Spoon River Anthology · Chapter
Oaks Tutt explained
Oaks Tutt, son of a wealthy miller and a mother who championed women's rights, travels the world seeking to reform its injustices after his father's death.
What happens
Oaks Tutt, son of a wealthy miller and a mother who championed women's rights, travels the world seeking to reform its injustices after his father's death. He visits ancient ruins and experiences a divine vision commanding him to preach justice and truth. Upon returning to Spoon River, his fervor is met with skepticism, and Judge Somers defeats him in a debate by posing Pilate's question: 'What is truth?'
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Meaning
Oaks Tutt's quest to reform the world and his divine vision represent a search for purpose and truth, which is ultimately challenged by the unanswerable question of what truth is.
Illusion vs. Reality
Tutt's idealistic vision of reforming the world clashes with the harsh reality of philosophical doubt, as Somers' question undermines the certainty of his mission.
Characters to notice
- Judge Somers
Challenges Oaks Tutt to a debate on Pontius Pilate and wins by posing the question 'What is truth?'
Key passages
“Injustice, Untruth destroyed them. Go forth! Preach Justice! Preach Truth!”
The ancient civilizations fell because of injustice and falsehood; now you must spread the message of justice and truth.
Oaks Tutt's divine calling, framing his life's mission as a response to the moral failures of past empires.
“Before you reform the world, Mr. Tutt, Please answer the question of Pontius Pilate: ‘What is Truth?’”
Before you try to change the world, you must first define what truth actually is.
Judge Somers' rhetorical victory, exposing the philosophical difficulty at the heart of Tutt's reformist zeal.