logo

89 pages 2 hours read

The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1893

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Essay Topics

1.

Mark Twain's father died when Twain was only eleven years old and the loss of his father altered the course of Twain's life. How did Percy Driscoll's death alter the course of Tom's life? Do you think Tom would have been a different man if Percy Driscoll had lived?

2.

Colonel Cecil Essex, descendant of the First Families of Virginia and an adherent to a gentleman's code of conduct, is revealed to be the father of Roxy's baby. How does this fit into the portrayal of Essex as a “gentleman”?

3.

What is the function of the "Whisper to the Reader" that opens the novel? How does Twain signal to the reader his intentions for the novel by introducing both the failed lawyer, Hicks, and the corner where Dante used to watch Beatrice?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 89 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools