Pudd’nhead Wilson · Chapter
II: Driscoll Spares His Slaves explained
In this chapter, Pudd'nhead Wilson continues his hobby of collecting fingerprints, while Mr.
What happens
In this chapter, Pudd'nhead Wilson continues his hobby of collecting fingerprints, while Mr. Driscoll confronts his slaves about a series of thefts. After threatening to sell them down the river, all three confess, but Driscoll spares them from that fate, selling them locally instead. The chapter also includes a conversation between Roxy and Jasper, and explores the moral complexities of slavery and theft.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because Tom reaches his emotional nadir, realizing he is utterly ruined…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Race and Slavery
The chapter explores the power dynamics of slavery, the threat of being sold down the river, and the moral justifications slaves used for petty theft.
- Justice and Injustice
Mr. Driscoll's arbitrary mercy highlights the lack of true justice for enslaved people, who live under constant threat of severe punishment.
- Deception and Appearance
Wilson's secretive study of fingerprints contrasts with the public perception of him as a 'pudd'nhead'; the slaves' confessions are a form of self-preservation.
Characters to notice
- Pudd'nhead Wilson
Continues his fingerprint collection and studies them obsessively; overhears Roxy and Jasper's conversation.
- Roxana
Deeply affected by the threat of being sold down the river; she had recently 'got religion' and resisted stealing money.
- Judge Driscoll
Confronts his slaves about theft, threatens to sell them down the river, but ultimately spares them that fate.
- Mrs. Percy Driscoll
Mentioned as the master of the house; referred to as 'Mr. Driscoll' in the chapter.
Key passages
“Name the thief!”
Mr. Driscoll demands that the guilty slave confess.
This repeated command underscores the tension and the power imbalance in the household.
“I will sell you down the river!”
Mr. Driscoll threatens to sell the slaves to the Deep South, a fate considered worse than death.
This threat reveals the extreme fear and control exerted over enslaved people.
“I done it!”
All three slaves confess to the theft simultaneously to avoid being sold down the river.
The collective confession shows their desperation and the value they place on staying in their current home.
