Here's how Twain uses satire in *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer*:
* Adult Hypocrisy: Twain often highlights the hypocrisy of adults. For example, the adults in the town preach morality but often engage in gossiping and judgemental behavior themselves. This is seen in their reaction to Tom's escapades and their own tendency to be ruled by societal expectations rather than genuine compassion.
* Incompetence of Authority: The adults in the story are often depicted as incompetent or out of touch. The judge, for instance, is easily manipulated by Tom's charm and innocence, highlighting the shortcomings of the justice system.
* Blind Faith in Superstition: The adults are portrayed as superstitious and easily swayed by rumors and fears, as seen in their reactions to the events of the story and their reliance on superstition instead of logic and reason.
* Strict Social Norms: Twain satirizes the rigid social norms of the time, particularly regarding the expectations placed on children, like the pressure to conform and behave. Tom's rebellion against these norms is a satirical commentary on the constraints of the time.
While clerks are not explicitly satirized, Twain does portray the adult world through the eyes of a child, highlighting the flaws and inconsistencies of the adults around him. This allows for broader satire of society, its values, and the expectations it places on its members.