The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Chapter 26 | Summary

Summary

Huck is questioned by Joanna, the youngest Wilks sister. He messes up the story repeatedly and has to come up with explanations. At the end of the conversation, Joanna is convinced he has told some lies. As she voices this opinion, Mary Jane walks into the room and hears her. She, along with Susan, rebukes her sister for talking this way to a stranger. They make Joanna apologize. Huck is moved by each of their behavior and resolves not to allow them to have their money stolen.

Huck searches for the money in the king's room. While Huck is searching the duke and the king come into the bedroom, so Huck hides in the closet and listens to their plans. The duke is ready to leave, but the king convinces him to stay and get the rest of the money. When they leave the room, Huck takes the money and hides it in his room. He plans on contacting Mary Jane once he leaves town to tell her where the money is hidden.

Analysis

Huck is finally ready to take action and abide by his conscience. This is not an easy decision as both he and Jim are in a precarious position and have much to lose. To go against the duke and the king who have shown no morals (and would surely want revenge) takes courage and fortitude. Therefore, Huck's decision and actions to protect the sisters' money from being stolen are praiseworthy and represent a significant moment in his development. He adheres to his morals and acts solely for the sake of others.

The chapter also reveals that the king's greed is greater than the duke's. If the king would have been satisfied he and the duke would have had the money. During this time period, $6000 is a significant sum. Huck, who also has $6000 from the money he and Tom Sawyer found, says this is enough money to live on. While the king would have $3000, as he would presumably split it in half with the duke, this is still a large of amount of money. However, he is not satisfied and cannot walk away when money is still out there to be had. Greed can be added to all his other flaws.