The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.48 (624 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1400100682 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 311 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2018-02-04 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
The mother of the would be slave is also the nurse of the other; to give her son the best life possible she switches the two. This complex murder mystery is a psychological study that explores how perceptions shape character. On his first day in the village he made an odd remark about a dog, and the towns people gave him the condescending name of "Pudd'nhead". A local lawyer, David Wilson has had a similar experience. He takes sadistic pleasure in tormenting his half brother. Twain combines biting satire, with his trademark scenes of farce and levity.. Soon the boy who is given every advantage becomes spoiled and cruel. Although he was a young intelligent lawyer, he is unable to live down this name and toils in obscurity for over twenty years. Finally he is presented with a complex murder trial and is given the chance to prove himself to the townspeople and shake this unjust label. As they grow older, the townspeople no longer notice that the boys look similar, and they readily accept that each is born to his station. Two half brothers look so similar as infants that no one can tell them apart. One, the legitimate son of a rich man, is destined for a life of comfort, while the other is condemned to be a slave as
-- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature. Meanwhile, Roxy raises Valet de Chambre as a slave. (in full The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson, and the Comedy of Those Extraordinary Twins) Novel by Mark Twain, originally published as Pudd'nhead Wilson, A Tale (1894). A story about miscegenation in the antebellum South, the book is noted for its grim humor and its reflections on racism and responsibility. As a result Roxy is exposed, Wilson is elected mayor, Tom is sold into slavery, and Valet, unfitted for his newly won freedom, becomes an illiterate, uncouth landholder. David ("Pudd'nhead") Wilson, an eccentric lawyer, determines the true identities of Tom and Valet. Roxana, a light-skinned mixed-race slave, switches her baby with her white owner's bab
"Perhaps Twain's Best" according to Fitzgerald Fan. Given the brevity of this book, I feel a little absurd claiming it as my favorite work by Twain, but it is indeed my new favorite, even over Huckleberry Finn (which is really saying something).The ideas concerning race are deeply involved and the question about how much of our "make up" is inherent and how much is indoctrinated is one that occurs over . Can hardly go wrong with Twain. I thought I'd read all of Twain, but this one was new to me. I thought it was on par with his better known works (and better than a few of them).Sure, it's a contrived plot, but it's still a great read and thoughtful commentary on what defines race and public opinions.. "Surprisingly Enjoyable!" according to K. Key. I was very surprised how quickly I was drawn into this story. I had never heard of this book and it is now my favorite Twain. This story deals with children that were switched at birth; one a black slave and the other a well to do white. The characters are vivid and lively.