Final answer:
Huck Finn's opinion of the king and duke deteriorates as he recognizes them as con artists, reflecting the themes of appearance versus reality and moral growth in Mark Twain's novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck's view of the king and duke evolves over the course of the narrative. Initially, Huck is intrigued and somewhat taken in by their ruses and claims of nobility. However, as he observes their behavior and schemes, his opinion shifts to one of disillusionment and disdain. Huck realizes that the king and duke are not the royalty they pretend to be, but rather con artists exploiting others for their own gain. This change in Huck's perspective reflects a broader theme in Twain's novel: the conflict between appearance and reality, and the moral development of Huck as he navigates the complexities of adult society. The river and shore scenes act as a backdrop to this evolution, where the natural beauty of the river contrasts with the corruption and deceit that Huck encounters.