Who the Duke and the King is
The Duke and the King come aboard when Huck lets them escape an angry crowd. One claims to be the rightful Duke of Bridgewater, while the other presents himself as the lost heir to the French throne.
Their titles are inventions, and Huck sees through them as soon as they tell their stories. Instead of challenging them, he decides that pretending to believe them is easier than arguing.
What the Duke and the King wants
The pair want money and look for people in river towns whom they can deceive. They perform mangled Shakespeare scenes and use preaching at a camp meeting to collect money from the faithful.
Their Royal Nonesuch show leaves its audience feeling cheated, but embarrassment helps the trick spread. People who dislike admitting they were fooled encourage their neighbors to attend as well.
The Duke and the King and the others in the story
On the raft, the swindlers take the best sleeping places and expect Huck and Jim to obey. They treat Jim as property, and Huck fears that their selfishness will put his friend in danger.
Questions
Are the Duke and the King really royalty?
No, both are frauds who invent grand identities to gain status and deceive others.
Why does Huck tolerate the Duke and the King?
Huck thinks playing along is easier than confronting them, and he knows they are dangerous.
How do the Duke and the King treat Jim?
They treat Jim as property and are willing to profit from him.
