# LXVIII explained — Roughing It

> Chapter companion for Roughing It by Mark Twain.

## What happens

The narrator describes the elaborate funeral of Princess Victoria in Honolulu, detailing the procession and the contrast between Hawaiian royal customs and those of the past, particularly the death of Kamehameha the Conqueror. The chapter includes a lengthy account of Kamehameha's final days, the rituals surrounding his death, and the tabu system.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonialism and Cultural Change

The chapter contrasts the modern, Western-influenced funeral of Princess Victoria with the traditional Hawaiian rituals of Kamehameha's death, highlighting the cultural transformation under colonial influence.

### The Absurdity of Pretension

The narrator notes the grandiloquence of the Hawaiian monarchy in 'playing empire,' as seen in the elaborate funeral procession and the self-importance of figures like Harris the Prime Minister.

### Humor and Exaggeration

The narrator's wry observations, such as wondering where the 'Hawaiian Population Generally' will be found, and the description of Harris's excessive crape, inject humor into the solemn proceedings.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Observes and describes the funeral of Princess Victoria and recounts the death of Kamehameha.

### Liholiho

Son of Kamehameha, present during his father's final days and involved in the rituals after his death.

### Kaikioewa

Addresses Kamehameha, asking for his dying charge.

### Kaahumanu

One of Kamehameha's widows, speaks about the disposition of his body.

### Kamehameha

The deceased king, whose death and funeral customs are described in detail.

### Mr. Young

A foreigner who embraces and kisses Kamehameha during his final moments.

## Key lines

> While I was in Honolulu I witnessed the ceremonious funeral of the King’s sister, her Royal Highness the Princess Victoria.

During my stay in Honolulu, I attended the elaborate funeral of the king's sister, Princess Victoria.

_Sets the scene for the chapter's main event._

> The bones of Kamehameha, after being kept for a while, were so carefully concealed that all knowledge of their final resting place is now lost.

Kamehameha's bones were hidden so well that their location is no longer known.

_Highlights the secrecy and reverence surrounding the king's remains._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters/lxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/roughing_it_se/chapters