The Prince and the Pauper: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Prince and the Pauper" is a novel by Mark Twain that explores themes of identity, class, and social justice through the experiences of its two main characters: Edward, Prince of Wales, and Tom Canty, a poor boy who resembles the prince. The story begins when Edward, curious about the life of a commoner, meets Tom and they switch identities. This switch leads Edward to experience the hardships faced by the lower classes, while Tom finds himself in the royal environment he has always dreamed of.
Key characters include Edward, who is sheltered yet compassionate, and Tom, who is eager and resourceful but initially naïve. The narrative also features important figures such as King Henry VIII, who symbolizes authority and legacy; John Canty, Tom's abusive father; and Miles Hendon, a nobleman who becomes Edward's ally during his struggles. As the plot unfolds, themes of social inequality and the arbitrary nature of class distinctions are highlighted, especially as Edward learns of the injustices faced by the common people. Ultimately, the novel underscores the importance of understanding and empathy across social divides, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience.
The Prince and the Pauper: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mark Twain
First published: 1881
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Social satire
Time: Sixteenth century
Edward, Prince of Wales and son of Henry VIII. When a ragged waif named Tom Canty invades the royal grounds, Edward, curious about life outside the confines of the palace, invites the boy to his quarters. They change clothes as a prank and discover that they are identical in appearance. When the prince appears in the courtyard dressed in Tom's rags, guards mistake him for the intruding waif and throw him into the streets. Protesting time and again that he is the real Prince of Wales, he is ridiculed and thought mad by skeptical London crowds. After many adventures and hardships that reveal to him the harsh lot of the common people, he appears as Tom Canty is about to be crowned king and proves that he himself is the rightful heir by disclosing the location of the Great Seal that his late father had entrusted to him.
King Henry VIII, his ailing father, who has entrusted to Edward the Great Seal.
Mary and Elizabeth, daughters of the king, who think Tom is their brother.
Tom Canty, who was born the same day as the Prince of Wales and is his double in appearance. He trades places with Edward.
John Canty, his father, who treats Tom and Edward cruelly. When he becomes king, Edward wants to hang Canty but can never locate him.
Miles Hendon, the disinherited son of a Baronet. He befriends the homeless Edward.
Hugh Hendon, his brother, who tricks Miles in order to marry Edith.
Edith, who loves Miles but is afraid Hugh will murder him if she identifies Miles.
Hugo, a thief who tries to teach Edward his tricks.
The Lord Protector, who identifies the real prince.