Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn unfolds just before dawn as Huck, Jim, the Duke, and the King drift toward a quiet town along the river. The Duke suggests docking the raft slightly south of the town to keep a low profile while they conduct business. Huck and Jim express their concerns about drawing attention, but the Duke and the King laugh off their fears, assuring them that everything will go smoothly. Despite his unease, Huck knows that arguing with the conmen will do no good, so he decides to play along while keeping an eye out for a chance to escape.

Once the raft is secured, they cautiously make their way along a narrow dirt path that leads toward town. The road is eerily silent, with only the distant croaking of frogs and chirping of crickets breaking the stillness. As they pass a large sycamore tree, Huck notices markings that suggest previous hangings, a chilling reminder of the dangers they face. The sight sends a shiver down his spine, reminding him of Young George, a boy he once knew who met a tragic end. The eerie atmosphere unsettles Huck, but the Duke and King continue forward with confidence, unfazed by the ominous surroundings.

As they approach the town, they encounter a man sitting on a wooden crate outside an abandoned storefront. The man informs them that nearly the entire town is gathered at a revival meeting in a nearby field. The news excites the Duke, who sees an opportunity to take advantage of the congregation’s enthusiasm. He immediately concocts a plan to infiltrate the gathering and play upon the emotions of the townsfolk to earn money. Huck, still wary of their manipulations, quietly considers whether this could be an opportunity to escape with Jim while the Duke and King are distracted.

At the revival, hundreds of people are gathered around a fiery preacher delivering a passionate sermon. The Duke wastes no time jumping into character, proclaiming himself a reformed pirate who has turned to a life of faith. He tells an elaborate tale of his sinful past and how he has seen the error of his ways, moving some members of the crowd to tears. Huck watches in astonishment as the King follows suit, pretending to be a traveling actor reciting Shakespeare, further endearing himself to the congregation. The audience, enthralled by their theatrical performance, showers them with donations, believing they are supporting righteous men.

As the scam unfolds, the Duke takes it a step further by introducing Huck as “Caesar,” a so-called heathen he converted during his travels. He encourages the crowd to donate to a false missionary fund, claiming the money will help save more lost souls. Huck, despite his discomfort, plays along, understanding that resisting the conmen’s scheme could put Jim in danger. He pockets the money, realizing that although he despises the deception, it may provide an opportunity to secure his and Jim’s escape.

However, as the evening progresses, whispers of skepticism begin to spread through the crowd. A few townspeople start to question the Duke’s and King’s outlandish claims, sensing that something is off. Huck, keenly aware of the shifting mood, knows that their deception won’t last much longer. He exchanges a glance with Jim, signaling that they must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, the Duke and King, oblivious to the growing doubts, bask in their fraudulent success, continuing to weave more lies to prolong their ruse.

As the chapter draws to a close, Huck reflects on the nature of deception and morality. He feels a deep sense of conflict, caught between the cunning schemes of the Duke and King and his own desire to do what is right. Jim’s trust in him weighs heavily on his conscience, reinforcing the urgency of their escape. While the Duke and King celebrate their ill-gotten gains, Huck quietly formulates a plan, knowing that the next opportunity to leave may be their last chance at freedom. The chapter ends on a note of tension, setting the stage for the inevitable unraveling of the conmen’s deceit.