Final answer:
Mark Twain uses the events involving the king and the duke to blur the lines between the comic and the dramatic in Huck Finn, creating a balance between humor and seriousness in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Huck Finn, Mark Twain uses the events involving the king and the duke to blur the lines between the comic and the dramatic in order to enhance the overall narrative and explore different themes. The characters of the king and duke add a layer of humor to the story through their ridiculous and outlandish behavior, creating comic relief in an otherwise serious and morally complex novel. At the same time, their actions also lead to dramatic and intense situations, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of deception.