The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates this edition to the memory of James Russell Lowell, acknowledging Lowell's encouragement of his early studies of American dialect.
Chapter 2
The Hoosier Schoolmaster
This opening chapter introduces Ralph Hartsook, a young schoolmaster from Lewisburg, as he arrives in the backwoods settlement of Flat Creek to take up his first teaching position. He is met by Jack Means, who escorts him to the Means household, where he is introduced to the family and the local community. Ralph quickly learns of the rough, uneducated nature of the district and the challenges he will face, including the notorious 'Bud' Means and the local gossip about his predecessor. The chapter establishes the setting, the social dynamics, and the central conflict of a cultured outsider trying to assert authority in a wild, frontier community.
Chapter 3
I: A Private Lesson from a Bulldog
Ralph Hartsook, a young man from Lewisburg, arrives in Flat Creek to take up a position as the winter schoolmaster. He is immediately met with discouragement from 'old Jack Means,' a trustee, who warns him that the previous teachers have been driven off or beaten by the boys. Ralph is also intimidated by Means's two sons, particularly the older one, Bud, and the family's bulldog, Bull. Despite his fear, Ralph stays with the Means family over the weekend. He joins a coon hunt, where his tree-climbing earns him some respect. On Sunday, he captivates the family with stories from books, which helps him make friends. That night, inspired by the bulldog's tenacious bite, Ralph resolves to adopt a 'bulldog' demeanor—quiet but invincible—to manage the unruly students. On his first day at school, a prank involving a puppy in his desk is played on him. Instead of reacting with anger, Ralph uses humor and a firm, steady gaze to turn the situation to his advantage, exposing the culprit, William (Bill) Means, and asking him to put the dog out.
Chapter 4
A Spell Coming
Ralph Hartsook establishes his authority at Flat Creek school by making Bill Means put out the dog, earning respect from the students. However, the community, particularly Pete Jones, doubts his methods because he does not use corporal punishment. The chapter introduces the upcoming spelling-school, a significant social and educational event in Hoopole County, and hints at Ralph's personal troubles involving love and hate.
Chapter 5
III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky
Ralph Hartsook, the new schoolmaster, finds himself the object of Mirandy Means's unwanted affection, which she expresses through ogling and simpering. Mrs. Means hints at a match between Ralph and Mirandy, extolling the value of her land, but Ralph is repulsed. Meanwhile, Hank Banta, a spiteful student, plots to humiliate Ralph by loosening a floorboard in the schoolhouse. Warned by the loyal Shocky, Ralph turns the trick against Hank, who falls into the cold water beneath the school. Ralph publicly condemns the prank, quoting Scripture, and earns Bud Means's respect for his clever management.
Chapter 6
IV: Spelling Down the Master
Ralph attends a spelling-school at Flat Creek, where the community gathers for a social event. Squire Hawkins is appointed to give out the words. Hannah Thomson, the bound girl, unexpectedly spells down the master, winning the contest and the admiration of the crowd. Ralph, who had been expected to win, finds himself rooting for Hannah and feels a new, unfamiliar emotion toward her.
Chapter 7
V: The Walk Home
Ralph and Hannah walk home from the spelling school, sharing a quiet, intimate conversation despite the dark and cold. Their mutual affection grows as they stop under a box-elder tree. Later, Mrs. Means scolds Hannah for being out late with the schoolmaster, but Bud deflects the anger, allowing Hannah to escape to her room. Hannah reflects on the walk and her hopes for the future, while Ralph returns to Pete Jones's house.
Chapter 8
VII: Ominous Remarks of Mr. Jones
Ralph Hartsook is tormented by the aftermath of the robbery, his divided mind struggling with school duties, the mystery of the crime, and his conflicted feelings about Bud and Hannah. He overhears Pete Jones's suspicious remarks and threats, which heighten his anxiety and resolve to confront the situation with bulldog-like determination.
Chapter 9
VIII: The Struggle in the Dark
Ralph Hartsook spends a sleepless, fearful night in Pete Jones's loft, tormented by cold and the threat of violence. His thoughts turn to Hannah and his rivalry with Bud Means, and he resolves to win her love. But as the night wears on, memories of his mother and Bible stories bring a moral crisis: he realizes that pursuing Hannah would rob Bud of his only joy, making Ralph unworthy of her. He cries out to God for help and finds strength, though not victory, in his struggle between conscience and desire.
