The Prince and the Pauper | Mark Twain | Cliff Note Books

“The Prince and the Pauper” is a novel written by Mark Twain, first published in 1881. It tells the story of two young boys, Tom Canty and Edward Tudor, who are born on the same day and look remarkably alike, but come from very different social backgrounds. Tom is a poor street urchin living in the slums of London, while Edward is the Prince of Wales, destined to inherit the throne of England.

The story begins when Tom and Edward meet by chance and decide to switch places for a day, just for fun. However, their innocent game takes an unexpected turn when Edward’s father, King Henry VIII, dies suddenly, and Tom finds himself mistaken for the prince and swept into the palace, while Edward is cast out into the streets.

As Tom struggles to navigate the treacherous world of court politics and royal intrigue, he encounters various challenges and dangers, including conspiracies, betrayal, and attempts on his life. Meanwhile, Edward must learn to survive on the streets, experiencing firsthand the harsh realities of poverty and injustice.

Through their contrasting experiences, Tom and Edward both learn valuable lessons about the true nature of power, privilege, and the human condition. Tom, as the prince, discovers the corruption and cruelty of the royal court, while Edward, as the pauper, learns empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. As the story unfolds, the boys’ paths converge once again, and they must work together to reclaim their rightful positions and bring about justice.

“The Prince and the Pauper” is often regarded as a social commentary on the stark disparities between the rich and poor, and a critique of the arbitrary nature of class and social status. It explores themes of identity, social inequality, and the importance of empathy and understanding in a society divided by wealth and privilege. The novel is considered a classic of American literature, known for its engaging storytelling, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes.

Themes

Symbollism

Characters

Quotes

Author

Chapter Summary

THEMES

1. Identity and class: The novel explores the idea that a person’s worth is not determined by their social class or position in society. Through Tom and Edward’s experiences of switching places, the novel shows that people are more similar than they are different and that social status can be a source of both privilege and oppression.
2. Power and corruption: The novel depicts the corrupting influence of power and the ways in which people in positions of authority can abuse their power for personal gain. This is exemplified by characters such as Lord Hertford, who tries to manipulate both Tom and Edward for his own benefit, and the religious fanatics who imprison Tom.
3. Loyalty and friendship: The novel also explores the themes of loyalty and friendship, as seen through the relationship between Tom and Miles Hendon. Miles’s unwavering loyalty to Tom, even when he is faced with great danger and adversity, highlights the importance of true friendship and loyalty in times of crisis.
4. Justice and fairness: The novel highlights the importance of justice and fairness, as seen through Edward’s efforts to improve the lives of his subjects and advocate for prison reform. The novel also critiques the harsh and unjust punishments of the Tudor justice system, such as the branding of criminals and the public executions.
5. Freedom and oppression: The novel depicts the ways in which people can be oppressed and their freedom restricted by the power structures of society. This is seen through Tom’s experiences of being imprisoned and mistreated by those who believe him to be a pauper, as well as the plight of the poor and disadvantaged people in Tudor England.

SYMBOLLISM

1. The Great Seal of England: The Great Seal, which Edward carries with him throughout the novel, symbolizes his authority and power as the rightful king of England. It is also a physical representation of the legal and bureaucratic systems of Tudor England.
2. The whipping post: The whipping post, which appears several times throughout the novel, symbolizes the brutal and dehumanizing nature of Tudor justice. It is a reminder of the harsh and unjust punishments that were inflicted upon criminals during this time.
3. The prince’s clothing: When Tom wears Edward’s fine clothing and jewels, it symbolizes his temporary elevation to a higher social class. It also represents the superficiality of class distinctions and the idea that wealth and status are not inherent qualities of a person.
4. The bear: The bear, which Miles Hendon saves from being mistreated, symbolizes the idea of kindness and compassion towards animals. It also serves as a reminder that all living creatures deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
5. The river Thames: The river Thames, which plays a prominent role throughout the novel, symbolizes the fluid and ever-changing nature of life. It also represents the idea of a journey, as Tom and Edward navigate the twists and turns of their respective lives.

