STUDY GUIDE Pudd’nhead Wilson Mark Twain Intro: A Whisper to the Reader Vocabulary barrister – a lawyer in the English superior court grandees – people of importance 1. Why does Twain take the time to tell readers how accurate his book is according to the law? 2. Reread the lengthy sentence used to describe William Hicks. Why do you think Twain uses this type of writing style? 3. After reading this letter to the audience, what conclusions can you make about the use of the quote from Pudd’nhead Wilson’s Calendar at the beginning? What purpose does it serve? Explain the quote as an example of verbal irony and what it says about this portion of the novel. 4. Discuss Twain’s references to the poet Dante Alighieri. Chapter I Vocabulary antediluvian – ancient approbation – a formal approval brad-awls – an instrument used to make holes for nails flotilla – a large number of boats formidable – fearful, causing nervousness hamlet – a small village infallible – certain; perfect labrick – an idiot lummox – a clumsy person opulently – abundantly, richly, profusely pudd’nhead – an idiot tinmonger – a tinsmith torrid – hot transients – people traveling in search of work 1. Describe the setting, including date and location. 2. What purpose does the Mississippi River serve to Dawson’s Landing? How might it have importance within the plot? 3. What does the phrase “prove title” mean? 4. What does Twain say is the symbol for a complete house? 5. Explain how Twain uses repetition in the description of York Leicestor Driscoll and its importance. 6. Twain refers to Cecil Essex as “another F. F. V.” For what do you think these letters stand? What does this reference say about the townspeople’s beliefs? 7. For what reason might Twain mention Cecil Essex, although we should “have no concern” for him? What is this an example of?
Chapter III Vocabulary cloud – a shawl communing – discussing conflagration – an intense burst (of color in this instance) or flame (usually referring to a fire) crooning – singing, speaking house-minions – house servants, slaves lurid – pale pauper – a poor person peremptoriness – haughtiness speculations – business transactions, deals; risks usurper – a thief 1. What impact does the robbery have on Roxy? Why would killing Percy Driscoll not help Roxy’s son? 2A. Reread the description of Roxy’s actions in this chapter, and then define each of the following terms. Third person omniscient point-of-view often reveals the author’s feelings through use of specific words within the novel. conflagration linsey-woolsey death-toilet cloud 2B. Based on the meanings of these words, how does Twain feel about Roxy’s decision to prepare for death? 3. What “strange light dawned” in Roxy’s eyes? 4. How does Roxy justify her decision about switching the babies? 5. Who is the only person Roxy is afraid of? Why? 6. Many interpretations of the introductory quote are possible. What is a benefactor? Based on the definition, who might be a benefactor in the novel? Why? According to the quote, who in this chapter has “lived long enough to know what life is”? What is life, according to this character? Chapter IV Vocabulary adversaries – enemies appeasing – soothing, pacifying assailed – attacked canings – beatings with a cane caprices – whims capricious – unpredictable chambermaiding – working as a maid cleaning rooms and making beds changelings – children who were switched in infancy consummated – completed docile – gentle; obedient dupe – a gullible person; a pushover epithet – a title, nickname expostulated – thought; examined fortifications – forts, structures fractious – irritable impotent – powerless jeers – shouts, mocking, name-calling nursling – a nursing child obsequiousness – the act of being obedient; subservient ostensible – visible, appearing to be true provocation – irritation; motivation, a trigger proxy – a substitute unrebuked – without punishment usurpation – taken without right volley – a burst of many things at once
Chapter VI Vocabulary ascending – increasing besieged – surrounded; bombarded inclination – a nod prodigies – highly talented children prodigious – exciting; unusual, monstrous sharks – people who prey on others through trickery sharpers – swindlers, cheats 1. Summarize the twins upbringing. 2. How do the twins answer Rowena’s wish for a grand climax to her glorious day? 3. According to the second quote at the beginning of the chapter, what “habit” has been slowly brought into Dawson’s Landing? How? Chapter VII Vocabulary funning – joking levee – a reception; assembly militia company – a group of people organized for military purposes muskets – firearms nub – the gist, point solidified – secured; fixed vivacity – spirit, liveliness yarns – tales 1. How does Twain personify society in this Chapter? 2. Why did the twins not pay more respect to Judge Driscoll for showing them around Dawson’s Landing? 3. What might the opening quote imply about the mysterious woman Wilson sees in “Tom’s” bedroom window? 4. What is a nymph? Who is the nymph in this chapter? Chapter VIII Vocabulary asperity – harshness; severity berth – a job; a safe distance blenched – whitened bluster – threatening speech; violent commotion grenadier – a soldier armed with grenade implacability – not being pleased incongruous – unsuitable marvel – a wonder packet – a passenger boat pallid – pale petition – a request prime – of high quality rabid – extreme servilities – submissive behavior wonted – ordinary, usual
Chapter XI Vocabulary acclamation – a vote, approval blind – a distraction chaff – banter; idle talk, jovial talk perdition – hell proclivities – inclinations; predispositions raillery – to jest, banter succumbing – yielding surreptitious – secretive; sneaky teetotaler – a person who does not drink alcohol undulatory – waviness of motion witticism – cleverly funny 1. What are the two definitions of “smooth” the twins use when referring to Tom? Notice which twin makes each definition. 2. What is the “Awful Mystery” “Tom” discusses? 3. What mistake does “Tom” unknowingly make at Wilson’s? 4. What false belief does the characters of the novel hold of twins? 5. What does Twain mean when he says of the twins, “They rightly judged, now…”? 6. What does Wilson reveal about Luigi while reading his palms? Explain Luigi’s story. How does he feel about the incident? 7. What does “Tom’s” internal dialogue reveal? 8. What happens when Wilson tries to read “Tom’s” hand? 9. What comment does “Tom” make about Angelo? What does it cause? Chapter XII Vocabulary cartel – a written agreement fervently – passionately incredulity – disbelief skiff – a small boat unsmirched – untouched, unblemished 1. According to Judge Driscoll, what is the most important thing? 2. What news is brought to Driscoll as he and Pembroke Howard row their boat ashore? 3. Once Driscoll confirms the news with “Tom,” what does he want “Tom” to do? What is “Tom’s” response? How does Driscoll handle it? 4. How does “Tom” believe he will win back his uncle’s favor? 5. Explain how “Tom” is like the “flea” in the chapter’s introductory quote, using evidence from the novel thus far.
Chapter XV Vocabulary bail – to agree bauble – a trinket suppositions – hypothetical transient – fleeting 1. How do the people of Dawson’s Landing judge their citizens? 2. Explain how Wilson planned to catch the robber. 3. Why, according to “Tom,” did Wilson’s plan not work out? 4. How does “Tom” get back into the judge’s good graces? 5. What happens to “Tom” as he travels to St. Louis? 6. Predict what will happen in the next chapter. Chapter XVI Vocabulary abaft – to the rear miscreant – a criminal steerage-bunk – inferior lodgings for lower-class citizens torpor – indifference, apathy 1. What is Roxy’s plan to get “Tom” out of debt? 2. Why is she being referred to by her full name of Roxana? 3. What part of Roxy’s plan does “Tom” not follow? When does she realize it? Chapter XVII Vocabulary buncombe – nonsense canvass – solicitation of votes derision – hatred, contempt mountebanks – pretenders 1. Explain the twins’ popularity at the beginning of the chapter. Chapter XVIII Vocabulary irremediable – incurable lamentingly – regretfully, mournfully palliation – making excuses skinflint – a person who is stingy with his or her money; a cheapskate 1. Who does “Tom” find in his lodgings in St. Louis? What is wanted of him? 2. How does “Tom” feel about this person?