Pudd'nhead Wilson

How does society view Tom?

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Society (meaning the reader) views Tom as spoiled and cruel, particularly to slaves and other blacks. He picks up the habits of drinking and gambling while away at Yale. His gambling gets him into deep debt, and he resorts to robbing the citizens of Dawson's Landing to meet his obligations. He disgraces Judge Driscoll, who lives by a strict code of honor, and Driscoll fights a duel in Tom's place. Tom attempts to rob his uncle, and when his uncle seizes him, Tom stabs him with a knife. Tom's character is generally seen as irredeemable by society.

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Pudd'nhead Wilson