Pudd’nhead Wilson – Long Blog

Throughout reading Pudd’nhead Wilson the debate of “nature vs. nurture” comes up a lot. Nature vs. nurture is a debate that involves the extent in which particular behavior traits are inherited or learned by influences. “Nature” is what is considered as the pre-wiring in our brains based on our genetics. “Nurture” is factors that happen after life experiences.

 In the book, Roxy raised both boys from infants all the way up until their teenage years. When they were infants, Roxy was the only one who could tell them apart except Puddn’head Wilson who had their fingerprints. Roxy decided to switch the boys so her son wouldn’t be sold away from her. So, Chambers becomes “Tom” and Tom is now “Chambers”. “Tom” becomes a spoiled rich kid who has an entitlement issue. This is very disappointing to Roxy who believed her son would have better than just an entitled rich kid. That is an example of nurture taking over. “Tom’s” genetics should have him acting as a selfless and kind person. Instead, he grew up a white heir to a substantial estate and has a vicious and vindictive personality. “Chambers” however is raised as a slave but his uncle, Judge Driscoll, adopts him once Percy dies so that “tom” can’t sell him. “Chambers” is used to fight “Tom’s” bullies which is awful. This situation goes to prove that nurture has a bigger role in who we are and our personalities. “Tom” grew up as a spoiled white kid and that is how he acts. “Chambers” who grew up as a slave talks in “slave dialect” and he learned at a young age to just be quiet or he will be punished.

Another argument is wether or not the reader agrees with what Roxy did. Personally, I don’t fault her. Moms typically want the best for their kids. I can see where she was coming from. She was desperate to not be separated from her child and this was the way she wouldn’t be separated. It is interesting to think about how life would have been different for the boys if she didn’t switch them. Would “Chambers” be as vicious and vindictive as “Tom” is? Would “Tom” fight for “Chambers”? I don’t know if I would have switched the boys if I was in her shoes but I do see where she coming from with her fears. 

Eventually, the town finds out the boys were switched when there is a murder trail. There was a fingerprint left at the crime scene. This uncovered the truth about the boys and who they really were. I should also point out that Roxy had told “Tom” that he was actually her kid and had “slave blood” in him but it didn’t really change how he acted. He still stole, gambled, and just did some stupid things. Roxy also kind of blackmailed “Tom” by telling him he is an ungrateful brat and he now pays her a stipend. Once the whole town found out about the switch, “Chambers” ends up being set “free” and is now the heir to Judge Driscoll’s estate. I’m sure that is quite a culture shock to go from being a slave to filthy rich. “Tom” also receives quite the culture shock as he confesses to the murder, is pardoned by the governor, and then sold “down the river”. This is a very abrupt ending and I want a follow up. I want to know how they adapted to their new lives and what is Roxy up to? Did “Tom” crumble under the pressure and stress of not being a free man anymore? Did “Chambers” free people working for him now or at least treat them better? I am left unsettled and wanting more with the ending.

So, is “Pudd’nhead Wilson” a Great American Novel? I would say that yes, it is a Great American Novel. It is full of American content like slavery. The book takes place in the mid 19th century in Missouri so slavery was a big topic. Pudd’nhead Wilson has motifs and notable diction. The characters talk in a way that we wouldn’t now in the 21st century. There is relevancy of “passing” as white and the “white privilege” attitude that “Tom” experienced. I would say that there is character development but not necessarily growth as “Tom” didn’t really change his actions once he found out he should have been the slave. That would have made me question everything I ever did and everything I will do going forward but “Tom” didn’t.