Final answer:
Both passages from Mark Twain's works share the theme of nature as a setting for human experiences, reflecting society's complexities. They show Twain's use of a realist approach to portray American landscapes that comment on the human condition. This representation of nature embodies beauty as well as societal imperfections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Looking at the themes and descriptions in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one can identify that both passages reflect the theme of nature as a backdrop for human experience and a mirror to society. In Huckleberry Finn, the river and shore scenes are pivotal elements where Twain juxtaposes the natural world with the social world. While initially, the river might seem like an idyllic escape from society's constraints, a close reading reveals that it is not separate from the social issues that pervade the shore. The occurrences on the river, such as the trade scows and rafts, are evidence of the ever-present human impact. This similarity suggests that Twain uses the realist approach in his writing to reflect society and its complexities through a natural lens.
Moreover, the river in Huckleberry Finn showcases America's beauty as well as its imperfections, making the description of nature nuanced rather than straightforwardly romantic. This treatment of nature corresponds with Tom Sawyer where the adventures frequently occur against a natural backdrop, revealing the characters' attitudes and societal views. The passages from both books, therefore, can be seen as examples of how Twain used the American landscape to comment on the human condition and society, reflecting his leaning towards the Realistic or Naturalistic fiction genres.