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

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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.