CHARACTERS

1. Tom Canty – a poor boy from Offal Court who dreams of a better life and accidentally switches places with Prince Edward.
2. Prince Edward Tudor – the son of King Henry VIII and heir to the throne of England, who switches places with Tom Canty.
3. Miles Hendon – a soldier and adventurer who befriends Tom and helps him navigate life as a prince.
4. John Canty – Tom’s abusive and alcoholic father, who mistreats him and ultimately dies in prison.
5. Lady Jane Grey – a young noblewoman who briefly rules England after the death of King Henry VIII.
6. King Henry VIII – the king of England, who dies at the beginning of the novel.
7. Queen Catherine – King Henry VIII’s wife, who is estranged from their son Prince Edward.
8. Hugh Hendon – Miles Hendon’s younger brother, who is falsely accused of murder and put on trial.
9. The Lord Protector – a powerful figure who acts as regent for the young King Edward VI.
10. Lord Hertford – a nobleman who opposes the Lord Protector and seeks to gain power for himself.

QUOTES

1. “Heaven has appointed to every thing a measure of happiness… and granted to no one to be completely wretched, but only to be so in part, that he may have the privilege of contrasting the evil with the good, and thus be the better able to appreciate the latter.” – Chapter 3
2. “The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.” – Chapter 6
3. “The king is the nation. His will is not to be gainsaid; his person is sacred.” – Chapter 8
4. “He that is without money is a dog without teeth.” – Chapter 15
5. “If the account of our brother here be true, ye have indeed done a cruel and shameful deed—shameful to you, brothers of lions; for, of a surety, lions would not have wrought this offense upon their helpless and unoffending brother.” – Chapter 28
6. “When a man is wrongfully oppressed, and driveth him to revenges, he is no longer his own master, and cannot answer for his soul. Therefore, hold thou still, and let the law decide; for my part, I have no stomach for this war of words and the shedding of Christian blood.” – Chapter 29
7. “A man’s house is his castle; and each man’s home is one’s safest refuge.” – Chapter 31
8. “There is nothing so kingly as kindness, and nothing so royal as truth.” – Chapter 33

AUTHOR

Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, an American writer and humorist born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. He was the sixth of seven children born to John and Jane Clemens.

In 1847, his father died of pneumonia, leaving the family in financial trouble. At the age of 12, Twain became a printer’s apprentice and began to write humorous sketches and articles for his brother’s newspaper. He left school at age 13 and worked various jobs, including as a printer, a typesetter, and a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River.

In 1865, Twain published his first book, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” which became a bestseller and brought him national attention. He went on to write many more books, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” and “The Prince and the Pauper.”

Twain was known for his use of humor, satire, and social commentary in his writing. He was a vocal critic of slavery and racism, and his works often dealt with issues of morality and the human condition. He was also a public speaker and traveled extensively, giving lectures and readings of his work.

Twain married Olivia Langdon in 1870, and the couple had four children. They lived in several places throughout their marriage, including New York, Connecticut, and Europe. Twain’s later years were marked by financial difficulties and personal tragedy, including the death of his wife and two of his children.

Mark Twain died on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74, in Redding, Connecticut. He left behind a legacy as one of America’s greatest writers and humorists, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied today.

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

Chapter 1: The Birth of the Prince and the Pauper

• Introduces Tom Canty, a young boy born into a poor family in Offal Court, London.
• Describes Tom’s miserable living conditions, his abusive father, and his desire for a better life.

Chapter 2: Tom’s Dream

• Tom dreams of a life of luxury and admires the splendor of the royal palace from outside its gates.
• Tom encounters Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales, and is fascinated by his opulent lifestyle.

Chapter 3: The Prince and the Beggar Boy

• Tom accidentally meets Edward again and is invited into the palace.
• Tom is fascinated by the luxurious life inside the palace, and he and Edward talk about their different lives and roles in society.

