The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Just like the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the treasure represents the end of a quest for Tom and Huck. It also represents them taking a step away from childhood. After Judge Thatcher and Widow Douglas lend out the money they found with interest, the boys are guaranteed adult salaries for the rest of their lives, placing them into an adult situation. The treasure comprises an amount of money that many adults in the story will never see, let alone two children. The treasure brings them closer to adulthood because they now have resources and opportunities that are rare in childhood. Even though the world keeps trying to bring Huck and Tom into polite society, the treasure is a reminder that they each walk their own path. Tom loves the fact that everyone knows he is a wealthy child. Huck hates the money and would gladly give it back if it meant that everyone would let him return to his former life.

When the boys are on Jackson’s Island, a storm blows down their shelter. Whatever pleasures their jaunt may include, the storm symbolizes the hostility of nature and the dangers that lie outside of civilization. Nature is uncaring to human suffering, worry, and fear.

After witnessing Doctor Robinson’s murder, and after the invasion of the religious revival, Tom experiences another storm, but in a different way. He thinks that God sends the storm to show Tom that he is angry with him for persisting with his sins. This symbolizes Tom’s proclivity to interpret all events and coincidences as portents and also represents his tendency to make himself the center of events.