St. Petersburg Gazette
May 24, 1876
Three Lost Boys!
An Interview: Mark Twain
Mark Twain: Father of American Literature
Me: Mr. Twain, in your new book, I enjoyed your allusion to Robin Hood when the boys were playing games on the island. Why did you choose that particular allusion?
Twain: I chose that allusion because the trio (Tom, Huck, Joe) seems as if they represent outlaws, run-aways, wild and free type of people such as Robin Hood.
Me: Mr. Twain, when Tom went back briefly to Auntie, why didn't Tom put the bark down to tell Auntie where they were?
Twain: Well, it would've ruined the part in which Tom is forgiven after he comes back home. Without that, It wouldn't have made Auntie feel as if Tom was right about what he had done.
Me: Excellent! One last question. Mr. Twain, how will Tom bounce back from Becky finally rejecting him for the last time?
Twain: Ah, yes, Tom and Becky! Well, I can assure you that Tom will feel quite enraged for quite a while! But be careful! I didn't say forever!
Me: Thank you mister Twain!
Twain: My pleasure!