Chapter 4: The Great Seal

• Tom and Edward decide to switch clothes and roles for a day, with Tom becoming the prince and Edward becoming the pauper.
• They are caught by the guards, but Tom’s quick thinking and Edward’s confirmation allow them to escape punishment.
• Tom, now disguised as the prince, is taken into the palace, while Edward, disguised as a pauper, is driven away from the palace.

In these early chapters, the stark contrast between Tom’s impoverished life and Edward’s royal lifestyle is established. Tom’s desire for a better life and his chance encounter with Edward set the stage for the subsequent events in the story, including their decision to switch places, which marks the beginning of their adventure and the central premise of “The Prince and the Pauper.”

Chapter 5: Tom in the Royal Court

• Tom, disguised as the prince, is brought into the palace and faces the challenges of navigating the royal court.
• He meets various courtiers, including the Lord Protector and the Lord Chancellor, who are suspicious of his behavior but attribute it to his recent illness.
• Tom struggles to adapt to the formalities and customs of the court, but he also enjoys the privileges of being treated as a prince.

Chapter 6: The Prince’s Lessons

• Tom receives lessons on royal etiquette and politics from the Lord Chancellor and other court officials.
• He learns about the complexities of court life and the challenges of ruling a kingdom.
• Tom becomes friends with Miles Hendon, a kind-hearted soldier, who believes him to be the prince and vows to protect him.

Chapter 7: The Royal Court Intrigues

• Tom witnesses the power struggles and intrigues among the courtiers, including the plotting of the Duke of Norfolk against the Lord Protector.
• Tom’s naive and innocent nature makes him susceptible to manipulation by the courtiers.
• He also learns about the harsh realities of politics and the cunning nature of some courtiers.

Chapter 8: Edward’s Struggles

• Edward, disguised as Tom, faces the harsh realities of life on the streets of London.
• He encounters poverty, hunger, and mistreatment from both strangers and acquaintances.
• Edward experiences firsthand the injustices and hardships faced by the poor and learns to rely on his wits to survive.

Chapter 9: The Prince’s Adventures

• Tom, as the prince, embarks on various adventures outside the palace, including a riverboat journey and a visit to a poor neighborhood.
• He meets people from different walks of life and gains insights into the lives of the common people.
• Tom’s experiences outside the palace begin to change his perspective on the world and the responsibilities of a ruler.

Chapter 10: Miles Hendon’s Quest

• Miles Hendon, believing Tom to be the prince, embarks on a quest to restore him to the throne.
• He encounters challenges and dangers along the way, including duels, imprisonment, and encounters with outlaws.
• Miles Hendon’s loyalty to Tom and his determination to protect him form a significant subplot in the story.

In these chapters, Tom and Edward face their respective challenges and struggles in their new roles, with Tom navigating the complexities of the royal court and Edward experiencing the hardships of life on the streets. They encounter various characters and embark on adventures that shape their understanding of the world and their own identities. The subplot involving Miles Hendon’s quest to restore Tom to the throne adds further depth and intrigue to the story.

Chapter 11: The Coronation

• Tom, still disguised as the prince, is crowned as King Edward VI.
• He struggles with the weight of the responsibilities and expectations of his new role.
• Tom is relieved to see Miles Hendon in the crowd and finds comfort in his friendship.

Chapter 12: The Rebellion

• A rebellion against Tom’s rule breaks out, led by the Duke of Norfolk and supported by some of the courtiers.
• Tom, who is not used to making difficult decisions, is hesitant to take action.
• Miles Hendon takes charge and helps Tom escape from the palace to avoid being captured by the rebels.

Chapter 13: The Prince and the Pauper Reunited

• Tom and Edward, having faced their respective challenges, are reunited in the countryside.
• They share their experiences and reflect on what they have learned about themselves and the world.
• Edward teaches Tom how to behave like a king and offers him advice on how to govern.

