Nature vs. Nurture
Do you think human behavior is inherited or acquired? Do you
think that Mark Twain believed in nature or nurture? Through Twain’s writing in
Pudd’nhead Wilson, I have interpreted
that he believes in the latter.
According
to the psychological definitions, nature is considered “that which is inherited
or genetic”, while nurture is defined as “all environmental influences after
conception” (1). Through this novel, I
have interpreted that Twain falls more on the empiricist side of the argument,
that the human mind is born a tabula rasa, or blank slate, and their
environment and upbringing completely shape their behavior and characteristics.
In Pudd’nhead Wilson, “Tom”, a
“black” slave, is brought up by a rich, well known, white family in Missouri.
From infancy, “Tom” is pampered and gets all the “pettings [and] delicacies”,
resulting in him being a “fractious” and spoiled child (2). On the other hand,
“Chambers”, a white baby coming from the same prominent family, is switched
into the fate of slavery. As a result of his upbringing, he is “meek and
docile” (2). As time progressed, and the boys’ situations shaped them into
adults, “Tom” grew up to be a dishonest gambler, while “Chambers” matured to
become a calm and agreeable slave. From infancy to young adulthood, the nurture
side of the debate is favored by Twain, and this is supported throughout the
novel.
I have
interpreted that “Tom’s” lenient and indulgent upbringing is what results in
his dishonesty and bad character flaws. “Tom” goes on to steal and eventually
kill his uncle because he has no morals. At the end of the story, “Chamber’s”
true identity is discovered and he is able to live a life of freedom and
riches, as the heir to his family. His reaction to this situation also supports
the nurture argument. If “Chambers” had lived his entire life in the white man’s
role, he would have been comfortable with his fate, however, his upbringing and
environment instilled the opposite in him, and he can’t find solace living in
the white man’s world.
Works Cited:
1."Nature vs Nurture in Psychology." Nature Nurture in Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014.
2. Twain, Mark. Pudd'nhead Wilson. Dover Edition ed. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, 1999. 17. Print.
I also think that Mark Twain is believes in Nurture over Nature. I think that if "Tom" was raised by Roxy and her son then he would have become a completely different person. It would be interesting to know how Chambers ends up once his finical situation changes. I wonder if his new way of life will change him and his morals.
ReplyDeleteKaley and Violet, since we have no way of knowing how the two characters would turn out if their situations were not reversed, we cannot speculate. Consider, instead, that if Twain was decided on the nature v. nurture issue, the novel would read more like a didactic argument. How does Twain instead complicate the issue of identity, give us evidence for both sides of this debate, and trouble the whole idea of a "true identity" for Tom or for Chambers? What, after all, does the text suggest is "true" about either? I think Twain presents us a challenge to this whole way of thinking, and anticipates our desire to choose one answer, our wish pin down an explanation for the characters' motives, and that his stories frustrate the whole business. Consider (and perhaps reread), for example, the "Notice" at the opening of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn...
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the "Notice" at the beginning of Huckleberry Finn (which I'm glad you mentioned because I must have skipped over it) I was slightly baffled. We spend so much time trying to identify the true meaning of Twain's work and what side he personally was on when in reality, we probably won't ever know. Clearly the "Notice" is a form of satire because Twain did create his novels in such a way that causes us to think outside the constraints of everyday society and look a little deeper. I think his novels our left to our own personal interpretations, and what we get out of it is entirely up to us.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Twain does not really express which theory he personally supports but he gives evidence in the text to support both, I would take the side of nurture in this instance, l don't think that Twain believes Tom's 1/32 "black" blood is the cause of his character flaws, but this nature view seems to be prominent in the American South during this time period.
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