Final answer:
The Duke and the King from Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' are fictional characters representing historical con artists who exploit others' vulnerability to the promise of wealth. Their actions are akin to historical schemes that led to the exploitation and ruin of gullible people, which have been documented from the 16th century to the Georgian period in England.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters in question, the Duke and the King, are from Mark Twain's classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. These two con artists are known for their schemes and frauds, including the attempt to swindle two young women, Mary Jane and her sisters, out of their inheritance by posing as their English uncles. This is not an isolated incident, as con artists have been using similar tactics throughout history, exploiting the promise of wealth and preying on the gullible, which often leads to the victims' ruin.
One of the earliest documented cases of such scams dates back to the 16th century when the King of Kongo appealed to the King of Portugal regarding unscrupulous merchants abducting his people to satisfy the demand for goods in Portuguese territories. The appeal highlighted how these merchants deceived local nobility and commoners alike for their own gain. Similarly, during the Georgian period in England, people were ensnared by the false hope of climbing out of debt or changing their circumstances, depicted in literary accounts of individuals attempting to perform the alchemical feat of turning lead into gold or resolving the national debt crisis.
Throughout literature and history, the enticement of wealth and freedom has been a powerful force, often leading to elaborate schemes and exploitation. It serves as a reminder of the recurring human vulnerability to the lure of easy riches and the importance of vigilance against deceivers with 'bad conscience' who seek to exploit that vulnerability. The Duke and the King from Twain's novel are fictional representations of this enduring aspect of society.