Tom's Moral Dilemma

In the excerpt from Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom is faced with a difficult choice between doing what is right and what is easy. His friend Huck Finn attempts to persuade him to take a shortcut that could allow them to avoid hard work.

As they discuss the situation, Tom reflects on his values, recognizing the importance of honesty and integrity. Huck, however, prioritizes practicality, believing that getting things done with less effort is a more sensible approach. This conflict illustrates a broader theme of morality versus convenience, a recurring motif in Twain's works.