Final answer:
The significance of "Fooling Poor Old Jim" is twofold: it reveals character development, specifically Huck's growing moral awareness, and it also reflects the social context of the novel, where the vulnerable like Jim are exploited, paralleling the broader themes of moral education and self-realization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chapter title "Fooling Poor Old Jim" from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is significant because it highlights a recurring theme of human compassion and ignorance. Jim, the enslaved character, is often subjected to the playful yet poor-spirited tricks of his companions, notably Huck. They play on his superstitions and gullible nature for entertainment, which parallels the broader social context of the novel where the oppressed and vulnerable, like Jim, are frequently taken advantage of. This chapter sheds light on the themes of moral education and the journey toward self-realization as Huck comes to grips with his own actions towards Jim. The chapter underscores a critical moment in Huck's character development and emphasizes the message that knowledge and training are important to overcome fear, a theme prevalent throughout the novel.