Chapter Summaries
Chapter 35
In chapter 35, Huck and Jim attempt to rescue Jim from the Phelps'. They find out that there aren't many obstacles in the way of saving Jim, but Tom makes up elaborate ways to get him free. He wants to stick the the more adventurous way they do it in the books. Their plan includes cutting Jim out with knives and sawing his leg off. They would also need to steal pieces of clothing and equipment to save Jim.
Chapter 36
In this chapter, Huck and Jim start to carry out their plan. They start digging with their knives to find Jim. They give Jim a plate to write what his captivity was like to show the world. They dig through to Jim, and he tells them that Sally and Silas have been regularly visiting him. Their next step of the plan is to bake a rope into a pie that Jim's keeper will deliver to Jim.
Chapter 37
In chapter 37, Sally finds out that a plate and clothing have been stolen from her. The boys took her things, but she blames everyone else besides the actual culprits. Sally thinks its might be rats, and the boys go to cover up the rat holes. They then replace the stolen items with new items. This confuses Sally, because now she doesn't know what's stolen and what's not. Tom also successfully puts the rope into the pie to bake, so it will be delivered to Jim to be saved.
Chapter 38
In this chapter, Huck and Jim create a coat of arms for Jim to scratch on the wall of his shed. They make pens out of candles and spoons for Jim to use. Later, Tom explains that it would work better if the walls were stone, but they're actually wood. They try to find a stone they can write the message with, but need help, so they get Jim out to help. When looking, Tom doesn't do much of the work and lets Huck and Jim do it all.
Discussion Questions
How does returning Tom to the story result in a change of tone and mood?
Tom coming back creates a sort of chaos to the story. He wants to have the most adventure and do everything like it is done in his books. It creates danger and suspense as to what the boys will do next.
What evidence does this chapter provide that the plan to release Jim is little more than a game to Tom?
When Huck and Tom need help searching for a stone to write their message with, They easily release Jim to help them. They release him in the middle of their more elaborate plan with the rope in the pie and whatnot. It shows that all the ideas Tom came up with t save Jim are unnecessary.
What characteristics does Aunt Sally have that enable the boys to take advantage of her?
Aunt Sally is very gullible and will believe simple things show to her. She also is a kind woman, and wouldn't think that kids could do what the boys did. She doesn't suspect them for stealing her belongings since she thinks they're only kids.
Reflections
Tom is interesting in how much he thinks that rescuing Jim is just a game. It shows that he wants to have fun in things and doesn't take things too seriously. Huck wants the simplest way of accomplishing a task. Tom just wants an adventure. Huck actually cares about Jim.