Tom is not nearly as naturally goodhearted as Huck is. He certainly doesn't share Huck's sense of altruism and compassion for strangers. For this reason, it seems very ironic or even suspicious that Tom would want to help Huck free Jim. The fact is that Tom simply enjoys adventure and putting his plans into action. He also knows that the adventure in particular comes at no personal risk to himself. He knows this because unlike Huck and Jim, Tom is aware that Jim is already technically a free man, having been formally freed in Mrs. Watson's will. This allows Tom to seem far more heroic than he actually is, all while having Huck indulge his over-the-top and elaborate plan. He gets to enjoy his adventure without having to actually buck against society.
It comes as something of a surprise to us when Tom agrees to help Huck free Jim. It is also a surprise to Huck. He knows that Tom does not have much time for abolitionists. Though Tom has always had a sense of adventure, Huck never believed for one moment that he would go against the prevailing norms of a society based on slavery.
Tom may have a boyish taste for getting into scrapes, but he is no fool. Unlike Huck and Jim, he knows that Jim has already been formally freed under the provisions of Miss Watson's will. This means there is much less risk involved in freeing Jim from the confines of the shed. Tom will not be breaking the law, and at the same time, he will get to show off the stylish, elaborate plan that so impresses Huck. It is a win-win situation for Tom; he gets to look like a hero while not doing anything to challenge the norms of a society he largely accepts.
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