Although guys surely outnumber gals in Pudd'nhead Wilson, let's not forget that it's a woman who's behind this entire story. Roxy's motherly love for her child, in particular, causes her to switch the babies, which is what gets this whole party of a novel started. Motherhood is a bit complicated for a slave like Roxy, though, since any child she bears legally becomes the property of her master. Of course, this doesn't stop Mama Bear Roxy; if anything, slavery makes her even more determined to give her kid a better life than she's had. No doubt, Roxy's motherly commitment under pretty horrible circumstances is admirable. But we can't help noticing how her blind devotion to her child also gets her into a whole lot of trouble.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- What is the effect of the novel's emphasis on Roxy's motherly feeling and love for her son?
- How does Roxy's status as a slave affect her relationship with her child?
- Is Roxy's decision to switch the babies heroic or not? Is the choice entirely selfless or does she get something out of it?
- Why does Roxy continually seek Tom's approval and love? Why doesn't he give it to her?
Chew on This
In Pudd'nhead Wilson, motherhood is a common bond that unites black and white women in a racist society.
The novel reveals hardships of motherhood unique to enslaved and oppressed women.