# IX: Has God Forgotten Shocky? explained — The Hoosier Schoolmaster

> Chapter companion for The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Charity

Shocky's family is broken by poverty: his father dead, mother in the poorhouse, and sister bound out to work. He wonders if God has forgotten the poor.

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Shocky's innocent question about God's neglect contrasts with the community's apparent indifference to religion, hinting at hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph Hartsook

Accepts Squire Hawkins's invitation and walks with Shocky, listening to his heartfelt lament.

### Shocky

Reveals his grief over his father's death, mother's poverty, and sister's servitude, questioning if God has forgotten them.

### Dr. Small

His horse is seen at Granny Sanders's cabin, hinting at a secret visit.

### Squire Hawkins

Thoughtfully invites Ralph to stay at his house for the weekend.

## Key lines

> I wonder if God forgets all about poor folks when their father dies and their mother gits into the poorhouse? Do you think He does? Seems so to me.

Shocky wonders if God abandons the poor when tragedy strikes, feeling that God may have lost track of his family.

_Shocky's poignant questioning of divine justice in the face of poverty._

> Maybe God lost track of my father when he come away from England and crossed over the sea.

Shocky speculates that God might have forgotten his father after he emigrated from England.

_Reflects the isolation and spiritual disconnection felt by immigrant families in remote areas._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/ix-has-god-forgotten-shocky
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters