Huck and Jim initially start out on two different levels of the totem pole: with Huck, a young, white male being on the top; and Jim, an escape slave, being on the bottom. Huck understands this and thus treats Jim poorly (such as when he plays tricks on Jim or looks down upon him), but after their time spent together as runaways, Huck begins to understand and respect Jim— and even care for him.
