The Prince and the Pauper Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
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The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
Lesson Plans by Bridget Baudinet
The Prince and the Pauper tells the story of the historical King Edward VI who switches lives with a young pauper for a few weeks. As Edward experiences the difficulties of life as a commoner, he recognizes the injustices of English law and later works to right them as king. The story is an exciting tale of mistaken identity and a wonderful introduction to sixteenth century English history.
Storyboard Description
The Prince and the Pauper Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Storyboard Text
- THE GREAT SEAL
- CLOTHING
- VIOLENCE
- The Great Seal is a symbol of the king's authority. It was used as a mold for wax seals on documents approved by the king. The true seal indicated that the document was genuine. In "The Prince and the Pauper", the seal becomes the object through which Edward proves he is king. By identifying the seal and its location, he proves his identity is genuine.
- Characters’ clothing symbolize their status, and society judges them accordingly. So important are clothes that the characters cannot seem to see past them. Once Tom and Edward switch their apparel, they both experience new treatment and expectations. Twain’s focus on clothing suggests a powerful argument in favor of democracy.
- "The Prince and the Pauper" is filled with violence. We see characters beaten and whipped, hear of men who were branded and lost ears, witness two women burnt at the stake, and learn of criminals sentenced to be beheaded and boiled in oil. The terrible brutality of the outside world helps emphasize Edward's contrasting fairness and gentleness.
- THE TRIUMPH OF JUSTICE
- Strip this robber of his stolen estates, and put him under lock and key!
- The Prince and the Pauper Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
- THE INNOCENCE OF CHILDREN
- The book ends happily, largely because justice is achieved. Edward is restored to his rightful throne and those who helped him are rewarded, while those who hurt him are punished. Miles Hendon is named an earl and Tom Canty is made a Ward of the King. Hugh Hendon, on the other hand, is thrown in prison, and John Canty becomes a marked man.
- While most of the adults in the book are hardened to the violence around them, the child protagonists are not. Tom is astounded that any government could enforce execution by boiling in oil. Edward is shocked by the heavy punishments commoners receive for small crimes. Both boys use their power to show mercy and make the law more humane.
Image Attributions
- Great Seal of Edward III - The National Archives UK - (License No known copyright restrictions )
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