We can all look back and say "Dueling was silly." Well, it wasn't so silly in the 1800's. This was serious and deadly business. Many men were tricked into losing their lives, and many men were mutilated. This strange duel business had to be attacked with humor. Charles Dickens was one of the first writers to challenge the "honor" of death.
And it was Mark Twain who answered the call on the American side. Often it has been said that Twain imitated Dickens. Twain said he learned a great deal from Dickens. Compare this week's Dickens' "Duel" with next week's "Duel" by Twain. Very different, yet going for the same problem.