In chapter 19, Huck and Jim find themselves among royalty. The duke and king are clearly taking advantage of them, but we don't think Jim and Huck notice until Huck tells his readers his philosophy: "...kept it to myself; it's the best way; then you don't have no quarrels, and don't get in no trouble. If they wanted us to call them kings and dukes, I hadn't no objections, long as it would keep peace in the family..."(142).
This attitude is a complete reversal on Huck's part from the beginning of the book. He is now a peace-seeking leader, rather than a rebellious orphan in a widow's house. He sees himself as the head of this family, a duty that he takes seriously now. At one point he lied and said that Jim was actually his father afflicted with small pox; but maybe that was not such a lie. Jim has been a father figure for Huck ever since their escape. He has given him advice, tested him and his opinions, and nurtured him to grow into a more cultured, independent, and deliberate young man. A boy with no sense of family has suddenly more of a family in caring for three older men than his own father ever showed him. Speaking of fathers, Huck finally brings up pap again, saying, "If I never learnt nothing else out of pap, I learnt that the best way to get along with his kind of people is to let them have their own way." Huck has begun reflecting on his past life and applying those lessons to his new family, the people he truly cares for.
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