LITERARY ELEMENTS
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 Identity
 Race
 Family
 Violence
 Betrayal
 Social
Status (class)
 Proof (truth)
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How do characters identify themselves as individuals? Identity is
revealed through a characters reflection of themselves
individually, and amongst the rest of society.
Examine Specific Characters in Pudd’nhead Wilson and their
struggle with Identity
Tom : How does he determine his identity? Is it based on his self, or living up to the
standards of others? Does his discovery of the truth change his identity?
Roxy: How does she base her identity? Off of being a slave? From being a mother?
How do her actions evolve her identity?
Pudd’nhead: How does he identify himself? How do others identify him? What
effect does this have?
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The element of Race emphasizes the importance of
racial identity and it’s place in society. This includes
slavery, mistreatment, and prejudice.
What importance does the subject of race have in the story?
Examine what is more important; Race or Reputation? Are they
related?
Which character struggles the most with race? Why?
Tom
Roxy
Chambers
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The family has an affect on character relationships. Characters
either embrace or reject their family members, and family
interactions help the text unfold
Which family has more of an effect on Tom?
Percy Driscoll
Judge Driscoll
Roxy/ Chambers
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Violence sets a tone of tension. Conflict between
characters help to shape certain situations within the
text.
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What are examples of violence in the text?
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Which characters are more prone to violence? Why?
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Does there appear to be a sense of honor related to violence/
revenge? What parts of the text suggest this?
 The
betrayal or failure to keep one’s word and
honor suggests that characters who betray
others are morally flawed and lack a strong
sense of conscience.
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Which characters are betrayed? Which characters are prone to
betray others? Examine the reasons.
Does race, status, and family have anything to do with betrayal?
Why or why not?
 Social
status can determine characters as either
important or irrelevant. They are based as such
amongst society, and as a result face an internal
struggle of their importance.
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How does social status effect the following characters:
Tom
Pudd’nhead
The Twins
 The
revelation of truth; what really is.
Often proof can help defend appearance
over reality.
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How is proof used in the novel?
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What affect does proof have on specific characters?
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What affect does it have on the outcome of the novel?
 Now
that you are equipped with literary
elements in Pudd’nhead Wilson, you are
expected to study these elements and take a
quiz to determine what you have learned and
how to apply them to the text.