Comprehension
Why is Tom assigned to paint the fence in the first place?
Aunt Polly assigns Tom the job as punishment for misbehavior.
What do readers know about Tom’s true intentions that Ben does not?
Readers know Tom is pretending to like painting.
How does the narrator show he knows what Tom is feeling inside?
The narrator reveals Tom’s inner thoughts and emotions about the plan.
What is humorous about Tom pretending that fence painting is a rare privilege?
It’s funny because the chore is clearly boring, yet Tom sells it as something amazing.
What does Tom say about painting that makes Ben start to want to try it?
Tom suggests that painting is a skill not everyone can do and that it’s special.
How does Tom initially feel about having to paint the fence?
He feels disappointed, frustrated, and trapped by the chore.
Why is Ben’s excitement about the chore an example of dramatic irony?
Because the reader knows it’s a chore, but Ben doesn’t.
What thoughts of Tom does the narrator reveal that Ben does NOT know?
Tom’s excitement and anxiety during the trick are shared with the reader.
What makes Ben’s eagerness to paint humorous for the reader?
Readers know chores aren’t fun, so Ben’s excitement is amusing.
Why does Ben begin to believe that painting the fence is fun?
Because Tom acts like it’s fun and exclusive, Ben becomes interested.
What is Tom’s reaction when he first sees Ben Rogers approaching?
He worries Ben will tease him but then quickly comes up with a plan.
How does dramatic irony make the trick funnier for the audience?
It increases the comedy because readers see the trap happening.
How does the point of view help the reader understand Tom’s strategy?
It helps readers understand Tom’s clever manipulation.
Why is Tom’s behavior an example of clever humor instead of meanness?
Tom uses clever persuasion without being cruel or harmful.
What items does Ben offer Tom in exchange for a chance to paint?
Ben offers various small treasures, like an apple and other trinkets.
How does Tom pretend to feel about the fence-painting chore?
He pretends he enjoys it and treats it like a rare privilege
What does the reader realize about Tom before Ben realizes it?
That Tom is acting and manipulating the situation or that Tom is tricking Ben into doing the work.
Why is it important that the narrator knows Ben’s reaction to Tom’s acting?
Readers see how Ben reacts even when Tom does not.
What details in the description of Ben as a steamboat add to the humor?
The steamboat noises and actions make Ben seem silly and playful.
How does Tom behave once Ben starts painting?
He acts calm, important, and uninterested, pretending he’s too busy enjoying himself.
What game is Ben pretending to play when he arrives?
Ben pretends he’s a steamboat captain.
Why is it ironic that Ben trades valuable items just to do a chore?
Because he gives up valuable items just to do work.
How would the scene be different if told from Tom’s first-person perspective?
It would hide Tom’s secret thoughts and make the trick less clear.
How does Twain’s word choice help create a playful and humorous tone?
His lively descriptions and fun dialogue create a cheerful tone.
What is the final result of Tom’s “work” that afternoon?
Tom ends the afternoon with a fence fully painted by others and a collection of treasures.