Tom Sawyer Evidence Chart
Tom should…
Paragraph #
What the text says:
“Every reference to the murder
sent a shudder to his heart…”
1
1
1
What this means:
Tom is full of guilt at the idea of
not telling the truth about Muff
Potter.
“He did not see how he could be
suspected of knowing anything
about the murder…”
No one suspected Tom knew the
truth, so no one would ask him
what he knew, and he would be
safe from Injun Joe by not telling.
“…but still he could not be
comfortable in the midst of this
gossip. It kept him in a cold shiver
all the time.”
Tom seems as though the stress
of the situation is making him
physically ill. Furthermore, it
seems he can’t escape hearing
people talking of the murder.
Tell
Not tell
X
X
X
“It would be some relief to unseal Tom wants to discuss what he
his tongue for a little while…”
knows with someone.
1
1
X
“Moreover, he wanted to assure
himself that Huck had remained
discreet.”
Tom wants to verify with Huck
that no one else knows the truth.
X
Reason/Support:
Tom must feel keeping the truth
a secret is wrong. He doesn’t
seem like he wants to feel this
way forever. Revealing the truth
will relieve him from this
guilt/clear his conscience.
Tom should keep quiet to avoid
putting his own safety in
jeopardy. If no one in the town
has any reason to suspect Tom
knows the truth, he can simply
go about his business.
Tom is feeling overwhelmed at
the non-stop chatter regarding
the murder; it’s likely this gossip
won’t stop anytime soon, which
will only continue to make him
ill.
If Tom is thinking talking about
his troubles will make him feel
better for a little while, he
probably recognizes completely
revealing the truth will feel even
better.
Tom probably wants to ensure
Huck hasn’t, and will not, tell the
truth.
Tom Sawyer Evidence Chart
Tom should…
Paragraph #
9
13
What the text says:
"‘Why, Tom Sawyer, we wouldn't
be alive two days if that got
found out. YOU know that.’"
Tom and Huck both recognize
how serious their situation is.
"‘Well, that's all right, then. I
reckon we're safe as long as we
keep mum. But let's swear again,
anyway. It's more surer.’"
Tom is certain keeping quiet = his
own safety.
“‘I reckon he's a goner. Don't you
feel sorry for him, sometimes?’"
Tom’s thoughts now turn to
Potter. He knows without some
sort of assistance, Potter will die.
He seems to feel sorry and asks if
Huck feels the same.
18
20
22
What this means:
Tell
Not tell
X
X
"‘Well, he's mended kites for me,
Huck, and knitted hooks on to my
line. I wish we could get him out
of there.’"
Tom reflects on his relationship
with Potter. He expresses
wanting to him Potter get out of
jail.
“‘But I hate to hear 'em abuse
him so like the dickens when he
never done--that.’"
Tom feels bad that an innocent
man’s reputation is further
ruined.
X
X
X
Reason/Support:
Telling the truth means certain
death for Tom and Huck.
Moreover, Huck assures Tom
their secret is safe. If Huck isn’t
wanting to tell the truth, Tom
doesn’t need to either.
Tom knows he’s only safe if he
and Huck make a pact to keep
their secret. They must rely on
one another for their own safety.
Tom’s guilt, coupled with his
expression of pity for Potter,
show Tom knows it would be
wrong to let an innocent man
die.
Tom shows himself to be a
grateful, caring human being. His
wishing he had the power to
break Potter out of jail is ironic,
as he and Huck hold the key to
Potter’s freedom.
Tom understands that not only is
Potter’s name tarnished, but his
life is at risk.
Tom Sawyer Evidence Chart
Tom should…
Paragraph #
What the text says:
“The boys had a long talk, but it
brought them little comfort.”
26
26
28
29
29
What this means:
Talking about their problems
isn’t going to solve them. Now is
the time for action!
“But nothing happened; there
seemed to be no angels or fairies
interested in this luckless
captive.”
The reality of the situation is the
boys are Potter’s only hope.
“His gratitude for their gifts had
always smote their consciences
before--it cut deeper than ever,
this time. They felt cowardly and
treacherous to the last degree…”
Seeing Potter in person (and
hearing his appreciation for
them) make Tom and Huck feel
terrible and spineless.
“‘Well, boys, I done an awful
thing--drunk and crazy at the
time…and now I got to swing for
it, and it's right….Well, we won't
talk about that. I don't want to
make YOU feel bad’”
“‘Little hands, and weak--but
they've helped Muff Potter a
power, and they'd help him more
if they could.’"
Potter says he thinks he’s guilty
and should pay for his crime. He
says he doesn’t want to make
Tom and Huck feel bad.
Tell
Not tell
The boys seem done with
discussing their situation. They
know what will save Potter, and
they know what the right thing
to do is.
X
Prayers aren’t seeming to work
and no supernatural
events/mythical creatures are
intervening. If Tom and Huck
want Potter saved, it’s up to
them.
Tom and Huck can buy
themselves out of their guilt with
tobacco and matches. They need
to tell the truth.
X
Potter reminds Tom and Huck of
their previous generosity toward
him. He expresses his certainty
the boys would free Potter from
his plight if only they had the
power to do so.
X
X
X
Reason/Support:
Tom and Huck will certainly feel
bad if they reveal the truth and
risk their own lives. Besides, if
Potter thinks it’s right for him to
die over this crime he thinks he
committed, that’s good, right?
Tom and Huck know they are
able to “help [Potter] more”.