Letters to Tom Sawyer

10th grade students were asked to write letters to Tom (or another character) from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  Here are some of their responses, edited for grammar!

My favorite one, for its wildly unexpected turn of events! From Huck to Tom:

Dear Tom,

I am writing this to you for there may be a possibility that I may not be able to see, speak, or write to you again, well not with this God-forsaken war dragging out.

Due to a particular series of events, I am now part of the Southern states, the Confederate, fighting for them. As I am about to leave, I remember the moments we had together. Remember that moment in the graveyard how we saw the murder of Dr. Robinson and how scared we were? I admired you when you were at court. Standing up for Muff Potter, despite the fact that Injun Joe was actually there. Or you remember when we found that treasure Injun Joe left behind in the cave, how happy we were? Remember the time you persuaded me to come back to Widow Douglas? You said you would make me a part of your gang. Those were the days, weren’t they?

Well, let me tell you what’s happening right now. I changed my name to somethin’ more formal, John Wilkes Booth is the name. Well, this is the end I reckon, so farewell my dear friend.

John W. Booth

Dear Tom,

I really hate that you are my big brother. You’re such a bad example and I still remember when you splashed that white paint on my face and then you threw the whole bucket on my head. I really wanted Aunt Polly to kick you out of the house and I wanted her to lick you in the face very hard. I hope I can also punch you till you cry (evil laughing). I also hate your friend Huck and when you’re gone, I'm so happy because I don’t need to see your ugly face. I wish you never return. I have one question; why did you come back!?!

Sid

Your lil bro

P.S I’ll be happy if you die.

I won’t be sad; I will have a party.

Another excerpt from Sid:

I still can’t forgive you after pouring white paint on my face: you ruined my shirt, my FAVORITE shirt!! What will I wear on Sundays? Oh, and that time where you stole my tickets to get a Bible just to impress Becky? I was so close to earning a Bible and you ruined my chances. Thank God you embarrassed yourself in front of everyone. But you owe me a lot, Tom!

 Dear Tom,

It’s been a while since we’ve been together. Our very last exciting, yet important and scary moment, was when we were lost in the cave. I know, right? It was a dangerous yet important moment in our lives. We were there together for many days, went through our struggles together, experienced days starving and living in a cave without light, or maybe just a little light. We’re also gone through happiness together, which was when we escaped from the cave together. You really showed me a manly side of yours the whole time, though I knew that you were also scared to death when you were in the cave.

I also remembered the time when we were in class. I used to draw Mr. Walters with his weird face. He found the drawing and you came up instead of me. You’ve sacrificed your butt for me. And I’m thankful for that.

I, for some reason, think that we are really meant to be together. Thanks for everything Tom. And…I have something to tell you.

I like you!

Love,

Becky

Another excerpt from a love note:

Do you remember the first time we met? You really attracted my heart and to be honest, I already fell in love with you at first sight. The way you picked up the straw and began to balance it on our nose, with your head tilted far back. It made me laugh.

(From the time Tom went missing)

Tom,

Now, I know how the pastors say writing to ghosts isn’t appropriate, but I don't quite care. I know you’re not dead yet, Tom. You’re going to regret this prank of yours.

Aunt Polly’s been as still as a statue, and as pale as a cadaver, while you have been away. I don’t know if you brought Becky with you (I reckon you have; you’re a parasite, in that way) but Mrs. Thatcher has it worse – she’s been crying hard enough to flood the Mississippi.

I mean, it ain’t like I miss you or anything. I don’t care much for you. You selfish, confounded, inconceivable pig! You think I fancy losing the last of my family? Come back. You pig, come back.

Sid

Dear Tom,

Hi Tom! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. You know, I’ve missed you an awful lot. Ever since I got those darn chicken pox, after we got engaged, I haven’t seen you. It was an awfully lonely week; I’ve been thinking about you a lot in my room. My heart was heavy just thinking about how lonely you were.

The last time I saw you, when you found another spot on my face, I introduced you to that nasty little Becky. I went home and made sure I had no more chicken pox, and when I came back, you were so frightened of getting the chicken pox, you ran away. Although, I understand you were heroically trying to protect yourself from the horrid chicken pox, I couldn’t help but notice that Becky was looking at you. Uh, she is a miserable little thing, and you are such a brave soul for sitting next to her in class to protect her status quo. I could’ve sworn you dumped me and decided to sweep her up. Ha! But how silly of me, of course you wouldn’t! We’re engaged!

Ha, ha, ha, ha…wait a minute. We’re still engaged, right? Oh my goodness. You did dump me for her! Didn’t you? Uhh, the next time I see you on the sidewalk, I'm gonna lick you so hard, you’ll see stars around your head.

I cannot believe it, I loved you! I swear, When I see you, I’ll take a real swing at you. Mark my words, this is a warning from your new EX-FIANCEE!

Love,

Amy

To Tom,

Hi, Tom. Come and walk around my house. I’ll be in the garden every afternoon at 3 o’clock. It’s been a long day not seeing your fancy actions. I want to talk about how I feel. I feel happy when I see you. Even though you’re not handsome and fancy, your actions make me fall in love with you. I love you to the moon and back. Come play with me. Walk around my house. I will give you something. Make sure no one knows!

From: Becky