Tom Sawyer

I can't help but feel an attraction to the chapter in Tom Sawyer entitled "Busy at War and Love". This whole chapter makes me think of a few things. First the common saying "all is fair in love and war" which is fairly obvious, because Tom is so good at playing with his aunts emotions. This ties in to another not as common saying derived from the first that refers to any relationship as "the battle of who can care less".

On page 419 we see Tom helpless to his boyish crush on "a new girl". Just a week ago we see him as the happiest boy in the world, in love, with another girl. The word fickle comes quick to mind. However, we see that the new girl still has most of the power in their non existent relationship. I attribute it to the fact that she basically cares less. I like how Mark Twain is able to play out simple interactions between Tom and various characters that actually represent the same idea that we experience in adulthood.

We can see how Tom can use his aunts emotions against her on page 421. She gives him a belt for something he is wrongly accused of. She feels guilt Tom knows this, and uses it for what it's worth, just a little bit more power in the relationship. His aunt cares for him very much so, she has less power.

I feel that there couldn't be a more perfect title for this chapter. It's central themes of how all is fair in love and war are expressed through Tom. He is powerless towards the girl he is captivated with and, holds a lot of clout when it comes to his aunt. There is even a scene in which Tom even plays the role of a general in a mock battle with a friend in which they arrange the next time the will have a dispute and, what it will be about. It's difficult as an adult to navigate one's way through different relationships, perhaps Tom is a prime example of what not to be like for children. Just a few thoughts, enjoy!