Explain the kind of relationship that is forming between Huck and Jim when it says, “…we didn’t ever feel like talking loud, and it warn’t often we laughed, only a little kind of a low chuckle.” CH 12-16

It doesn't take long to surmise that Huck is a kindred spirit. Their fateful meeting on Jackson's Island, in the middle of the Mississippi River, began a friendship based on sincerity and respect. Huck wrestled with the notion of aiding an escaped slave but his inner values won out over ugly Southern social norms. Both Huck and Jim seem to understand each other without having to say much. They both long for freedom in their own ways and they compliment each other. Jim doesn't tell Huck about his dead Pap because he simply thought that telling Huck would do Huck more harm than good. He cared about how Huck felt. This quote is important as it underlines the two have formed a kind of deep friendship that is not reliant on words. They seem to communicate in other ways as well.