Tom Sawyer's Lessons on Work and Play

Tom Sawyer is tasked with whitewashing a fence, a job he dreads. He cleverly convinces other boys to do the work for him by making it seem like a rare opportunity. As a result, Tom ends up with a wealth of treasures and learns a valuable lesson about human nature: people desire what seems hard to attain. This story highlights themes of creativity, persuasion, and the distinction between work and play.

What task is Tom Sawyer given on a bright Saturday morning?

• Mowing the lawn

• Whitewashing a fence

• Cleaning the attic

• Washing the dishes

How does Tom feel about the task of whitewashing the fence?

• Indifferent

• Excited

• Melancholy

• Eager

What does Tom offer Jim in exchange for whitewashing the fence?

• A marble

• A piece of candy

• A comic book

• A toy car

Why is Jim hesitant to help Tom with the whitewashing?

• He is afraid of Aunt Polly

• He is busy with another task

• He doesn't like Tom

• He is feeling unwell

What does Tom do to make whitewashing seem appealing to Ben Rogers?

• He gives him a toy

• He promises to help him later

• He pretends it's a rare opportunity

• He offers him money

What role does Ben Rogers pretend to play while approaching Tom?

• A cowboy

• A pirate

• A steamboat captain

• A knight

What does Tom receive from Ben in exchange for letting him whitewash?

• A comic book

• A toy car

• An apple

• A piece of cake

How does Tom feel after trading the opportunity to whitewash with other boys?

• Bored

• Wealthy

• Tired

• Disappointed

What lesson does Tom learn about human nature?

• People are naturally generous

• People value what is easy to get

• People desire what is hard to attain

• People dislike work

What does Tom realize about the difference between work and play?

• Work is always boring

• Play is more tiring than work

• Play is always fun

• Work is what one is obliged to do, play is not