"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain is his first historical novel, published in 1881, detailing the tale of two identical look-alike boys, a pauper named Tom Canty and Prince Edward VI of England, who swap lives in 1537 London. The narrative delves into themes of social disparity and mistaken identity.
"The Prince and the Pauper" is Mark Twain's first historical novel, published in 1881. It tells the story of Tom Canty, a poor London boy, and Edward VI of England, who are identical in appearance and decide to switch places. The novel is set in 1537 and explores themes of social class and identity as the boys navigate each other's vastly different lives.
| Front | The Prince and the pauper |
|---|---|
| Back | The Prince and the Pauper is a novel by American author Mark Twain. It was first published in 1881 in Canada, before its 1882 publication in the United States. The novel represents Twain's first attempt at historical fiction. Set in 1537, it tells the story of two young boys who were born on the same day and are identical in appearance: Tom Canty, a pauper who lives with his abusive, alcoholic father in Offal Court off Pudding Lane in London, and Edward VI of England, son of Henry VIII of England. Quick facts: Author, Country … The pauper and Prince Edward as imagined in 1899 Plot Tom Canty, youngest son of a poor family living in Offal Court located in London, has always aspired to a better life, encouraged by the local priest, who has taught him to read and write. Loitering around the palace gates one day, he meets Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales. Coming too close in his intense excitement, Tom is nearly caught and beaten by the Royal Guards. However, Edward stops them and invites Tom into his palace chamber. There, the two boys get to know one another. Fascinated by each other's life and their uncanny resemblance to each other and learning they were even born on the same day, they decide to switch places "temporarily". The Prince hides an item, which the reader later learns is the Great Seal of England, then goes outside; however, dressed as Tom, he is not recognized by the guards, who drive him from the palace. He eventually finds his way through the streets to the Canty home. There, he is subjected to the brutality of Tom's alcoholic and abusive father, from whom he manages to escape, and meets one Miles Hendon, a soldier and nobleman returning from war. Although Miles does not believe Edward's claims to royalty, he humors him and becomes his protector. Meanwhile, news reaches them that King Henry VIII has died and Edward is now the king. |
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Princess men poem prince university women eventually serio-comic
Previous card: Prime minister government palliser country glencora emily arthur
Up to card list: Wordsworth companion to literature by Bahman Moradi