Huck and Tom differ in living situations, personalities, and the way they view the world. Tom comes from a more stable living situation, while Huck is raised by his alcoholic father outside of the community. Tom is also educated, loves to read, and has an extremely active imagination. In contrast, Huck has little formal knowledge and is a practical individual. As was mentioned in the previous post, Tom is an idealist, while Huck is a realist. Tom also conforms to society's perception of African Americans and openly accepts the assumption that African Americans are inferior. In contrast, Huck questions the belief that African Americans are inferior and eventually decides to reject society after his experiences with Jim.

Pap's ramblings about the educated, free black man from Ohio are ironic because the black man is clearly more civilized and respected than Pap. Pap is an unsuccessful, deplorable alcoholic who believes that he is better than any black man simply because he is white. Pap's views are ironic because his character is inferior compared to the educated black man, yet Pap thinks he is better. Twain illuminates society's hypocrisy concerning the inferiority of African Americans through Pap's rant.