Chapter 10
IX: Has God Forgotten Shocky?
Ralph accepts an invitation to spend the weekend at Squire Hawkins's house, escaping the uncomfortable boarding at Pete Jones's. On the way, he walks with Shocky, who expresses deep loneliness and sorrow over his father's death, his mother's placement in the poorhouse, and his sister Hannah's servitude. Shocky questions whether God has forgotten the poor, and Ralph is deeply moved. They pass Granny Sanders's cabin, where Ralph is surprised to see Dr. Small's horse tied outside, suggesting a secret visit to the old quack.
Chapter 11
X: The Devil of Silence
Ralph fears Dr. Small, a silent and enigmatic figure from his hometown who has subtly sabotaged his teaching prospects. Small visits Granny Sanders, a local healer and gossip, and through masterful silence and feigned interest in her folk remedies, he steers the conversation toward the recent robbery. Without making any direct accusations, Small's subtle gestures and non-answers lead Granny Sanders to suspect Ralph, planting seeds of suspicion in the community.
Chapter 12
XI: Miss Martha Hawkins
Ralph helps Squire Hawkins in his garden while conversing with Miss Martha Hawkins, a Massachusetts native who frequently mentions her time in Boston. Ralph spots Bud Means riding by, who appears angry and only gives a surly nod. Later, Ralph wanders through the woods and follows a path to Rocky Hollow, where he finds the cabin of John Pearson, the one-legged basket-maker, and his wife. There he also finds Miss Hawkins visiting. Pearson, who is caring for Shocky, speaks bitterly about Pete Jones and others he believes robbed the Dutchman, and he recounts seeing them crossing a pasture late at night. Shocky defends Pearson's kindness, but Pearson insists everyone is selfish, even in his own acts of taking in Shocky.
Chapter 13
The Hardshell Preacher
Ralph attends a Hardshell Baptist church service with Miss Martha Hawkins, riding double on the clay-bank mare. The sermon, delivered by the red-nosed Mr. Bosaw, is a rambling discourse on oxen and asses, which Ralph finds no spiritual edification in. The community is abuzz with excitement, and Ralph overhears Pete Jones hinting at a plot against him, set for Christmas. Miss Martha, meanwhile, repeatedly compares everything to her experiences 'at the East' in Boston.
Chapter 14
A Struggle for the Mastery
Ralph Hartsook faces a rebellion from his students, led by Hank Banta and reluctantly supported by Bud Means, who barricade the schoolhouse to bar him out. Ralph outwits them by pouring sulphur down the chimney, forcing them out, then grants a holiday, demonstrating his mastery.
Chapter 15
A Crisis with Bud
On Christmas day, Ralph sits alone in the schoolhouse, wrestling with doubt and faith after the school has gone. Shocky stays behind, expressing his fear that God has forgotten them in Flat Creek, which deeply moves Ralph. Later, Bud Means confronts Ralph, demanding he leave town or face a thrashing. Bud reveals he believes Ralph is courting Hannah, but a misunderstanding is cleared when Ralph explains he has not spoken to her since the spelling school. Bud admits his sister Mirandy lied, and the two reconcile. Ralph's hope to win Hannah is rekindled, but he remains troubled by the suspicion of robbery and the influence of Dr. Small.
Chapter 16
XV: The Church of the Best Licks
Bud Means returns to Ralph Hartsook and confesses his desire to escape the low-lived ways of Flat Creek. He recounts his failed attempts at finding religious guidance, including a revival where a preacher's hellfire sermon drove him away. Ralph shares his own spiritual struggle, and Bud asks if Jesus could help a poor, unlearned Flat Cricker. Ralph assures him that Jesus was like a backwoodsman himself, and they form a simple church of two, vowing to 'put in their best licks for Jesus Christ.' Their moment is interrupted when Shocky bursts in with news that a mob plans to tar and feather Mr. Pearson, who has taken up his flintlock to defend himself.
Chapter 17
XVI: The Church Militant
Bud Means, now a member of the 'Church of the Best Licks,' defends the unpopular basket-maker John Pearson against Pete Jones's persecution. When Pete Jones attacks Shocky, Bud confronts him in a fierce fight, injuring his arm but defeating Jones. Ralph Hartsook arrives in time to witness the fight and feels ashamed for not joining Bud and Shocky in their errand of mercy. Bud's actions are driven by both his new religious convictions and his affection for Martha Hawkins.
