# Odds and Ends explained — The Hoosier Schoolmaster

> Chapter companion for The Hoosier Schoolmaster by Edward Eggleston.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Charity

Shocky's vulnerability as a pauper and the community's efforts to protect him highlight the intersection of poverty and charitable acts.

### Courage and Resilience

Bud's defiance of Pete Jones and his willingness to help Shocky despite personal risk demonstrate courage and moral resilience.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph Hartsook

Stays with Shocky, plans to save him from being bound out, and meets Hannah in the lane.

### Bud Means

Sends for Ralph, offers his roan colt, and endures family criticism while recovering from a broken arm.

### Shocky

Sick and delirious, terrified of being bound out by Pete Jones.

### Miss Martha Hawkins

Stays with Shocky and offers Bud a kind word that greatly encourages him.

### Pete Jones

Determined to bind out Shocky as a pauper, causing fear and urgency.

## Key lines

> I’ve been a-trying to read some about him while I set here. And I read where he said somethin about doing fer the least of his brethren being as the same like as if it was done fer Jesus Christ his-self.

Bud has been reading the Bible and recalls Jesus's teaching that helping the least fortunate is like helping Jesus himself.

_Bud's religious reflection motivates his desire to protect Shocky._

> He wants to bind out that boy jes’ to spite ole Pearson and you and me.

Pete Jones intends to apprentice Shocky out of spite toward Pearson, Ralph, and Bud.

_Pete's malicious intent drives the conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters/xviii-odds-and-ends
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hoosier_schoolmaster_se/chapters