Mark Twain places his readers in a state of empathy towards a child that, from the outside looking in, can be easily misunderstood by society and its adult members. While he yet recognises the value of labour, a perceived requirement of maturity in society, he counters such through his innovative ways of assuring completion of his given tasks, as he barters or delegates that would allow protected time for his personal priorities. Speaking of priorities, we get a glimpse of the various passions of his life, whether it may be the heart of Becky Thatcher or the alluring promise of glory through piracy, robbery, or treasure hunting, with these professions marking themselves as more of an aspirational identity rather than just a mere ‘occupation’. Throughout, Twain provides a critique of society and its comprised adults through their impact on our protagonist, while also leaving subtle character parallels in its account, with Injun Joe’s tendering to his wounded pride and thirst for loot being a key contrast for one to ruminate. This was an achievement due to its intention to be unrestricted by plot and provide a focused review of its titular character. We experience its tale like a wayward spirit alongside its characters as we perceive these regular but significant moments of the boy's life as if with an air of coincidence.