The social construction of race

Within Pudd'nhead Wilson, racism serves as an overaching theme that proves to be multi-faceted and sometimes difficult to grasp. The implied concept that stands out to me the most is that of race as a social construction independent of actual skin color. This is first evident in the large difference in treatment that Tom and Chambers receieve, a disparity that becomes glaringly apparent as the novel wears on. Another clear example is seen in the deportment of Roxy's character. Despite the fact that she shows no visible signs of being of African-American descent, Roxy is socially prohibited from identifying with or relating to other light-skinned individuals in Dawson's Landing. In assigning these differences to his characters, Twain is emphasizing the illogical nature of society's stratified system of racial classification and drawing attention to the absurdity of race-based social bias. All of the characters introduced in the novel were assigned the label of "white" or "black" at birth that are attached to social roles from which they cannot escape, all of which decide how far they can advance in their careers and with whom they are permitted to interact. These unspoken social rules have nothing to do with individual traits or accomplishments and everything to do with intangible concepts used to help the dominant group remain in power.