I feel, based on the time period the story was set in that the punishment administered to Tom and Andy was fair and appropriate for their crime. The boys definitely learned from their punishment, as Andy reveals, "it was my greatest lesson in humility." The boy's father was close by watching over them throughout their punishment and I'm sure would have been ready to assist the boys if at any time they were in actual danger. Andy acknowledges his father's vigil when he speak of how he, "guessed that Father was secretly proud of our fortitude and I realized, too, that all through the night he had suffered with us."
I do understand that this type of punishment would not be acceptable now a days, as we are much more aware of the possible dangers
I do understand that this type of punishment would not be acceptable now a days, as we are much more aware of the possible dangers