How does toms concept of a life of crime compare to the real criminals he encounters

 The image of Robin Hood is a motif of the novel, a game that Tom often plays with his friends. Robin Hood's gallantry appeals to Tom's sense of the romantic: Robin Hood is loved by all, and hated by only the people he steals from. His desire to be like Robin Hood stems from his need to be the center-of-attention. We also see that Tom's aspiration is not to cause mischief, but to be a "noble" figure like Robin Hood. But in actuality, the only way Tom can again attention is to misbehave.

Tom later finds that his concept of a life of crime is far from true. Injun Joe and Muff frighten Tom, as they personify true evil. After witnessing the murder, Tom and Huck sign a contract in blood vowing never to reveal what they've seen.... they're still playing pirates and continue to be unaware of what they've really seen.