The true importance of this chapter is Twain's narration. The reader is very concerned over the fate of Becky and Tom, and we experience all of the fears and dangers that they face. Twain is able to make the threat of their starving very real, and we sense the hunger in the manner in which they greedily eat the piece of picnic cake, knowing that there is no more real food except the bit that Tom nobly saves from his share. The appearance of Injun Joe in the cave ties together the murder scene in the graveyard, the discovery of the gold treasure, and the location of the treasure. In addition, it adds suspense to the episode.
In these episodes, Tom's character rises to new heights. He is mature in protecting Becky; he is noble in his concern for her because her welfare is of utmost importance to him; he takes full blame and responsibility for their predicament; and he even tries to encourage and bolster her sagging spirit. In contrast to his youthful behavior earlier, he now conducts himself in a mature and truly admirable manner. Our esteem for Tom grows still further when we see his reaction to learning that Injun Joe has been trapped in the cave. While he has dreaded and feared Injun Joe and even though he recognizes the evil within Joe, Tom's reaction is one of horror when he discovers that another person, even the despicable Injun Joe, is trapped as he and Becky had been trapped.
Likewise, Becky rises in our estimation. She had earlier been seen as a petulant, spoiled, somewhat selfish girl, and she had allowed Tom to take her punishment. Now she refuses to blame Tom for their situation and shares in the blame. She does not question Tom's judgments, and she faces her death calmly.
