The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Chapter
XI: Miss Martha Hawkins explained
Ralph helps Squire Hawkins in his garden while conversing with Miss Martha Hawkins, a Massachusetts native who frequently mentions her time in Boston.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Gossip
Pearson openly discusses his suspicions about Pete Jones and the robbery, showing how gossip and accusations circulate in the community.
Morality and Justice
Pearson's insistence on fighting thieves and his condemnation of Pete Jones and Bill Jones highlight themes of justice and moral outrage.
Poverty and Charity
Miss Hawkins's visits to the Pearsons and Pearson's taking in Shocky illustrate acts of charity, though Pearson argues selfish motives.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Hartsook
Works in Squire Hawkins's garden, converses with Miss Martha Hawkins, and later wanders to Rocky Hollow where he visits John Pearson.
- Miss Martha Hawkins
Squire Hawkins's niece from Massachusetts, who frequently mentions her visit to Boston and shows kindness by visiting the Pearsons.
- Bud Means
Rides by on a bay mare leading a roan colt, returning from the mill, but appears angry and only gives a surly nod.
- Shocky
Living with the Pearsons, he helps John Pearson with basket-making and defends Pearson's kindness.
- Mr. Pearson
One-legged basket-maker who took in Shocky, speaks out against Pete Jones and others he believes robbed the Dutchman.
Key passages
“It's very good for the health to dig in the elements. I was quite emaciated last year at the East, and the doctor told me to dig in the elements. I got me a florial hoe and dug, and it's been most excellent for me.”
Miss Martha Hawkins claims that digging in the soil is beneficial for health, citing her own experience in the East where a doctor recommended it.
Miss Hawkins's affectation of Eastern customs is evident.
“You wasn't selfish when you tuck me, you know, and Shocky's face beamed with gratitude.”
Shocky insists that Pearson was not selfish when he took him in, showing gratitude.
Shocky defends Pearson's kindness despite Pearson's claims of selfishness.
“We're all selfish akordin' to my tell.”
Pearson believes that everyone is selfish in their actions, according to his view.
Pearson's cynical philosophy about human nature.