Chapter 18
A Council of War
Shocky reports the fight with Pete Jones to Miss Hawkins, Mrs. Pearson, and Mr. Pearson. The old soldier, Pearson, refuses to flee, citing his service under General Winfield Scott at Lundy's Lane. Ralph, Bud, and Hannah arrive, and Ralph cleverly frames a 'council of war' to persuade Pearson to retreat temporarily. Bud plans to escort Pearson to safety, while Ralph and Bud strategize to protect Shocky and the family from the impending mob.
Chapter 19
Odds and Ends
Ralph and Miss Hawkins care for the delirious Shocky, who fears being bound out by Pete Jones. Bud Means, recovering from a broken arm, sends for Ralph and proposes a plan to save Shocky by taking him to Lewisburg. Meanwhile, the mob's pursuit of old Pearson fizzles, and Bud faces family pressure while being tended by Dr. Small.
Chapter 20
XIX: Face to Face
Ralph meets Hannah in the lane at night, where she confronts him about the suspicions surrounding him. She mentions seeing him cross the bluegrass pasture on the night of the robbery and accuses him of trifling with other girls, specifically Martha Hawkins. Ralph solemnly denies ever trifling with any woman and declares his love for Hannah. Their conversation is interrupted by Mrs. Means calling Hannah. Ralph, left in despair, finds solace in his faith and the example of Christ, resolving to endure and work for God. Meanwhile, Dr. Small, who had been listening, quietly enters the house.
Chapter 21
XX: God Remembers Shocky
In the midst of a snowstorm, Ralph Hartsook rides to the Means's house at four in the morning to take Shocky away from Flat Creek. Bud Means, despite his broken arm, has prepared the roan colt for Ralph, and the two share a heartfelt farewell. Ralph rides to Miss Martha Hawkins's cabin, where Shocky is ready, bundled in shawls. Shocky expresses his belief that God has not forgotten him, and he asks to see his mother at the poorhouse. Ralph, fearing Bill Jones might claim Shocky as a runaway, refuses to stop, and Shocky grows cold and begins to shiver. Ralph wraps him in his own overcoat and the horse-blanket, and they race to Lewisburg, with Shocky's faith and the roan's steady legs giving Ralph a sense of triumph.
Chapter 22
XXI: Miss Nancy Sawyer
Ralph Hartsook, fleeing Flat Creek, arrives at the cottage of his former Sunday-school teacher, Miss Nancy Sawyer, in Lewisburg. He carries the sickly Shocky, whom he presents as a 'little angel' needing care. Miss Nancy, a kind and motherly spinster, takes them in, and Shocky, though feverish, speaks of being a boy God forgot and then remembered.
Chapter 23
Pancakes
Ralph returns to his Aunt Matilda's immaculate home in Lewisburg, where he enjoys a hearty breakfast of buckwheat cakes. He attempts to persuade his aunt to invite Shocky's mother from the poorhouse for a visit, but she refuses, citing cleanliness and fear of contagion. Aunt Matilda also criticizes Ralph's associates and praises Dr. Small, revealing Small's manipulative influence. Ralph, disheartened, leaves the table to tend to his horse, while his uncle warns him to avoid trouble with the Joneses to protect his political ambitions.
Chapter 24
A Charitable Institution
Ralph returns to Miss Nancy Sawyer's and finds Shocky recovering. Miss Nancy urges Ralph to bring Shocky's mother from the poorhouse. Ralph visits the poorhouse, witnessing its horrific conditions, including overcrowded rooms, neglect, and abuse. He finds Mrs. Thomson, Shocky's mother, and takes her back to Lewisburg, where she is joyfully reunited with Shocky.
Chapter 25
XXIV: The Good Samaritan
In this chapter, the focus shifts to the Methodist church in Lewisburg, contrasting the genuine Christian charity of Miss Nancy Sawyer with the hypocritical piety of Mrs. Matilda White. Miss Nancy, along with the preacher, orchestrates a collection during the sacramental service to rescue Mrs. Thomson and Shocky from the poorhouse. The community's generosity, sparked by the preacher's touching appeal, ensures the family's relief, while Mrs. White criticizes the act for not being restricted to Methodists. Shocky's joy and his mother's gratitude highlight the transformative power of compassion.
