This book contains the following stories:
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a classic novel written by Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens), first published in 1876. It is a coming-of-age story set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, along the Mississippi River. Here's a plot summary of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer":
Introduction: The story introduces us to Tom Sawyer, a mischievous and imaginative young boy living with his Aunt Polly and half-brother Sid. Tom's days are filled with various escapades and adventures in the town of St. Petersburg.
Tom's Adventures: Tom spends his time playing with his friends, including Huckleberry Finn, Joe Harper, and Becky Thatcher. He is known for his love of adventure and his knack for getting into trouble. Some of his notable adventures include playing pirates on Jackson Island, witnessing a murder, and getting lost in a cave with his friends.
The Whitewashing of the Fence: One day, Tom is tasked with whitewashing Aunt Polly's fence as a punishment. He cleverly persuades his friends to do the work for him by making it seem like a fun and enjoyable task. They gladly trade their possessions for the chance to paint the fence, showing Tom's talent for manipulation.
School and Romance: Tom also attends school, where he often clashes with his strict teacher, Mr. Dobbins. He is smitten with his classmate, Becky Thatcher, and they engage in a playful courtship. Tom's love for Becky leads him to agree to be "engaged" to her, though he's not entirely sure what it means.
Injun Joe and the Murder Trial: Tom and Huck Finn witness a murder in a graveyard, where they see Injun Joe kill Dr. Robinson. The boys are afraid to come forward as witnesses due to fear of Injun Joe, but Tom eventually testifies at the trial. Injun Joe escapes, and Tom and Huck fear for their lives.
The Treasure Hunt: Tom and Huck go on a treasure hunt after finding a hidden treasure map. With the help of their friend, the wealthy Judge Thatcher, they locate the treasure in a cave. They become rich, and Tom becomes a local hero.
The Conclusion: The story ends with Tom and Huck still enjoying their boyhood adventures, with the promise of more to come. Tom and Becky Thatcher also express their feelings for each other, leaving the story on a hopeful note.
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a timeless and beloved novel that captures the spirit of childhood and the adventures and misadventures of a young boy growing up in a small town along the Mississippi River. It remains a classic of American literature and continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
"Robinson Crusoe" is a novel written by Daniel Defoe and first published in 1719. It is one of the earliest and most famous English novels, often regarded as a pioneering work of realistic fiction.
Plot Summary:
Act 1: Setting Sail The story begins with the young and adventurous Robinson Crusoe, who lives in York, England. Despite his father's disapproval, Crusoe sets out on a sea voyage against his family's wishes. He embarks on several voyages, encountering various adventures and misfortunes along the way.
Act 2: Shipwrecked on a Desert Island During one of his journeys, Crusoe's ship encounters a violent storm, and he is the only survivor. He finds himself shipwrecked on a deserted island in the Caribbean, where he is completely alone and without any provisions or resources.
Act 3: Survival and Adaptation Robinson Crusoe's initial days on the island are fraught with fear, loneliness, and despair. However, he soon begins to adapt to his new environment. He salvages items from the wrecked ship and builds a shelter to protect himself from the elements.
Act 4: Life on the Island Crusoe's life on the island becomes a struggle for survival. He learns to hunt, fish, and grow crops for sustenance. Over the years, he becomes skilled at crafting tools, building shelters, and making clothing from available resources.
Act 5: Friday's Arrival Several years into his solitary existence, Crusoe discovers that the island is occasionally visited by cannibals. During one such visit, he rescues a native man named Friday from the cannibals and makes him his servant and companion.
Act 6: Return to Civilization With Friday's help, Crusoe continues to improve his life on the island. Eventually, he encounters other Europeans who have been shipwrecked and establishes a small community on the island.
Act 7: Departure from the Island After more than two decades on the island, Crusoe is finally rescued and returns to England. He is reunited with his family and is wealthy from his plantation business on the island.
Epilogue: The novel concludes with Crusoe's reflections on his experiences and newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life. He has learned the importance of God's providence, self-reliance, and the value of human companionship.
"Robinson Crusoe" is a gripping and adventurous tale that explores themes of survival, self-discovery, and the human spirit's resilience. The novel's portrayal of Crusoe's struggles and triumphs on the desert island has made it a timeless and enduring work of literature.
