Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Mark Twain-1

1.2 Introduction to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer-1

1.2.1 Plot-1

1.2.2 Background of the Novel-2

1.3 Literature Review-2

1.4 Organization of This Thesis-2

Chapter Two Humor and Satire-4

2.1 Humor-4

2.1.1 Definition of Humor-4

2.1.2 Related Theories of Humor-4

2.2 Satire-5

2.2.1 Definition of Satire-5

2.2.2 Expressive Techniques of Satire-5

Chapter Three The Reflection of Humor and Satire in Tom Sawyer-7

3.1 Humor in Tom Sawyer-7

3.1.1 Superiority-7

3.1.2 From Tension to Relief-7

3.1.3 Incongruity between Expectation and Result-8

3.2 Satire in Tom Sawyer-9

3.2.1 Exaggeration-9

3.2.2 Usage of Contrast-10

3.2.3 Different Dialects-10

Chapter Four The Significance of Humor and Satire in Tom Sawyer-12

Chapter Five Conclusion-14

References-15

Abstract

Mark Twain is the most outstanding American realism writer in19th century. And he creates a lot of novels all his life. Mark Twain’s novels faithfully reproduced American social life in his time. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of his four masterpieces. It was first published in 1876, telling stories happened in the Mid-19th century, in a small valley town along the Mississippi River of St. Petersburg. The main character, Tom Sawyer is a lively, mischievous, sensation-seeking boy, who always comes up with a variety of pranks, and he always tries his best to avoid punishment. Throughout the novel, Tom plays a serious of censurable escapades with his friends, which makes this book much interesting.

Satire is a kind of humor to talk about serious things in humorous way to unveil the ridicule and suggest the nature of things. As an outstanding humor and satire master, Mark Twain uses his unique humorous style, with the combination of satire, to let people know American society and system of the precious heritage. The combination of humor and satire makes readers find out the real meaning hidden in his works and feel the sarcastic satire behind his humor. 

The paper aims to study the art of humor and satire in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. By analyzing the novel's characters and the development of the plot, this article attempts to show the humor theory and techniques of satire embodied in the novel as well as the significance of this art.

Key words: Mark Twain   The Adventures of Tom Sawyer  Humor and Satire