The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Chapter
XX: God Remembers Shocky explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resilience
Ralph and Shocky demonstrate courage and resilience as they brave the snowstorm, with Shocky's faith providing strength to both.
Poverty and Charity
The chapter highlights the poverty of Shocky's family, with his mother in the poorhouse, and the charitable acts of Ralph, Bud, and Miss Martha to help Shocky escape.
Religion and Hypocrisy
Shocky's simple faith that 'God ha'n't forgot' contrasts with the harsh realities of his life, and Bud's reflections on doing one's 'best licks' for others touch on religious themes.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Hartsook
Rides through a snowstorm to take Shocky away from Flat Creek, showing his courage and care. He is comforted by Shocky's faith and feels a sense of triumph over his difficulties.
- Shocky
Believes God has not forgotten him. He is frail and cold during the journey, but his faith and hope remain strong, even as he asks to see his mother.
- Bud Means
Despite his broken arm, Bud prepares the roan colt for Ralph and expresses his own growth and faith, wishing he could do more to help.
- Miss Martha Hawkins
Has Shocky ready for the journey, having bundled him in shawls. She is moved by Shocky's faith and joins the conspiracy to help him escape.
- Bill Jones
Mentioned as a threat; Ralph fears he might claim Shocky as a runaway if they stop at the poorhouse.
Key passages
“Ever since that he’s been saying that God hasn’t forgot, after all. It’s made me cry more’n once.”
Miss Martha is moved to tears because Shocky keeps saying that God has not forgotten him.
Shocky's faith is a central emotional element of the chapter.
“I’m like a boy at school. And I’m a-findin’ out that doing one’s best licks fer others ain’t all they is of it, though it’s a good part.”
Bud compares his personal growth to being a student, learning that doing your best for others is important but not the whole of it.
Bud's reflection shows his development and his growing faith.
“You see, Mr. Hartsook, I thought God had forgot. But he ha’n’t.”
Shocky tells Ralph that he had thought God had forgotten him, but now he knows he hasn't.
This line reinforces the theme of faith and hope in the face of hardship.