Explain the differences in the attitudes of Tom and Huck concerning the escape.

This part of the novel is very entertaining, but it also shows a key division between the two characters. Tom, who constantly reads and reenacts adventure stories, thinks the whole thing sounds like fun. He schemes up a complicated plan to rescue Jim when it turns out he knew the plan was unnecessary all along. Huck takes things much more seriously. He cares deeply for Jim. For him this is an act of courage on behalf of a close friend.

The difference between the two attitudes explores the split in literature occurring at the time between realism and romanticism. Tom represents a type of overly romantic adventure story that Twain frequently mocked throughout his career. Huck takes the more realistic perspective. The fact that Tom gets shot shows that there are often dire consequences for playing adventure.