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To avoid the work of whitewashing the fence, Tom managed to convince his friends that he loved doing this chore and wouldn’t give it up for the world. He even acted reluctant to let them pitch in, as if not doing the task himself amounted to a huge sacrifice.

Tom Sawyer scammed himself more than he did his friends. Whitewashing the fence can be enjoyable. It depends entirely on your attitude.

I asked this question before, but I'm still not clear with the underlined part. He cheated himself more than he cheated his friends? What this could mean?

Any comments will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Vsuresh · Accepted Answer

I do think the same.

Let me share this:

For the friends, they need not think they are cheated though that is what Tom thinks because it is Tom who does not like whitewashing in his heart of hearts and not his friends.

In this context the expression, I think, suits well.

Mariott · Answer

Thanks vsuresh! Can I understand this then it is Tom who was deprived of the pleasure of whitewashing and not his friends.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I see it as meaning simply that Tom deprived himelf of the pleasure of whitewashing the fence. He convincd himself there was no pleasure in it, but there was.

Clive

Vsuresh · Answer

Short and sweet!

Thank you, Clive.

Vsuresh · Answer

Yes. Clive has made it quite clear.

Here I have made a small change in your sentence.

Can I understand this then it is Tom who deprived himself or ignorant of the pleasure of whitewashing and not his friends?

Mariott · Answer

Thanks Clive and vsuresh!

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