KidLit Forum

It is clear that The Prince and the Pauper examines class inequality and life unfairness. Apart from these well-known themes, Twain focuses more on the aspects of human nature that surpass such inequalities, a powerful reminder of the fact that not all treasure is silver and gold. Tom Canty, a child and a modest pauper, wishes he could see a prince. Tom's breath came quick and short with excitement, and his eyes grew big with wonder and delight. Every thing gave way in his mind instantly to one desire: that was to get close to the prince, and have a good, devouring look at him. Why would he "look" at him and not becoming one? In his own world, he was already a prince. The books gave him that power of imagination. After seeing the prince, he saw that there's no difference between him and the rich boy.

Through a misunderstanding, he actually becomes a prince for a while. You might think that the big difference between Tom and the prince is turned into an equality: a person of noble birth is not different from a person of common birth. Tom is only a poor boy who had an opportunity.

What is strange to me is that the difference still remains. Tom is treated for his apparent insanity with a lot of care and patience, while the prince is humiliated, ridiculed and even beaten. The poor side will never be able to "hide" a prince, and the rich side a pauper.

Another strange thing is that Henry VIII did not realize that Tom was not his prince and Mrs. Canty was not convinced that Edward was not her son. Maybe this is the answer: they couldn't accept the radical change that happened, the reason for this transformation. But still, it's not credible.

Miles Hendon, a stranger, is determined to help Edward against all enemies, even though he thinks the boy is suffering from the delusion that he is the Prince of Wales. Again an usolved clue. Or maybe he was Edward's opportunity to stay alive and come back to his real life.

It all resumes to the phrase be careful what you wish for. A good lesson for the prince was to see the horrid things that happen beyond the walls of his palace. Maybe the fact that he was a good king came from his experience.

Splendid analysis, Diana! You got here some very astute remarks!

This is a rather unique experience for any one person, being able to trade places with a totally different person and be able to live a totally different life than that which you were accustomed to.

The story shows us the difference between the classes and the way they act if the roles were reversed. This, in my opinion, could also present the opportunity some children are given nowadays to change their lives, living with foster parents and starting a whole new life than that which they had until then. You may call it a rebirth or a new chance, a new start.