The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Chapter
The Hardshell Preacher explained
Ralph attends a Hardshell Baptist church service with Miss Martha Hawkins, riding double on the clay-bank mare.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
The chapter satirizes the Hardshell preacher's sermon, which focuses on his oxen rather than spiritual matters, and highlights the community's use of church as a social gathering rather than a religious service.
Community and Gossip
The church service is a communal event where news is exchanged and excitement is palpable. Pete Jones's cryptic threats and the general murmurings show the community's role in spreading rumors and shaping social dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Hartsook
Rides to church with Miss Hawkins, finds the sermon dull, and overhears a threat about his 'case' being tended to at Christmas.
- Squire Hawkins
Comments on the preacher's attack on his denomination, the 'Reformers' or 'Campbellites', and jokes about the 'Sarpent' inspiring him.
- Miss Martha Hawkins
Rides behind Ralph to church and repeatedly compares the local customs and sights to her experiences 'at the East' in Boston.
- Mr. Bosaw
The Hardshell preacher who delivers a long, rambling sermon about his oxen, Berry and Buck, and attacks the Campbellites.
- Pete Jones
Makes cryptic remarks about the 'wooden leg' being involved in something and calls out that they will 'tend to his case a Christmas.'
- Shocky
Attends the meeting, presumably to catch a glimpse of Hannah, and wonders about the lizard winking at the preacher.
Key passages
“They's preachin' down to Bethel Meetin'-house today”
There is preaching down at the Bethel Meeting-house today.
Squire Hawkins announces the church service, using the local dialect.
“Ef you're elected, you'll be saved; ef you a'n't, you'll be damned. God'll take keer of his elect.”
If you are one of the elect, you will be saved; if not, you will be damned. God will take care of his chosen people.
A summary of the Hardshell Baptist doctrine as described by the narrator.
“We'll tend to his case a Christmas.”
We will deal with him at Christmas.
Pete Jones's ominous threat, overheard by Ralph, indicating a planned confrontation.