Summary

The Prince and the Pauper, published in 1881, is Mark Twain's first foray into historical fiction. Set in 16th-century England, the novel explores themes of social inequality and mistaken identity through the story of two identical boys from vastly different backgrounds who switch places. Twain's satirical wit and keen social observations shine through as he critiques the harsh realities of Tudor-era England and raises questions about his own time—and ours. While ostensibly written for children, The Prince and the Pauper tackles complex themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Twain's exploration of class disparity, judicial injustice, and the arbitrary nature of social hierarchies gives the novel a depth that transcends its fairy tale-like premise. This timeless commentary on society has ensured the book's enduring relevance and appeal over the centuries since its publication.

Plot

The Prince and the Pauper opens in 16th-century London with the birth of two boys on the same day. Not only the same age, Tom Canty, a poor boy from Offal Court, and Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales, look remarkably alike. One day, Tom is loitering near the palace gates when he encounters Prince Edward. Fascinated by their resemblance, the boys decide to switch clothes and temporarily live each other’s life. 

Edward, dressed as Tom, is driven from the palace by guards who don't recognize him. He experiences the harsh realities of life as a pauper, suffering abuse and witnessing the cruelties of the English justice system firsthand. Meanwhile, Tom struggles to adapt to royal life in the palace. When King Henry VIII dies, Tom is expected to take the throne, but he knows nothing about royal duties or the missing Great Seal of England.

As Edward wanders the streets, he befriends Miles Hendon, a soldier who, despite not believing Edward's claims of royalty, becomes his protector. Edward faces many hardships, including imprisonment, but gains a new understanding of his subjects' suffering. Tom, still posing as Edward, uses his common sense to make fair judgments at court, impressing the nobles.

Finally, on the day of the coronation, Edward manages to return to the palace and interrupt the ceremony. He proves his identity by revealing the location of the Great Seal. The boys switch back to their original roles, with Edward crowned as King Edward VI. In gratitude, Edward names Tom “King's Ward,” a privileged position he holds for life, and rewards Miles Hendon with a title and special honor.

Themes

• Injustice and inequality in society

• Appearance versus reality

• The power of empathy and understanding

• Identity and self-discovery

• The corrupting nature of power and privilege

• The importance of education and knowledge

• The value of friendship and loyalty

Setting

The Prince and the Pauper is set in England during the reign of King Henry VIII. The story takes place in 1547, the year young Edward VI ascends to the throne after his father's death. This tumultuous period in English history provides a rich backdrop for Mark Twain's tale of mistaken identities and stark inequalities in social classes.

The story unfolds primarily in London, contrasting the opulent world of the royal court with the squalid conditions of the city's impoverished neighborhoods. Key locations include the lavish Palace of Westminster, where Prince Edward resides, and the poverty-stricken Offal Court, home to Tom Canty. Twain vividly portrays the divide between these two worlds—inspiring thoughtful comparisons to his own time and times far beyond.

As the story progresses, the author expands the setting beyond London, allowing the characters to experience different facets of English society. From rural villages to prison cells, Twain uses various locales to expose his protagonists—and readers—to the harsh realities and injustices of life in 16th- century England.

Characters

• Edward Tudor: The young Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of England. Edward is kindhearted and naive about life outside the palace. When he switches places with Tom, he experiences firsthand the harsh realities faced by common people. This experience profoundly impacts his worldview and shapes his desire to rule with more compassion and justice.

• Tom Canty: A poor boy from Offal Court in London. Despite his impoverished upbringing, Tom is intelligent and literate thanks to the teachings of a kindly priest. When he switches places with Edward, Tom must navigate the complexities of royal life while trying to maintain the deception. His commoner's perspective leads him to make surprisingly wise judgments on matters of state.

• Miles Hendon: A noble soldier who befriends Edward during his time as a pauper. Miles doesn't believe Edward's claims to royalty but protects him nonetheless. His loyalty and bravery are eventually rewarded when Edward regains the throne.

• John Canty: Tom's abusive, alcoholic father. His cruel treatment of Edward (believing him to be Tom) serves to highlight the stark differences between palace life and the harsh realities faced by London's poor.

• Henry VIII: The ailing King of England and Edward's father. His death sets in motion the events that lead to Edward's coronation.

• Hugh Hendon: Miles's treacherous younger brother. Hugh usurps Miles’s noble title and estate. His actions serve as a subplot that parallels the main story's themes of identity and rightful place.

Quick facts

• The Prince and the Pauper was Mark Twain's first attempt at historical fiction, published in 1881 in Canada and 1882 in the United States.

• The novel is set in 1547 and features a fictionalized version of Edward VI of England as one of the main characters.

• Twain dedicated the book to his daughters, Susie and Clara Clemens.

• The story was originally intended to be a play before Twain decided to make it a novel.

• Twain wrote The Prince and the Pauper while he was in the middle of writing Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

• The book's introductory quote is from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.

• A chapter called the “whipping-boy story” was originally part of the novel but was removed at the suggestion of William Dean Howells.

• The Prince and the Pauper has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, stage plays, and even video games.

•  Perhaps the most famous adaptation is the 1937 film version starring Errol Flynn, which was Warner Bros.' biggest hit that year. 

• Walt Disney adapted the story into an animated featurette in 1990 starring Mickey Mouse in both title roles.

• The book is subtitled “A Tale For Young People of All Ages,” reflecting its appeal to both children and adults.

About the Author

Mark Twain (1835-1910; the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens) was one of America's most beloved authors and humorists. Born in Missouri, Twain lived an adventurous life that took him from the Mississippi River to the American West to worldwide fame as a writer and lecturer. His experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi provided the inspiration for his pen name as well as material for some of his most famous works, including Life on the Mississippi.

Twain's writing career began in earnest in the 1860s, when he gained attention for his humorous short stories and travelogues. His 1876 novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was an immediate success, but it was the 1884 sequel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that cemented Twain's place in the American literary canon. Considered by many to be the Great American Novel, Huckleberry Finn used vernacular speech and confronted racism in a way that was groundbreaking for its time.

Beyond his literary output, Twain was known for his biting wit and social commentary. He was a vocal critic of imperialism, organized religion, and what he saw as the hypocrisies of “civilized” society. Twain's political views grew more radical as he aged, and he became an outspoken anti-imperialist in his later years. Despite financial troubles stemming from bad investments, Twain remained one of the most popular public figures in America until his death.

Twain's influence on American literature and culture cannot be overstated. His use of regional dialects and realistic characters helped shape the development of American literary realism. Writers from William Faulkner to Ernest Hemingway cited Twain as a major influence. More than a century after his death, Twain's works continue to be widely read and studied, cementing his status as one of the greatest American writers of all time.