"George Washington's" Last Duel 1891

"George Washington's Last Duel" by Thomas Nelson Page is a late 19th-century book about dueling and relationships in the South where humor meets criticism of society. Two young men, Jefferson Lewis and Pickering Lawrence, compete for Margaret's attention, their rivalry leading to a duel. Major Nat and his funny servant George Washington get mixed up in the silly rules of honor and duels. The story is full of funny accidents and misunderstandings, building to a strange ending that shows how silly honor and dueling can be. George Washington, who is serious but also funny, makes the story a satire, showing how foolish people can be when they care too much about what others think.