Analysis

The king’s “tears and flapdoodle” speech is a hilarious example of a con man at work, preying on the faith and the perceptions of conventional grief of his victims. Despite the obvious fraud recognized by readers, the family and the town easily accept the king and the duke as English. Huck is appalled by the act, but he also recognizes the persuasive power of “soul-butter” (flattery) and its effect on the ignorant townspeople. The humor increases when the king confuses “orgies” with funeral “obsequies,” and his explanation of the Greek and Hebrew origins of the word only adds to the ridiculousness of the scene. In a sense, Twain is commenting on humankind’s capacity for ignorance, for everyone except the doctor falls victim to the scam.

After viewing the king’s speech, Huck realizes how clever, and thus how dangerous, the duke and the king actually are. To act against them clearly jeopardizes his own well being, but, more important, it also jeopardizes the chances of freedom for Jim. Despite the danger, Huck concludes he must return the gold to the daughters.

Glossary

doxolojer the doxology; a hymn of praise to God.

soul-butter flattery.

yaller-boys gold coins.

obsequies funeral rites or ceremonies.

Congress-water mineral water from Saratoga said to have medicinal properities.