The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

Is it nature or nurture that causes Tom to turn out as he does? The question of why Tom is the way he is has much larger cultural, moral, and ethical implications. Despite the frequent characterization in Mark Twain's time of Black people as in need of firm guidance—a justification that was often given for the system of slavery—Twain's works often portray the plight of enslaved people with sympathy and highlight the many admirable Black men and women in any given setting. If it is true that Tom was made a villain by nurture, then does this mean that Twain also argues against racist attitudes by showing that Black people who are treated well can be made heroes? Are people born with characteristics that remain unaffected by the circumstances of their upbringings?

• How do Roxy’s character and actions offer insight into this question?
• What light do the characters of Percy Driscoll, Judge Driscoll, and Colonel Essex shed on this idea?
• What related evidence is contributed by the examples of Angelo and Luigi?
• How does the book’s emphasis on things like palmistry and fingerprints contribute to your understanding of this question?

Teaching Suggestion: If students are answering in writing, you might wish to alert them that “both” is an acceptable answer to the question—if they are answering via discussion, this possibility should emerge naturally as students debate their answers.