Chapter 14: Tom Returns to the Palace

• Tom, with renewed confidence and knowledge, returns to the palace to confront the rebels.
• He uses his newfound understanding of politics and his compassion for the common people to win their support.
• Tom successfully quells the rebellion and consolidates his power as king.

Chapter 15: The Fate of the Rebels

• The Duke of Norfolk and his supporters are captured and brought to trial.
• Tom shows mercy and forgiveness, sparing their lives and instead banishing them from the kingdom.
• Tom’s compassionate approach to justice shows that he has grown as a ruler and learned from his experiences.

In these chapters, Tom and Edward reunite after facing their respective challenges, and Tom uses his newfound knowledge and confidence to assert his authority as king and quell the rebellion. The subplot involving Miles Hendon’s loyalty to Tom also comes to a resolution, as Tom’s growth as a ruler is reflected in his compassionate approach to justice. The story comes full circle as Tom’s desire for a better life is fulfilled, but he learns that being a good ruler requires more than just wealth and power.

Chapter 16: Tom’s Education

• Tom begins to take his role as king more seriously and becomes more involved in the affairs of the kingdom.
• He seeks out advice from scholars and learns about history, politics, and economics.
• Tom also becomes interested in helping the poor and improving the lives of his subjects.

Chapter 17: Lady Jane Grey

• Tom learns about the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, who was briefly queen of England before being overthrown and executed.
• He is moved by her story and becomes determined to prevent similar injustices from happening in his kingdom.

Chapter 18: The Great Seal

• Tom learns about the importance of the Great Seal, which is used to authorize official documents and proclamations.
• He is shocked to discover that the seal has been stolen by a man named Hugh Hendon, who claims to be Miles Hendon’s younger brother.

Chapter 19: The Search for the Seal

• Tom and Miles Hendon set out to find Hugh Hendon and retrieve the Great Seal.
• They encounter various challenges along the way, including a group of thieves and a suspicious innkeeper.
• Eventually, they track down Hugh and the stolen seal and bring them back to London.

Chapter 20: The Seal Restored

• Tom is relieved to have the Great Seal back in his possession and realizes how important it is to safeguard important documents and symbols of power.
• He also learns that Hugh Hendon was not actually Miles Hendon’s brother, but a clever imposter who has been using the Hendon name to commit various crimes.
• Tom orders that Hugh be arrested and punished for his crimes.

In these chapters, Tom continues to grow as a ruler and becomes more invested in the affairs of the kingdom. He also learns about the importance of symbols of power, such as the Great Seal, and works to protect them. The subplot involving the stolen seal and the imposter Hugh Hendon provides some suspense and intrigue, as Tom and Miles Hendon navigate various obstacles to retrieve the stolen item. Overall, these chapters further develop Tom’s character and provide insight into the responsibilities and challenges of being a king.

Chapter 21: The King’s Adventures

• Tom decides to venture out into the city incognito to learn more about the lives of his subjects.
• He has several interesting encounters, including with a prisoner in Newgate prison and a group of street performers.
• Tom is horrified by the conditions in Newgate prison and resolves to improve the treatment of prisoners.

Chapter 22: Tom’s Great Idea

• Tom comes up with a plan to create a “Court of Equity,” which will hear cases from poor people who cannot afford legal representation.
• He enlists the help of a lawyer named John Canty, who is unaware of Tom’s true identity, to help him set up the court.
• Tom is pleased with the success of the court and the positive impact it has on the lives of poor people.

Chapter 23: The Prince and the Beggar

• Edward, still disguised as a beggar, has several adventures of his own.
• He meets a kind-hearted woman named Mother Canty, who takes him in and treats him like her own son.
• Edward also learns about the harsh realities of poverty and the struggles faced by people who live on the streets.

Chapter 24: The Disappearance of the Prince

• Miles Hendon becomes worried when he realizes that Edward has gone missing.
• He sets out to find him, but is captured by a group of thieves and taken prisoner.
• Edward, who has also been captured by the thieves, comes up with a clever plan to escape and rescue Miles.

