Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain
A Tale
This novel is a satirical exploration of identity, race, and societal perceptions in the antebellum South. It revolves around the consequences of a fateful decision made by a slave woman to switch her light-skinned infant son with her master's baby, aiming to spare her child from a life of slavery. The story unfolds in a small Missouri town, where the true identities of the two boys remain a secret for years, leading to a series of dramatic and ironic events. The narrative is enriched by the presence of a clever lawyer, known mockingly as Pudd'nhead for his perceived foolishness, who ultimately plays a pivotal role in unraveling the truth through his pioneering use of fingerprinting. The book critiques the absurdity of racial divisions and challenges the constructs of identity and social status, all while weaving a tale of mystery, humor, and tragedy.
The 2444th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1894
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 200-300
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.3)
- Alternate Titles
- - Pudd'nhead Wilson And Those Extraordinary Twins
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This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 2535th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- Haycraft-Queen Cornerstones (Murder For Pleasure (Book))
- One Hundred Best American Novels, 1770 to 1985 (The American Scholar)