Final answer:
Tom is motivated by his strong feelings for Claire, including love, while Huck's motivations differ and may not stem from romantic emotions. Themes of morality, ethics, and the complexities of human relationships underscore the characters' motivations in their respective stories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tom's willingness to help is driven by his deep affection and devotion for Claire, which is suggested to be a form of love and jealousy. Unlike Huck, whose motivation may not stem from these emotions, Tom seems to speak from a place of deep emotional attachment and possibly romantic love, as indicated by his willingness to go to great lengths to help Claire, even suggesting he would end his existence for her. This is evident in the dialogue where Tom acknowledges his motives are different from others, something more profound and lasting, revealing his passion and committed relationship.
The moral and ethics discussed in 'Huckleberry Finn' explore the complexities of human behavior and societally-imposed standards. Huck's actions raise questions about the flexibility of moral standards and whether it's justifiable to commit a crime if the intention is seen as good. These themes suggest a comparison with Dickens's inquiries into the evolution of the legal system, and the constant battle against the abuse of power.