The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson (Version 2)

Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

It was published in 1893–1894 by Century Magazine in seven installments, and is a detective story with some racial themes. The plot of this novel is a detective story, in which a series of identities — the judge's murderer, Tom, Chambers — must be sorted out. This structure highlights the problem of identity and one's ability to determine one's own identity. Broader issues of identity are the central ideas of this novel.

One of Twain’s major goals in this book was to exploit the true nature of Racism at that period. Twain used comic relief as a way to divulge his theme. The purpose of a comic relief is to address his or her opinion in a less serious way, yet persuade the reader into thinking the writers thoughts. Twain’s use of satire is visible throughout the book. Twain’s use of colloquialism (dialect) and local color as features of Naturalism to convey his theme, is impressive and ahead for his time. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Genre(s): Detective Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 00 - A Whisper to the Reader John Greenman
00:03:29
Play 01 01 - Pudd'nhead Wins his Name John Greenman
00:11:36
Play 02 02 - Dricoll Spares His Slaves John Greenman
00:15:02
Play 03 03 - Roxy Plays a Shrewd Trick John Greenman
00:12:04
Play 04 04 - The Ways of the Changelings John Greenman
00:16:44
Play 05 05 - The Twins Thrill Dawson's Landing John Greenman
00:10:43
Play 06 06 - Swimming in Glory John Greenman
00:10:22
Play 07 07 - The Unknown Nymph John Greenman
00:06:47
Play 08 08 - Marse Tom Tramples His Chance John Greenman
00:18:53
Play 09 09 - Tom Practices Sycophancy John Greenman
00:10:13
Play 10 10 - The Nymph Revealed John Greenman
00:10:08
Play 11 11 - Pudd'nhead's Thrilling Discovery John Greenman
00:26:56
Play 12 12 - The Shame of Judge Driscoll John Greenman
00:11:45
Play 13 13 - Tom Stares at Ruin John Greenman
00:12:50
Play 14 14 - Roxana Insists Upon Reform John Greenman
00:19:57
Play 15 15 - The Robber Robbed John Greenman
00:17:25
Play 16 16 - Sold Down the River John Greenman
00:08:09
Play 17 17 - The Judge Utters Dire Prophesy John Greenman
00:04:50
Play 18 18 - Roxana Commands John Greenman
00:22:44
Play 19 19 - The Prophesy Realized John Greenman
00:17:30
Play 20 20 - The Murderer Chuckles John Greenman
00:15:54
Play 21 21 - Doom John Greenman
00:25:14
Play 22 22 - Conclusion John Greenman
00:04:45
Play 23 23 - AUTHOR'S NOTE TO "THOSE EXTRAORDINARY TWINS" John Greenman
00:09:35