Publisher's Synopsis
"Pudd'nhead Wilson" is a novel written by Mark Twain, first published in 1894. It is set in the antebellum South and follows the story of two boys, one white and one black, whose identities become entangled due to a switch at birth.
The central character of the novel is David Wilson, nicknamed "Pudd'nhead" because of his eccentric behavior and habit of studying fingerprints. Wilson is a newcomer to the town of Dawson's Landing, Missouri, where he becomes embroiled in the lives of its residents, particularly the wealthy Judge Driscoll and his slave, Roxy.
Roxy, who is one-sixteenth black but appears white, switches her own son with Judge Driscoll's son, Tom, in a desperate attempt to secure a better future for her child. However, as the two boys grow up, their true identities become increasingly difficult to conceal, leading to a dramatic series of events involving murder, deception, and courtroom drama.
Through "Pudd'nhead Wilson," Twain explores themes of race, identity, and the arbitrary nature of social status. The novel is known for its biting satire and clever plot twists, as well as its incisive commentary on the complexities of race relations in America.
Despite its initial lack of commercial success, "Pudd'nhead Wilson" has since become recognized as one of Twain's most important and thought-provoking works, admired for its psychological depth and moral complexity. It remains a powerful and relevant exploration of the enduring legacy of slavery and racial injustice in American society.
