Huckleberry Finn: Duke and King Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What theory does Jim come up with regarding the origin of the stars?

Jim thinks that perhaps the moon laid the stars (like chicken).

How does Huck meet the men who later identify themselves as the duke and the king?

Huck takes a canoe one morning to try and find berries and he sees the duke and king running from some people. Huck helps them escape.

What had the duke and the king been doing before they met Huck?

They had been separately cheating people and were both running from town members.

How does the king dupe the people at the camp meeting?

He tells them that he had been a pirate and had been robbed and thrown off a steamboat. Signup and view all the answers

How does the duke arrange for them to float by day?

The duke makes a fake handbill that tells all about Jim being a runaway slave and a reward for him. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Huck helps the duke and the king when he first meets them?

Huck is a good person and naturally helps them without thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics do the people at the camp meeting display?

They are gullible and readily believe that their revival is able to touch the lives of everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What does Duke (David Garrick) call himself?

Calls himself Richard III. Signup and view all the answers

What does the flyer for the play say?

The king and duke do their act in front of some poor people; they don't get it and the two decide to rethink their show. Signup and view all the answers

How does Huck describe the town having fun?

Mentions burning dogs with turpentine and tying tin pans to dogs. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Boggs?

A drunk man who insults Colonel Sherburn and is later killed by him. Signup and view all the answers

What happens between Boggs and Sherburn?

Sherburn warns Boggs to leave by one o'clock, or die, and when Boggs continues to insult him, Sherburn shoots him. Signup and view all the answers

What do the townspeople do to Boggs after he dies?

They lay a Bible under his head, and everyone is shocked by his death. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sherburn say in response to the angry mob?

He says that the mob doesn't have the guts to lynch anyone and calls them all cowards. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the circus in chapter 21?

Horsemen and dancers perform, and a drunken man tries to get on stage, causing chaos. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim tell Huck?

Jim tells Huck that he doesn't want to see or meet anymore kings or dukes because he thinks two is sufficient. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with the Shakespearean plays?

The uneducated Arkansas people don't understand the play, leading the con artists to rethink their plan. Signup and view all the answers

What is Huck's new observation about the town in chapter 21?

He details how they argue about borrowing tobacco and notes that the roads are made out of mud. Signup and view all the answers

What does Huck say is the reason that they can't travel by day?

He says that after his father and brother Ike died in the steamboat crash, they are the only ones left, but people keep trying to take Jim because they think he's a runaway slave. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jim's Star Theory

Jim theorizes that the moon laid the stars like chickens lay eggs.

Introduction of the Duke and the King

Huck encounters the duke and the king while canoeing to find berries; he helps them escape from a mob.

Background of the Duke and King

Both con artists are running from townspeople due to previous scams.

King's Deception at Camp Meeting

The king falsely claims to be a pirate seeking salvation and thus gains the crowd's sympathy.

Duke's Scheme for Daylight Travel

Creates a fake handbill to indicate Jim is a runaway slave, intending to capture him for a reward.

Huck's Compassionate Nature

Huck instinctively helps the duke and king without overthinking their motives.

Characteristics of Camp Meeting Attendees

The crowd is gullible, eager to believe in redemption, and willing to support those in need.

Duke's Performance Details

Claims to perform Richard III, mixing various Shakespearean works to entertain the audience.

King's Performance Details

The king is also set to perform, notably delivering Hamlet's soliloquy as an encore.

Arrival in Arkansas

The group arrives in a small town in Arkansas to consider staging a Romeo and Juliet show, competing with a circus.

Flyer for Their Play

The play is directed at a poor audience, but the con artists decide to exclude women and children from the next performance.

Huck's Description of Town Fun

Huck observes cruel acts, such as burning dogs, and recounts a chaotic circus experience that entertained him.

Incident with Boggs

Boggs, a drunken local, insults Colonel Sherburn and is eventually shot dead by Sherburn after refusing to leave.

Buck Harkness

A character known as "half a man" who leads the mob after Boggs' death.

Duke's Con Activities

Younger con artist who previously sold ineffective toothpaste, causing tooth enamel damage.

King’s Background

Elder conman involved in a temperance group until discovered drinking.

Huck's Ethical Stance

Huck refrains from exposing the duke and king's lies, believing to let them have their way keeps his life simpler.

Sleeping Arrangements

The duke and king sleep in comfort while Huck and Jim opt to stay outdoors.

New Con: Shakespearean Performances

The duo shifts to performing Shakespeare plays as a new scheme to swindle money.

King's Pulpit Trick

The king pretends to be reformed, eliciting donations from the gullible crowd, which he later exploits for personal gain.

Jim and Huck's Sentiments on Con Artists

Jim expresses disdain for kings and dukes, voicing a desire to avoid more con men.

Huck's Observations About the Town

He remarks on local arguments and the muddy roads, painting a vivid picture of the town's rustic charm.

Confrontation Between Boggs and Sherburn

An escalating feud leads to Boggs' shooting, demonstrating Sherburn’s ruthless demeanor.

Aftermath of Boggs' Death

Townsfolk place a Bible under Boggs' head, prompting mocking reactions and a mob mentality aiming for revenge on Sherburn.

Mob's Visit to Sherburn

The mob confronts Sherburn, who remains composed and challenges their courage, ultimately dispersing them ashamed.

Circus Chaos

The circus features horsemen and dancers; hilarity ensues when a drunken man unwittingly becomes part of the act.

Drunken Man's Antics

The incident ends with the man shedding suits, adding unexpected entertainment to the show.

Reception of Shakespearean Plays

The uneducated audience fails to grasp the con artists' performances, prompting a shift in strategy.

Crowds' Reaction to New Show

Audiences are initially furious but ultimately want to see the con artists punished after a short, chaotic performance.

Third Night of Performances

The townspeople prepare to pelt the duke and king with rotten fruit; however, the con artists escape before the crowd's ire can be unleashed.

Jim's Perspective on Conmen

Jim believes all kings are dishonest, reflecting on historical figures with a similar reputation.

Jim's Family Story

Jim shares a poignant story about his daughter, highlighting themes of misunderstanding and familial love.

Jim's Disguise

The con artists dress Jim in Arab attire to hide his identity as a runaway slave.

Arrival in Town

The king and Huck show up dressed well, attracting attention and gossip as they enter town.

Gossip about Peter Wilks

The town buzzes with news of Peter Wilks' death, his fortune tied to his missing brothers and orphaned nieces.

New Scheme: Impersonating Wilks' Brothers

The duke and king plot to impersonate Wilks’ relatives, intending to exploit the nieces for their inheritance.

Huck's Moral Dilemma

Huck feels conflicted and frustrated with the conmen’s deception and humanity’s greed.

Huck's Backstory on Travel Restrictions

He reveals their need to travel discreetly due to Jim being seen as a runaway, following personal tragedy related to steamboat accidents.

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Description

Explore the intriguing storyline of Huck Finn as he navigates the schemes of the duke and king. This quiz delves into their deceptive tactics, Huck's moral compass, and the gullibility of the camp meeting audience. Test your understanding of these key characters and their impact on the narrative.