des also make Tom more realistic and appealing (Rinaldo 7).It is also very significant that of all people in the world, Hucks first thought would be to write to Tom Sawyer after hiding Jim. Tom represents for Huck not only the happy moments of his past, but also what a happy boyhood should be like. Tom also represents a boys version of traditional Southern society. Huck greatly admires Toms meager academic achievements and his well-rounded healthy childhood. Huck also feels like Tom would be the person most likely to be sympathetic of his own meager situation (Machlis 452-453). Later after his long stretch on and off the river with Jim, Huck meets up with Tom again. Huck has changed but Tom hasnt changed at all. Still, Huck assumes that Tom will understand the necessity of freeing Jim. The real irony here is that Tom already knows that Jim has been freed as part of Miss Watsons will, and the fact that the poor man is going through all this torture is completely unnecessary. Tom, however, is having the time of his life. Huck is able to see Jim and his predicament in a different light only because he has been on the outskirts of Southern society all the time (Machlis 423-455). The existing friendship of Tom and Huck deepens when they witness Injun Joe murder Dr. Robinson. They swear in blood to stay silent. Muff Potter is falsely accused of the murder. Huck and Tom share troubled consciences over Muffs arrest. They take the condemned man food and gifts. Tom becomes convinced that he is unloved, and decides to take up a life of crime. He once more turns to his best friend, Huck Finn, to share the adventure. Tom also includes Huck on his favorite past time of searching for hidden treasure. The boys hide in the loft of a haunted house and witness men hiding stolen money in the house. One of the men is the frightening Injun Joe (Rinaldo 3). Later Tom and Huck realize that the treasure is in the cave. They go to find it. They...