Chapter 25: The Prince Restored

• Edward and Miles are reunited, and Miles finally learns that Edward is the true prince.
• They return to London together, where Edward is restored to his rightful place as heir to the throne.
• Tom is relieved and happy to see his friend again, and the two boys reflect on their respective adventures and what they have learned about themselves and the world.

In these chapters, Tom and Edward continue to have separate adventures and experiences that further shape their characters and perspectives. Tom’s idea for the Court of Equity shows his commitment to improving the lives of his subjects and his willingness to work with people from different backgrounds to achieve his goals. Edward’s experiences as a beggar provide him with a new understanding of poverty and empathy for those who live in difficult circumstances. The subplot involving Miles Hendon’s capture and Edward’s rescue adds some suspense and excitement to the story, and the final reunion of Tom and Edward marks the resolution of the central conflict of the novel.

Chapter 26: Edward as King

• Edward is crowned as King Edward VI and begins his reign.
• He takes his duties seriously and works to improve the lives of his subjects, including by advocating for prison reform.
• He also forms a close relationship with his sister, Princess Elizabeth.

Chapter 27: The Prince in the Toils

• Tom, who has been living as the prince, is tricked by a group of men who claim to be his friends.
• They convince him to participate in a mock coronation, but then use the opportunity to imprison him and steal his valuables.
• Miles Hendon, who has been appointed as a guard to the prince, discovers the deception and helps Tom escape.

Chapter 28: The Double-Dealing of Lord Hertford

• Lord Hertford, a member of the court, attempts to manipulate both Tom and Edward for his own gain.
• He tries to convince Tom to declare war on France, which would benefit his own business interests, and also plots to overthrow Edward and install Tom as a puppet king.
• His plans are ultimately thwarted by Miles Hendon and others who remain loyal to the true king.

Chapter 29: The Prince a Prisoner Again

• Tom is once again captured and imprisoned, this time by a group of religious fanatics who believe him to be the devil.
• He is held in a dark and miserable cell, and his physical and mental health begins to deteriorate.
• Miles Hendon, who has been searching for Tom, finally discovers his location and helps him escape once again.

Chapter 30: The Escape and the Chase

• Tom and Miles make a daring escape from the religious fanatics and flee into the countryside.
• They are pursued by the fanatics and also by soldiers who believe Tom to be an imposter.
• The chase is long and harrowing, but Tom and Miles are ultimately able to evade their pursuers.

Chapter 31: Hendon to the Rescue

• Miles Hendon, who has been wounded during the chase, is taken in by a group of sympathetic farmers.
• They help nurse him back to health and provide him with information about Tom’s whereabouts.
• Miles sets out once again to find Tom and rescue him from his captors.

Chapter 32: The Meeting of the Heirs

• Tom and Edward are finally reunited and are overjoyed to see each other again.
• They discuss their respective experiences and what they have learned about themselves and the world.
• Edward decides to reward Miles Hendon for his loyalty by granting him a title and lands.

Chapter 33: The Recognition Procession

• Tom and Edward participate in a grand procession through the streets of London to mark Edward’s recognition of Tom as his brother and heir.
• The people of London celebrate the occasion and show their support for the young king and his new heir.
• Tom is finally able to take his place as a member of the royal family, and he and Edward look forward to ruling the kingdom together.

In these chapters, the plot becomes increasingly complex as various characters attempt to manipulate and deceive both Tom and Edward for their own purposes. However, Miles Hendon remains a loyal and steadfast friend to both boys, and his bravery and determination ultimately help to save the day. The scenes of Tom’s imprisonment and escape provide a stark contrast to Edward’s experiences as king, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many people in Tudor England. Finally, the recognition procession marks a happy and hopeful conclusion to the novel, as Tom and Edward are able to put their past troubles behind them and look forward to a bright future ruling the kingdom together.