# II: Driscoll Spares His Slaves explained — Pudd’nhead Wilson

> Chapter companion for Pudd’nhead Wilson by Mark Twain.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pudd_nhead_wilson_se/chapters/ii-driscoll-spares-his-slaves
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pudd_nhead_wilson_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pudd_nhead_wilson_se/chapters