The Adventures of Tom Sawyer · Chapter
The Cat and the Painkiller explained
Tom Sawyer is deeply troubled by Becky Thatcher's absence from school, fearing she might be ill or even die.
What happens
Tom Sawyer is deeply troubled by Becky Thatcher's absence from school, fearing she might be ill or even die. His despondency leads Aunt Polly to try various patent medicines and treatments on him, culminating in the use of Painkiller. Tom secretly feeds the medicine to the family cat, Peter, causing a chaotic and humorous scene. Aunt Polly discovers the trick but feels remorse, and Tom is spared further medicine. Later, Tom goes to school early, hoping to see Becky, but when she finally arrives, she snubs him, leaving him humiliated.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood vs. Adulthood
Tom's lovesick behavior and his mischievous trick with the cat contrast with Aunt Polly's adult concern for his health and her reliance on dubious medical practices.
Morality and Conscience
Aunt Polly feels remorse after Tom's remark about the cat having no aunt, highlighting a moral reflection on her treatment of Tom.
Fear and Courage
Tom's fear of Becky's illness and his courage in enduring Aunt Polly's treatments, as well as his bold antics to get Becky's attention, illustrate this theme.
Characters to notice
- Tom Sawyer
Tom is lovesick and despondent over Becky's absence, endures Aunt Polly's remedies, tricks the cat with Painkiller, and later tries to impress Becky but is rejected.
- Becky Thatcher
Becky has stopped coming to school, causing Tom great distress. She eventually returns but snubs Tom, calling him a show-off.
- Aunt Polly
Aunt Polly is deeply concerned about Tom's health and tries various patent medicines and treatments, including Painkiller. She discovers Tom's trick with the cat but feels remorse.
- Peter
The family cat, who is given Painkiller by Tom and reacts wildly, causing chaos in the house.
- Sid
Mentioned as a contrast to Tom; Aunt Polly would have trusted Sid with the medicine bottle.
- Jeff Thatcher
Jeff Thatcher arrives at school, and Tom tries to get information about Becky from him, but Jeff is oblivious.
Key passages
“She was one of those people who are infatuated with patent medicines and all newfangled methods of producing health or mending it.”
Aunt Polly was the kind of person who became obsessed with every new patent medicine and health fad.
Highlights Aunt Polly's gullibility and the era's fascination with quack remedies.
“The boy could not have shown a wilder, heartier interest, if she had built a fire under him.”
Tom's sudden enthusiasm for the medicine was as intense as if he had been set on fire.
Describes Tom's exaggerated reaction to Painkiller to convince Aunt Polly he likes it.
“Tom, what on earth ails that cat?”
Tom, what is wrong with that cat?
Aunt Polly's bewildered question after Peter's chaotic reaction to the Painkiller.
“I done it out of pity for him—because he hadn't any aunt.”
I did it because I felt sorry for him—he doesn't have an aunt.
Tom's clever excuse for giving the cat Painkiller, implying an aunt would have done worse.
“Mf! some people think they're mighty smart—always showing off!”
Hmph! Some people think they're so clever—always showing off!
Becky's dismissive remark to Tom after his antics, crushing his hopes.
