List the differences between "Tom" and "Chambers." Do you think the children would have acted the same had Roxy not switched them at birth?

From this point in the novel on, the young usurper is called "Tom," while the real heir is referred to as "Chambers." Tom is a bad boy from the beginning (Roxy describes him as "fractious") and his poor behavior continues as he grows older. While Tom is spoiled and pampered, Chambers is given only mush and milk. As a result, Tom becomes sickly while "meek and docile" Chambers grows up strong, eventually becoming a great fighter and swimmer. It would seem that Tom has a natural nasty disposition. If the kids had not been switched, Tom might still have been nasty but would have less power to inflict on others.

Source(s): http://www.gradesaver.com/puddnhead-wilson/study-guide/section3/