# The King and Duke's Quarrel explained — The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

> Chapter companion for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.

## What happens

After escaping the Wilks family ordeal, the King and Duke argue on the raft over who hid the gold in the coffin, each accusing the other of planning to steal it. Huck and Jim listen as the Duke forces the King to confess, then the two reconcile over drink. Huck feels relieved and recounts everything to Jim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

The King and Duke's mutual deceit and accusations highlight their fraudulent nature, as each tries to outmaneuver the other for personal gain.

### Hypocrisy of Society

The Duke scolds the King for letting the blame fall on 'poor niggers,' yet both are complicit in the scam and show no real concern for justice.

## Character check-ins

### Huckleberry Finn

Huck is caught by the King after trying to escape, but he lies convincingly to avoid punishment. He feels relieved when the King admits to hiding the gold, and later tells Jim everything.

### Jim

Jim is present on the raft and confirms Huck's story when questioned by the King. He listens quietly as the King and Duke argue.

### The King

The King accuses Huck of trying to give them the slip, then quarrels with the Duke over who hid the gold in the coffin. He eventually confesses after being choked, and later drinks himself to sleep with the Duke.

### The Duke

The Duke defends Huck from the King's anger, then confronts the King about the hidden gold. He forces a confession and later reconciles with the King over whiskey.

## Key lines

> Tryin’ to give us the slip, was ye, you pup! Tired of our company, hey?

The King grabs Huck and accuses him of trying to escape.

_The King's aggressive questioning shows his distrust and controlling nature._

> Well, then, I b’lieve you. But answer me only jest this one more⁠—now don’t git mad; didn’t you have it in your mind to hook the money and hide it?

The King asks the Duke if he intended to steal the gold, even if he didn't actually do it.

_This exchange reveals the mutual suspicion and dishonesty between the two con men._

> It makes me feel ridiculous to think I was soft enough to believe that rubbage.

The Duke expresses embarrassment that he believed the King's lies about the missing money.

_The Duke's comment underscores the theme of deception and the ease with which they both lie._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huckleberry_finn_se/chapters/xxx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huckleberry_finn_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/huckleberry_finn_se/chapters