The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Question
How does The Hoosier Schoolmaster develop the theme of Morality and Justice?
Answer
The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston develops Morality and Justice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative contrasts genuine moral integrity (Ralph, Bud, Miss Nancy) with hypocrisy and corruption (Dr. Small, Pete Jones), and explores themes of theft, revenge, and the search for fairness in a lawless frontier setting.
Ralph grapples with moral dilemmas about revealing the truth of the robbery, fearing the consequences and the weight of circumstantial evidence.
Ralph's internal battle between his desire for Hannah and his conscience, symbolized as a fight between the Image of God and the Image of the Devil.
Small's silent manipulation raises questions about justice, as he subtly frames Ralph for a crime without evidence.
Evidence in the book
- VII: Ominous Remarks of Mr. Jones
Ralph grapples with moral dilemmas about revealing the truth of the robbery, fearing the consequences and the weight of circumstantial evidence.
- VIII: The Struggle in the Dark
Ralph's internal battle between his desire for Hannah and his conscience, symbolized as a fight between the Image of God and the Image of the Devil.
- X: The Devil of Silence
Small's silent manipulation raises questions about justice, as he subtly frames Ralph for a crime without evidence.
- XI: Miss Martha Hawkins
Pearson's insistence on fighting thieves and his condemnation of Pete Jones and Bill Jones highlight themes of justice and moral outrage.
- XVI: The Church Militant
Bud's fight against Pete Jones is framed as a righteous act, serving both duty and love.
- XIX: Face to Face
Ralph's internal struggle with guilt and his solemn declaration of innocence highlight themes of moral integrity and justice.
- Pancakes
Ralph's moral stand for Shocky's mother is met with social and political caution, illustrating the conflict between personal ethics and societal expectations.
- A Charitable Institution
Ralph's moral outrage at the poorhouse conditions and the corruption of officials like Bill Jones underscores the theme of justice and the failure of those in power.
