Nature vs. Nurture

In the novel, Pudd’nhead Wilson by Mark Twain constructs the theme of Nature vs. Nurture through the relationship between slaves and their owners, and also Roxy and “Tom” (Her biological son). Initially in the story we first see the relationship between the slave and owner, and what truly makes one inferior to the other. Identity is used as a tool to determine where an individual fits into society, and what skin color they are. Twain uses the symbol of blood, and fingerprints to determine an individual’s identity. Roxy’s identity is Negro because of the following description, “To all intents and purpose Roxy was as white as anybody, but one sixteenth of her which was black outvoted the other fifteen parts and made her Negro”(Twain 64). During civil war time if there was any sign of “black” blood in your system you were considered inferior and part of the black community. This can also be seen in a satirical sense, Twain using how ridiculous it is that one individual can be thirty parts “white” blood and have one part be “black” blood, and the ratio is completely disregarded. The white society during this time wanted the reputation of “pureness” even though throughout their actions and roles during slavery that description word doesn’t fit. The identity factor serves under the idea of Nature, one is born into who they are, and can’t change or alter that identity.

Nurture on the other hand is shown through the relationship of Roxy and her biological son, that we refer to as “Tom”. In the beginning Roxy decides to try to save her son from slavery by switching her owners baby and her son. She does this with the possible consequence of being “sold down the river”, which to the slaves as this time was the most horrible thing that could happen to them. Roxy as a motherly instinct tries to save her son, but a question that is raised toward the end of the book is there a possibility that Roxy is an overbearing mother? Twain sets it up where I can be seen in a satirical sense where Roxy does something that risks her lively hood for her son, but her son grows up as a horrible person. If “Tom” had to experience being part of slavery as a slave would he be better off. Twain shows again exaggeration of being a slave and not being a slave. He shows that in order for one to be a good person and make right choices they need to be trained. This can be viewed as Twain making fun of our world then and today on how people need to be “trained” to be good people and can’t naturally make the right decision and be the right person.

Nurture is also shown at a level where it isn’t between individuals that are biologically related. The relationship that represents this is between Chambers (Roxy’s owners’ son) and Roxy. Here they aren’t related at all but throughout the story Roxy takes care of Chambers like he is her own child, and this represents the idea of Nurture on Roxy’s role. Later on in the story Chambers whom has been treated poorly compared to “Tom”, gives money and supports Roxy. “Tom” in favor to his mom saving him from slavery is suppose to support her and pay her back, and he loses all this money in gambling and refuses to take care of her. So here an interesting theme of Nurture between Roxy and Chambers represents the idea one would imagine when thinking about nurture between Mother and Son. Here Twain switches the expectations the reader might expect. Again can be seen in a satirical sense, showing not even her son wants to take care of her, the exaggeration shows how ridiculous society is when people that are biologically related don’t even take care of each other. If that doesn’t happen who can we expect to nurture us in return to nurturing them.  

Source:

Twain, Mark.  Pudd’nhead Wilson. New York: Penguin Group Ltd., 2004. Print.