Prince and the Pauper Study Guide – Flashcards
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What purpose does Twain have in comparing the two babies?
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Twain shows the differences of how the people feel about the birth of the two babies.
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Why is this chapter so short? What effect does its shortness have on the reader?
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It creates interest for the reader. Twain wanted to show that there time as babies weren't that important.
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What does offal mean? How does Twain's use of this word in naming where Canty lives fit Canty's situation?
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Offal means entrails which shows where Canty lives is gross and dirty. It was where the poor people lived.
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Tom did not have an easy life, but he managed to keep his spirits up. How? What kept things bearable for him?
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Tom dreamed of being a prince and having a royal court. He imagined this from the stories Father Andrew told him.
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What did Tom wish for more than anything else?
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He wishes to meet a real prince.
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What did Tom and Edward notice when they looked into the mirror?
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They looked a lot alike.
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What are some of the similarities and differences between Tom's and Edward's lives? What is Twain's purpose in highlighting these?
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Tom is a poor pauper and Edward is a rich prince. This shows how different their lives are and how they are treated differently. Both boys look alike and they both want to live the other's life.
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Why is Edward so excited about Tom's life? What makes it appealing to him?
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Edward wants to have the freedoms that a commoner would, like playing in the mud. He would not be allowed to because he is the future king.
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What is the divine right of kings? Why is it ironic, then, that the guard mistakes Edward for the pauper Tom?
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The guard should recognize Edward no matter what he is wearing.
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Mr. Canty doesn't believe that Edward is who he says he is. What do you think will happen to Edward when John Canty gets him back to Offal Court?
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John Canty will beat Edward.
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How do appearances affect the way Tom and Edward are treated? How do they react to the way they are treated?
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Edward gets furious when people mistreat him and don't give him the respect he's used to. Tom is treated very well but feels like a prisoner inside the palace
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How does Twain include humor into the situation of both boys?
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Tom wonders why a person would need more than one outfit if you only have one body.
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How does Twain feel about nobility and royal life? How can you tell?
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Twain shows his negative opinion of the royals by showing that they don't do anything for themselves. He also shows that King Henry is not a good person through his outbursts of screaming and threatening.
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Why does Tom insist that he is not the prince? What does this show about his character?
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He is scared of being found out and punished. He wants to go home to his family, which shows that he still cares about them. Tom is honest.
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How do these chapters illuminate Edward's background and character even though he is not present?
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We learn about Edward's life because Tom is living it. Edward is spoiled. King Henry says it is like Edward to have a kind heart and not want Duke of Norfolk to be killed.
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What is the Great Seal? What is its purpose? Why is it important to the king?
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It seals a letter or document. It is the kings signature or stamp to verify an official document.
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How has Tom changed from the Tom at Offal Court?
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He has learned and became comfortable with acting like a prince now. He's more confident.
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What does Father Andrew's death mean for Tom?
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Tom will be very upset. He will have no one to learn from anyone.
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What do Edward's plans for Tom's death say about his character?
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Edward's has a short temper and reacts quickly
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How are Tom's and the nobles' view of London different than the one Edward experiences as a pauper?
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Paupers see a dirty London where they have to beg for food. Nobles see a beautiful, clean London with palaces and have everything they want.
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How does Tom's first act as king reflect his character?
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Tom is honest, cares about others, and is sympathetic.
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Why does Miles Hendon take such good care of Edward even though he doesn't think Edward is the king?
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Miles feels bad for Edward and wants to take care of him because he is a young boy out on his own. Miles is sympathetic to his situation.
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Why is Canty so determined to get "Tom" back?
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Edward knows that Canty killed Father Andrew and Canty doesn't trust Edward not to tell anyone. Also, he may want him to beg for him.
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How is Tom's dream ironic, given his current situation?
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He is dreaming of being a Pauper and when he was a pauper he dreamed to be a prince and now hes a prince. It is ironic that he wants to go back to his old life when he wanted to be a prince so badly before.
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Why is Tom's suggestion about moving the royal household to a smaller place to deal with the financial problems scoffed at?
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It is tradition for the royals to live lavishly in a big palace. It wouldn't be proper for them to live differently.
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How does Tom feel about the ruling of a country? What statement is Twain trying to make about government?
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Tom doesn't like how commoners are mistreated and live so poorly. He doesn't like that the royals have so much and everything done for them. He wants to make changes to how the country is run. Twain feels that all people, rich or poor, should have rights and be able to live properly. Tom is bored and doesn't know what to do to rule the country.
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What is the purpose of a whipping boy?
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He takes the princes beatings for him because you can't lay a hand on the prince.
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How does Tom use the whipping boy to his advantage?
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Tom uses him to get info about how to act as a king and some history of the royal family.
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What are the lords trying to show the subjects by having "Edward" dine in public?
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The Lords want to show the people of England that Edward is not crazy and can display manners and etiquette like he is suppose to.
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What is the purpose of the royal taster? Why would you not want this job?
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The royal taster tastes the food before the royals eat it to make sure it isn't poisoned.This would be a bad job because you could die.
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Edward is traveling with a young boy who came to fetch him, but soon decides that he does not want to go any further. What lie does the young boy tell Edward to persuade him to continue on?
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Hugo tells Edward that Miles is wounded so Edward must go to him.
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How are disguises used in this novel? How are multiple identities/aliases useful to Twain's characters?
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John Canty is calling himself John Hobbes and he is wearing an eye patch, cane, and sling to disguise himself. He is in hiding because he killed Father Andrew.
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Who is the ruffian who sent for Edward?
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John Canty sent for Edward because Edward knows he killed Father Andrew.
