A key theme in Pudd’nhead Wilson is the idea that
people are defined by how they are perceived in society, and how much the
images placed on people by those around them can affect their lives. What this
novel highlights is just how hard it is to escape the stereotypes and ideas
people and society place on you.
As Twain states
from the beginning, Pudd’nhead Wilson was forever plagued by the image placed
on him after one misinterpreted comment. He could have been successful, but the
image the community had of him, as a fool, a “pudd’nhead”, prevented anyone
from taking him seriously. Once these images stick, everything the character
does is seen through the lens of that image. For example when Judge Driscoll
tries to prove Pudd’nhead Wilson’s image wrong by showing them Wilson’s
calendar, everyone uses his calendar as supporting evidence for the idea that
he is a pudd’nhead.
Similarly, Roxy
was condemned by the perception that she was black. Despite looking white, the
one drop rule meant everyone in the community saw her as black. She could not
escape this, and because she was seen as a slave no one guessed at her
intelligence. This also links back to the idea of nature versus nurture. Roxy
must have been brought up knowing her place in society, being told she was black
even if she didn’t look it. Just like how Chambers (the real Tom) grew up knowing
people saw him as a black slave, he must have known he was not highly valued in
society. Because of this he was submissive and took orders from Tom. Even at
the end when he discovers who he really is, he still cannot simply become white,
the effects of how people are viewed in society are so strong that it can influence
a person’s character.
The point I’m
trying to make is that, whether by society or nurture, people are put into
certain categories, images of them are based on small incidents or one drop of
black blood, which are hard to get rid of. The result is that sometimes it
shapes their character, and sometimes it holds them back. What this novel
highlights is just how hard it is to escape an image once people see you a
certain way. Whether it’s being viewed as a pudd’nhead, or being viewed as
black.
Additionally, what
the cases of Pudd’nhead Wilson and Roxy highlight is just how wrong these
perceptions can be. Twain displays how much of a constraint these perceptions
can put on people, with the example of Pudd’nhead Wilson. He couldn’t build a successful
career in the community once they all believed he was an idiot. But it also
shows how sometimes these images can become beneficial, such as in the case of
Roxy. She was able to pull off her scheme because no one would ever expect a
slave to have her intelligence.
People are categorized in society all the time. Like the saying that says "first impressions define who you are". This novel is a perfect example about the importance of first impressions. As you mentioned in the novel Wilson makes a comment that makes him look like a pudd'nhead. Roxy is only seen by her speech. Tom (fake one) is seen as this rich person. He is supposed to act a certain way and sometimes delineates from that path. All in all first impressions become important in this novel and can sometimes fool those who can't see past that first impression.
ReplyDeleteThis is basically the same idea I hit upon when writing my own work. The beauty of Mark Twain is that he really does strive so hard to suffuse the social criticism of his work throughout the entire novel so that most people miss the cynical commentary. In light of that, I think what you said about Roxy and Pudd’nhead Wilson showcases that twin dualism that Twain so earnestly indulges in. It’s pretty interesting how Roxy manages to help Tom continue ransacking multiple houses without anyone ever figuring out the truth; let alone that poor Pudd’nhead himself is hardly given a fair chance until the very last scenes of the book.
ReplyDeleteYour point about categories is just what Twain was saying, Rachel. That's the "fiction of law and custom" part of the equation.
ReplyDeleteI did likewise find the idea of Puddn'head being perceived by the people as such to be very interesting. He was likely the most clever person there, and yet the people of the town thought him strange and thus unintelligent. Why might the author have written it this way? Why didn't Twain make the people react in a different way? With acceptance? With reverence? With confusion, but eventual forgetfulness? Why was it necessary for these townspeople to think him a fool for twenty years?
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