Chapter 26
Bud Wooing
On a Sunday, Bud Means, despite his crippled arm and bashful nature, visits Miss Martha Hawkins at Squire Hawkins's house. He is deeply in love with her but feels unworthy and awkward. His attempts to declare his love fail, and he ends up inviting her to a spelling-school instead.
Chapter 27
A Letter and Its Consequences
An anonymous threatening letter warns Squire Hawkins about his family's association with suspected robbers, endangering his barn and haystacks. To protect his property, the Squire pressures his niece Martha to distance herself from Bud Means. At the spelling school, Bud attempts to escort Martha home, but she refuses, breaking his heart and leaving him feeling hopeless and resigned to his status as a Flat Cricker.
Chapter 28
A Loss and a Gain
Dr. Small works to win Bud Means's loyalty, while Pete Jones's resentment shifts toward Ralph. Bud abandons school and avoids Ralph, aligning with Walter Johnson. Ralph feels isolated and fears Dr. Small's influence. However, he receives a letter from Hannah Thomson, who expresses her belief in his innocence and gratitude for helping Shocky, giving him strength.
Chapter 29
The Flight
Ralph, weary of being suspected as a thief and alienated from the community, receives a warning from Bud to flee. He encounters Hannah, who gives him a note from Bud, and he escapes to the Spring-in-rock, where he narrowly avoids capture. He decides to surrender to the law in Clifty, meeting Squire Hawkins.
Chapter 30
The Trial
Ralph Hartsook stands trial for the robbery of Peter Schroeder's house. The prosecution, led by George H. Bronson, presents testimony from Mrs. Sarah Jane Means, Pete Jones, and Mrs. Jones, all of which seems to condemn Ralph. However, Pearson, the one-legged soldier, arrives to testify, and Ralph delivers a defiant speech, accusing Pete Jones and Dr. Small of being the real thieves. Dr. Small, in turn, suggests that Pearson be arrested and calls Walter Johnson to testify. Bud Means arrives late, and the trial continues with tensions high.
Chapter 31
XXX: “Brother Sodom”
This chapter explains Walter Johnson's state of mind and testimony by flashing back to a week earlier. Bud Means, aware of Walter's weak and fearful nature, deliberately takes him to hear the fiery preaching of Mr. Soden, nicknamed 'Brother Sodom.' Soden's terrifying sermon about hell and damnation overwhelms Walter, who flees in terror. Bud follows and agrees to stay with him all night, during which Walter, in his fear, confesses his guilty secrets, including his involvement with Dr. Small. This confession is crucial to the trial where Ralph awaits Walter's testimony.
Chapter 32
XXXI: The Trial Concluded
Bud Means, after being dismissed by Miss Martha, maintains an apparent hostility toward Ralph to act as a detective. He works on Walter Johnson's conscience, urging him to tell the truth in court. During the trial, Walter, torn between the influence of Dr. Small and Bud, finally confesses to the robbery, implicating Small and the Joneses. The court orders the arrest of Dr. Small, Peter Jones, and William Jones. Ralph is exonerated, and the crowd celebrates his victory. The chapter also reveals that Hannah is of age and free from her indenture, adding to the joyous outcome.
Chapter 33
XXXII: After the Battle
After Ralph's acquittal, the community's anger turns to lynch law, but Ralph saves Small from the mob twice. Small later forfeits bail and disappears, while Pete Jones and Bill go to prison. Hannah leaves the Means household, walks to Flat Creek, and reunites with her mother and Shocky. She secures a teaching position and reestablishes their home, waiting for Ralph to come.
Chapter 34
Into the Light
Ralph finishes his term at Flat Creek and returns to Lewisburg, where he takes charge of the grammar department. He finally visits Hannah, and they reconcile and plan their future together.
Chapter 35
How It Came Out
Ralph and Hannah are married in a small ceremony attended by a few close friends and family. Bud Means and Martha Hawkins also become engaged, and Ralph helps Bud secure a position as superintendent of the poorhouse, where Bud and Martha can serve the community. The story concludes with a postscript revealing the future successes of the main characters: Ralph becomes principal of the Lewisburg Academy, Bud becomes sheriff, and Shocky becomes a writer on poorhouse reform.
Chapter 36
Endnotes
The endnotes provide scholarly commentary on dialectal terms, historical customs, and the author's sources, offering insights into the linguistic and cultural context of the novel.
