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Why does Tom play hooky after his argument with Becky?

Interesting question! In the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tom plays hooky after his fight with Becky.


After his fight with Becky, Tom feels unloved and unappreciated. Tom believes that if he could be dead for a short time, people would appreciate him more. As the text reveals:



“She [Becky] would be sorry some day — maybe when it was too late. Ah, if he could only die TEMPORARILY!”


“Tom’s mind was made up now. He was gloomy and desperate. He was a forsaken, friendless boy, he said; nobody loved him . . .”



Thus, Tom decides to run away. He believes that if he runs away, people might appreciate him more due to his absence. However, Tom also begins to enjoy his time playing hooky. Instead of attending school, he plays pirate and spends time with his friends.


Eventually, Tom returns to his home. Although Tom enjoys his time playing hooky, he desires to return home and receive the extra attention from being gone and even presumed dead.

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