Steve, I can direct you to a book that has a chapter about this very subject. Jerry Griswold's book AUDACIOUS KIDS: COMING OF AGE IN AMERICA'S CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS (Oxford University Press, 1992) discusses the subject of parricide and HUCK FINN. Chapter 2 is entitled "The Long Parricidal Dream: ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN." I believe the paperback of this book is coming out in the next month, too. Also, in the same book another chapter deals with concept of guilt, which is very prevalent in TOM SAWYER. This is Chapter 4 and is called "Remorse and Regrets: ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER." In PUDD'NHEAD WILSON, a definite case can be made regarding Tom in particular. His relationship with Roxana reflects this special relationship (if not affection) for the opposite sex parent; and his killing of his uncle who acts as a surrogate father is a direct acting out of the oedipal desire to kill the rival--same sex parent. One other work that I can think of is also THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER. Twain alludes to Tom Canty's special relationship with his mother and the antogonism toward the treacherous father. Also there are many surrogate father-figures that both boys relate to. Good luck in your research, Carolyn L. Richey SDSU