Pudd'nhead Wilson Foreignness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

It was a proud occasion for the widow, and she promised herself high satisfaction in showing off her fine foreign birds before her neighbors and friends—simple folk who had hardly ever seen a foreigner of any kind, and never one of any distinction or style. (6.7)

We know that the widow certainly doesn't mean to insult the twins she's so crazy about. But her conception of them as "fine foreign birds" betrays her pretty offensive sentiment that foreigners aren't quite fully human.

Quote #5

Eager inquiries concerning the twins were pouring into [Aunt Patsy's and Rowena's] enchanted ears all the time; each was the constant center of a group of breathless listeners; each recognized that she knew now for the first time the real meaning of that great word Glory, and perceived the stupendous value of it, and understood why men in all ages had been willing to throw away meaner happiness, treasure, life itself, to get a taste of its sublime and supreme joy. (6.17)

Hehe. Sounds like someone's poking fun at these two for taking the visit of the Italian twins so seriously. Why does the narrator want us to see the humor in this situation?

Quote #6

The closing speech of the campaign was made by Judge Driscoll, and he made it against both of the foreigners. It was disastrously effective. He poured out rivers of ridicule upon them, and forced the big mass-meeting to laugh and applaud. (17.2)

Interesting how the narrator chooses the word "foreigners" here in referring to Luigi and Angelo, isn't it? This choice of words underscores the way in which the townspeople begin to think of them as lacking distinct identities.