The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

by

Mark Twain

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer makes teaching easy.

Alfred Temple Character Analysis

Tom's classroom nemesis, Alfred is a refined, slightly effeminate new boy in town, who runs home from fighting with Tom to his mother's protection. His spiteful nature is revealed when, after Becky flirts with him to get Tom's attention, he gets revenge by secretly spilling ink across Tom's spelling book so that Tom will be whipped.
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Alfred Temple Character Timeline in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The timeline below shows where the character Alfred Temple appears in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
Boyhood Rebellion and Growing Up Theme Icon
Sentimentality and Realism Theme Icon
...to wander, whistling a birdsong. He encounters a well-dressed new boy (later revealed to be Alfred Temple ), and begins to taunt him. They fight, with Tom winning. Alfred walks away crying.... (full context)
Chapter 18
Superstition, Fantasy, and Escape Theme Icon
Sentimentality and Realism Theme Icon
Becky eventually returns to the schoolyard and sits down to read with Alfred Temple . Tom is overcome by jealousy and leaves Amy to head home. With Tom gone,... (full context)
Chapter 20
Boyhood Rebellion and Growing Up Theme Icon
Sentimentality and Realism Theme Icon
...notices how troubled Becky looks. For her part, she is torn about whether to turn Alfred Temple in for spilling the ink on Tom's book. Ultimately she says nothing, and when the... (full context)