The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Using evidence from this chapter , contrast Tom's and Huck's ideas of social morality. How does this contribute to the characterization of these two characters?
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Huck develops his own value system as the story progresses. Near the end, Huck truly wants to help Jim. Huck feels that Jim is no longer an escaped slave but a human being and friend, more descent than any white person he has known. Tom sees Jim as a an opportunity for adventure. Freeing him would not necessarily be the right thing to do but rather a rebellious act worthy of his intelligence. Perhaps Tom entertains a vague notion that Jim might deserve freedom but it is certainly not as developed as Huck. Tom's re-entry into the story shows just how much Huck has evolved and how much Tom has stayed the same.