Becky Thatcher, and is introduced to Judge Thatcher, who quizzes him on the disciples. Tom famously answers 'David and Goliath,' causing embarrassment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood vs. Adulthood

Tom's resistance to the discipline of Sunday school and his focus on play and showing off highlight the tension between childhood freedom and adult expectations.

### Social Class and Respectability

The arrival of Judge Thatcher and the emphasis on earning Bible tickets and prizes reflect the social hierarchy and the value placed on respectability in the community.

### Morality and Conscience

Tom's guilt over his earlier encounter with Becky and his conscience-smitten feelings toward Amy Lawrence show his developing moral awareness.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Sawyer

Struggles to memorize verses, shows off in Sunday school, and embarrasses himself before Judge Thatcher.

### Aunt Polly

Conducts family worship and encourages Tom to learn his verses.

### Sid

Already learned his lesson, contrasting with Tom's struggle.

### Mary Austin

Helps Tom memorize his verses and rewards him with a Barlow knife.

### Amy Lawrence

Jealous and heartbroken when Tom ignores her for Becky Thatcher.

### Becky Thatcher

New girl in town who captivates Tom and inspires his showing off.

## Key lines

> Tom was introduced to the Judge; but his tongue was tied, his breath would hardly come, his heart quaked—partly because of the awful greatness of the man, but mainly because he was her parent.

Tom was introduced to Judge Thatcher, but he was so nervous he could barely speak, partly because the Judge was so important, but mostly because he was Becky's father.

_Tom's anxiety reveals his crush on Becky and his fear of parental authority._

> Tom still hung fire. 'Now I know you'll tell me,' said the lady. 'The names of the first two disciples were—' 'David and Goliath!'

Tom hesitated, then blurted out 'David and Goliath' when asked for the first two disciples, mixing up Bible stories.

_Tom's humorous mistake underscores his lack of interest in Sunday school lessons._

> Mary gave him a brand-new 'Barlow' knife worth twelve and a half cents; and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations.

Mary gave Tom a new Barlow knife worth twelve and a half cents, and he was overwhelmed with joy.

_The knife symbolizes Tom's reward for completing a tedious task, highlighting his childish values._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_sawyer_se/chapters/iv-showing-off-in-sunday-school
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_sawyer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_sawyer_se/chapters