The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson
"The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson" is set in Dawson's Landing, Missouri, in 1830. The story revolves around two infants born on the same day: Thomas à Becket Driscoll, the son of a wealthy white man, and Chambers, the son of Roxy, a slave. Roxy, fearing for her child's future as a slave, decides to switch the two babies, raising Thomas as her own and Chambers as the white heir. As the children grow, Roxy's plan leads to a series of events that explore themes of identity, race, and social status. Pudd'Nhead Wilson, a local lawyer ridiculed for a foolish remark, becomes an unlikely hero. He uses his interest in fingerprinting to uncover the truth about the switched identities. The narrative culminates in a courtroom drama where the true identities of the boys are revealed, leading to tragic consequences. The novel critiques societal norms regarding race and class, ultimately highlighting the absurdity of the social constructs that define identity.
By Mark Twain · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Satire · 21 chapters · 62,310 words
First lines
Tell the truth or trump -- but get the trick. -- Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.
The scene of this chronicle is the town of Dawson's Landing, on the Missouri side of the Mississippi, half a day's journey, per steamboat, below St. Louis.
What this Textopian page supports
The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mark Twain, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Satire, Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Length: 62,310 words
- Structure: 21 chapters, 1,004 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson by Mark Twain
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson?
- How does this novel by Mark Twain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Marrow Of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt
- A Helpless Situation by Mark Twain
- The Outcry by Henry James
- The House Of Pride by Jack London
- A Short Trip Home by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex themes of identity, race, and social justice through nuanced character development and intricate narrative.
- Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and racial issues in 19th-century America, reflecting Twain's views on morality and justice.
- Satire — The book employs humor and irony to expose the absurdities of social conventions and prejudices.
- Mystery — The plot involves a central mystery regarding identity and deception, driving the narrative forward.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Racism · Slavery · Identity Crisis · Twinship · Duality · Morality Play · Comedy of Errors · Tragedy · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction
Contents
- Pudd'Nhead Wins his Name
- Driscoll Spares his Slaves
- Roxy Plays a Shrewd Trick
- The Ways of the Changelings
- The Twins Thrill Dawson's Landing
- Swimming in Glory
- The Unknown Nymph
- Marse Tom Tramples his Chance
- Tom Practises Sycophancy
- The Nymph Revealed
- Pudd'Nhead's Startling Discovery
- The Shame of Judge Driscoll
- Tom Stares at Ruin
- Roxana Insists Upon Reform
- The Robber Robbed
- Sold down the River
- The Judge Utters Dire Prophecy
- Roxana Commands
- The Prophecy Realized
- The Murderer Chuckles
- Doom