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What did Edward do to Hugo that made Hugo so angry?
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Edward didn't help Hugo beg and told the man who stopped that Hugo wasn't sick, but actually a thief.
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What is ironic in the way that Edward and the farm-wife treat each other?
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Edward usually doesn't sit with commoners. The servants stand around the table while he eats. The farm wife usually does not let beggars eat at her table , but she feels bad about yelling at Edward.
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Why does Edward decide to perform the tasks for the farm-wife?
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Edwards cooks for the farm wife because Alfred the great cooked.
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Why was Edward grateful to see John Canty and Hugo at the hermit's hut?
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They saved him from the hermit because the hermit was going to kill him.
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How does Miles know that the hermit has lied about Edward being on an errand? Why is he so easily deceived?
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Miles knows he lied because Edward would not run an errand for anyone because he is the king and people do things for him. Miles is deceived that Edward really went on a errand because the hermit is an archangel and he doesn't see Edward.
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Why is Hugo so determined to destroy Edward?
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First, Edward ruined Hugo's begging plan when he told the man Hugo wasn't really sick. Then, Edward beat Hugo during a sword fight, making him more embarrassed and mad
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Why is Edward so bent against begging or stealing? What does this say about his character?
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Edward is against stealing and begging because it is against the law and has severe consequences. He believes it is against his morals and is beneath him as a king to steal or beg. This shows he is honost and sticks to his morals
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What does it mean to be flogged?
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Flogging means to be whipped in public for punishment.
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Does Edith recognize Miles? How do you know?
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Edith recognizes Miles because she cry's and runs away upset. She says she doesn't recognizes Miles because Hugh wants her to.
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How could Edward's letter help clear up his identity?
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Peasants would not be able to write in Greek and Latin, only Nobility knew these languages. Edward could share information that only he would know.
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Who are the villains of this novel? Why are they villains?
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John Canty: Thief, Killed Father Andrew, Abuses Family Hermit:Tried to Kill Edward Hugh: Lied about Miles' death, mistreats people
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Who are the heroes of this novel? What makes them heroic?
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Miles: Saving Edward and taking care of him Edward: He wants to change the laws and punishments so people are treated better Tom: Saved the Duke of Norfolk, Mom and daughter who were going to be executed
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What happened to the two women Edward became friends with in prison?
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They were burned at the stake.
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What are the stocks?
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A wooden frame with holes cut in it to restrain the arms and head and display the person in public for punishment.
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Twain often shows criminals and other lowly people with a remarkable sensitivity for what is good and right. Find examples of this from events in the novel. What point is Twain making?
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The slave who was forced out of his home and had to beg. He was punished for begging. The Ruffler was a gang member, but always stood up for Edward. Twain is showing that people aren't always what they seem. Just because people make mistakes that doesn't make them completely bad people.
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How does Edward show he is grateful to Miles for taking his punishment?
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Edward makes Miles an Earl.
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Why is it ironic that Miles is going to get help from the king in London?
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It is ironic because the real king, Edward, has been with Miles the whole time.
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How is Tom changing as a person and a king? How is he remaining the same as he used to be?
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Tom is changing because he is becoming more greedy and selfish. He orders more clothes and triples his servants( 400 started off with and then to 1200 people). he is staying the same because he still wants to help the people by changing unjust laws and stopping executions of innocents.
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Compare and contrast Tom as king with King Henry VIII.
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Both became greedy and spent a lot of money on clothes and servants. They are different because Tom wants to help peasants and treat them better, while King Henry jailed and executed many people.
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Why does Tom deny his mother?
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Tom denies his mother because people may think he is crazy again or they may punish him for pretending to be king.
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Why does Tom feel like a captive again after he denies his mother?
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Tom feels captive because he misses his old life and his family, but feels trapped in his role as king.
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Why is it so important for the king to portray a happy image?
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It is important because if he seems worried his people will worry that something is wrong with their king or their country.
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What changes have occurred in both boys as a result of their experiences?
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Edward: Learns what life is like for the paupers and this makes him a merciful king who treats people better and changes unjust laws. Tom: He learns that being a prince or king isn't as perfect or easy as he thought it would be.
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Why does Lord St. John bow to both "kings" noncommittally?
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He bows to both "kings" because at this time it is unclear which boy is the real king, so he does this to be safe and respect both.
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Why did Twain chose the reign of Edward VI to write his novel about?
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Twain may have chosen Edward because he came from a interesting family and time period in British history. He was also the only young monarch.
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What is one theme of Prince and the Pauper
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Evil Nature of humankind is a theme because in the book there were a lot of executions. During the time span of the Prince and Pauper a lot of people were killed for unreal reasons. One example is that two ladies were burned at stake for being Baptist. Killing wasn't the only cruel punishment but you could get your limbs cut off or get whipped. This shows how bad times were during the 16th Century.
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What was Mark Twain's purpose for writing The Prince and the Pauper?
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To Entertain- its historical fiction-a story
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What is the setting of the Prince and the Pauper?
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sixteenth century England
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What is one example of an external conflict in the Prince and the Pauper?
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Miles getting whipped.
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What is one example of an Internal conflict in the Prince and the Pauper?
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Tom feels bad about denying his mother.
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What is the perspective of the Prince and The Pauper?
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Tom and Edward
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Who is the narrator?
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Outside narrator
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What is the Point of View?
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Third Person Limited
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Beginning/Exposition
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Intro to Tom,Edward and the Setting
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Rising Action
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Tom and Edward switch lives
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Climax
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Coronation Day
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Falling Action
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Miles finds Edward
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End/Resolution
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Heroes Rewarded, Villains Punished, Innocents Freed
