Throughout chapters 35-38, the character foil between Huck and Tom is highlighted through their constant reasoning and problem solving to free Jim. Tom’s reference to novels he has read, and making their goal much harder to reach all for the sake of “living the adventure”, reveals his romantic character. Instead of using doors or other easier methods, Tom insists on a number of extra things such as moats and underground holes and escape ropes in pies all to free Jim. Huck, while reluctant at first (like his character can be), eventually goes along with Tom, because he seems to have a sense of obedience around Tom. The difference, however, between the two of them, is that Huck has Jim’s best interest in mind, while Tom is simply doing this for …show more content…
Tom is revealed as even more selfish than at first, and readers can truly see his intentions and how little he cares about Jim himself. Throughout their adventure to save Jim, the boys experience a few moral crises, debating whether or not they should be “stealing” Jim. However, in every situation, the boys find a way to convince themselves that they have to be doing what they are doing, and it is all ok in the end. This example of uneducated and unlawful behavior is an example of the self-governed attitudes in the South Twain is trying to portray. He uses these stories and ironic reasoning to reveal the contradicting and hypocritical nature in which they live their lives and go about their day, making easy or hard decisions. Tom and Huck believe that since they are stealing for prisoners, and that is what is expected of prisoners, it must be alright. This kind of back and forth reassurance comes into play, as well, when they try to figure out how intelligent Jim is, and if he will understand the plan. They seem to think Jim is extremely unintelligent and has no clue what is going on, which ultimately reveals how ignorant they truly