What is the definition of maturity? Is there some point in time that you can say an individual has reached maturity? It can be said that a mature individual exibits certain qualites. A few of these qualities are integrity, good judgment, and responsibility. In the novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tom begins his journey to maturity. In the beginning of the book, Tom is portrayed as a boy who likes to prank, play hookey, fight, and show off. At times he still reverts to immature actions, but for the most part he has reached a certain level of maturity by the end of the novel. As he proceeds through the adventures of murder, chivalry, and survival, Tom begins to grow from a childish boy into a mature young man.
Near the beginning of the novel, there is an incident that occurs, where Tom demonstrates integrity. Tom and Huckleberry Finn witness a murder in the graveyard. They make an oath signed in blood not to tell anyone about what they have seen. When Muff Potter is falsely accused of the crime, Tom has a terrible conscience, and attempts to satisfy his conscience by giving gifts to the innocent man. "These pains of conscience show that Tom is becoming more mature, in that he is thinking about the consequences of his actions or inaction." The difficulty that he experiences in coming to terms with …show more content…
Tom takes full responsibility for himself and Becky. He cares for her and is concerned for her welfare. He conserves Becky's candle and gives her half of his own share of food. He finds a spring and stays by it so they won't need to look for water. At one point Tom sees Injun Joe in the cave. He decides not to tell Becky as to surely frighten her. Tom demonstrates compassion by being encouraging even when it seems that all hope is lost. Through Tom's continuous searching, he finally finds a way out of the cave after being trapped for nearly four
Near the beginning of the novel, there is an incident that occurs, where Tom demonstrates integrity. Tom and Huckleberry Finn witness a murder in the graveyard. They make an oath signed in blood not to tell anyone about what they have seen. When Muff Potter is falsely accused of the crime, Tom has a terrible conscience, and attempts to satisfy his conscience by giving gifts to the innocent man. "These pains of conscience show that Tom is becoming more mature, in that he is thinking about the consequences of his actions or inaction." The difficulty that he experiences in coming to terms with …show more content…
Tom takes full responsibility for himself and Becky. He cares for her and is concerned for her welfare. He conserves Becky's candle and gives her half of his own share of food. He finds a spring and stays by it so they won't need to look for water. At one point Tom sees Injun Joe in the cave. He decides not to tell Becky as to surely frighten her. Tom demonstrates compassion by being encouraging even when it seems that all hope is lost. Through Tom's continuous searching, he finally finds a way out of the cave after being trapped for nearly four