Prince & the Pauper

“What dost thou know of suffering and oppression? I and my people know, but not thou.” This quote spoken by Edward Tudor the Prince of Wales, King of England. The story of Prince Edward the VI is found in the classic writing of The Prince and The Pauper. This classical masterpiece was written by none other than the famous author: Samuel L. Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain. Best know for his satire, and verbal irony to make for humorous works of writing. The Prince and the Pauper is certainly a humorous and delightful book to read, appropriate for anyone looking for a laugh, this book is a treasure… hopefully it will be around for decades to come.
      Edward Tudor, the main character of the novel is the Prince of Wales. The prince lives in London and is used to an extravagant life of luxury, servants, food and royal clothing. He is rather a mix of curious, proud, restless, like a child, and because of his upbringing he thinks highly of himself. Mark Twain wrote this special character, surrounded by the pompous lifestyle not knowing anything else to compare to that particular way of life.   And when the ’little prince,’ as Twain calls him, switches clothes and therefore lives with Tom Canty a young pauper; he is thrown into a turmoil of sufferings and the one thing he longs is to get back to his life of proper placement. The one place fitting for him… the throne. As the little Prince Edward endures hardship he sees much of the injustice that moves him to compassion for the people of England. So when Edward is restored to his throne, he sees fit to show mercy for much of the people, for such harsh times.
The character Prince Edward is trying so desperately to get back to his home in the palace apartment with his loving father, and sisters. The little Prince of course claims straight away that he is indeed the Prince of Wales. Since, he had switched his garments with Tom the lowly pauper nobody believed him… the first time. Outside the gates of the palace...