Here's how Huck's satire works:
* Double Standards: The Grangerfords are devoutly religious, but they readily embrace violence and vengeance against the Shepherdsons. They believe in God and pray, yet are willing to kill over a long-standing feud that seems to have no logical basis. Huck observes, "They was all good people, the Grangerfords was, and pious. Every Sunday we all went to church, of course, and sat with the family." This highlights the disconnect between their faith and their actions.
* Blind Faith: Huck is confused by the intensity of the feud and the rigid beliefs of the Grangerfords. He witnesses the Grangerfords praying and singing hymns, but sees their faith as a shallow veneer masking their true nature. He is left to ponder, "I reckon I was glad to get away from the feuds, and so was Tom. We had a good deal of trouble keeping Tom from getting into them. He was always wanting to go over to the Shepherdsons and ‘make some of them give up their notions.'" This highlights how even a child like Tom can see the hypocrisy and absurdity of the religious justification for the feud.
* Religious Language: The Grangerfords use religious language to justify their actions, further highlighting the satire. They claim to be "fighting for the Lord" or that their actions are "God's will." This adds a layer of irony, showing how religious beliefs can be twisted to serve selfish desires and justify violence.
* Huck's Perspective: Huck, as a "non-religious" character, provides a more objective view of the situation. He observes the hypocrisy and absurdity without subscribing to the religious beliefs of the Grangerfords. This outsider's perspective strengthens the satire and allows Twain to criticize religious hypocrisy through Huck's innocent but astute observations.
Overall, Chapter 8 satirizes the hypocrisy and absurdity of religious fervor by highlighting the disconnect between belief and action, the blind faith that can lead to violence, and the twisted use of religious language to justify hatred and violence. It is a sharp critique of the way religion can be used as a tool for control and manipulation, rather than a source of peace and understanding.