The Prince and the Pauper

By Mark Twain

“The Prince and the Pauper” by Mark Twain is a classic tale of two boys from very different backgrounds who switch places and experience life in each other’s shoes. Twain uses a variety of literary devices, such as irony, satire, and symbolism, to highlight the themes of social class, identity, and power dynamics.

Themes 📚

1. The theme of identity – the novel explores how an individual’s identity can shape their life experiences, and how identity can be altered or hidden.
2. The theme of social class – the novel highlights the stark divide between the wealthy and the poor, and the opportunities and limitations that come with each.
3. The theme of power – the novel showcases how power can be used and abused, and how those who hold power can use it to manipulate and control others.
4. The theme of justice – the novel portrays the idea of justice, how it can be enforced or ignored and how it affects the society and the individuals within it.
5. The theme of friendship – the novel explores how friendship can transcend social and class barriers, and how it can offer support and hope in challenging circumstances.
6. The theme of the monarchy – the novel portrays the idea of the monarch and the role of the king in society.
7. The theme of adventure – the novel takes the readers on an adventure with the two boys in their efforts to find their way back to their respective homes.
8. The theme of morality – the novel tackles questions of right and wrong, good and evil, and how individuals make ethical decisions in difficult circumstances.
9. The theme of education – the novel shows how education can be used to gain knowledge and to improve oneself.
10. The theme of appearances versus reality – the novel highlights the differences between how things appear on the surface and how they really are beneath the surface.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Irony – Twain uses irony to highlight the differences between the lives of the prince and the pauper, and to satirize the class system of Tudor England.
2. Satire – The novel is a satire of Tudor England and the class system, as well as the customs and beliefs of the time.
3. Foreshadowing – Twain uses foreshadowing to hint at the dangers and adventures that are to come in the story.
4. Symbolism – Twain uses symbolism, such as the prince’s clothing and the Great Seal, to represent power and authority.
5. Personification – The use of personification can be seen in the description of London as a character with its own personality.
6. Imagery – Twain uses vivid imagery to describe the settings and characters, making them come to life in the reader’s mind.
7. Allusion – The novel contains many allusions to historical events and figures, as well as to other works of literature.
8. Metaphor – Twain uses metaphors to draw comparisons between the characters and their situations, such as the prince’s life being like a prison.
9. Hyperbole – The novel contains instances of hyperbole to exaggerate the characters’ emotions and actions for effect.
10. Contrast – Twain uses contrast to highlight the differences between the two worlds the prince and the pauper inhabit, and to emphasize the themes of identity and class.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Satire

Example	Explanation
The mistaken identity	The central premise of the story, involving the switching of places between the prince and the pauper, serves as a satirical commentary on social class and the arbitrary nature of power.
Courtly life	The portrayal of courtly life and its absurd rituals and customs satirizes the pomp and pretentiousness of the upper class.
Incompetent rulers	The novel satirizes incompetent rulers, as characters like the cruel and foolish King Henry VIII demonstrate the flaws in the system of hereditary monarchy.

2. Irony

Example	Explanation
Tom’s rise to power	The irony of Tom Canty, a poor boy, suddenly finding himself in a position of power as the prince highlights the arbitrary nature of social status and privilege.
Prince Edward’s experiences	Prince Edward’s experiences as a pauper and the injustices he faces are ironic, considering his true royal identity and the power he possesses.
The prince’s return	The irony of the prince’s return to his rightful place is that his experiences as a pauper give him a new perspective and empathy for the suffering of his people.

3. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Tom’s fascination with royalty	Tom’s fascination with the royal family and his daydreams about becoming a prince foreshadow his eventual switch with Prince Edward.
Prince Edward’s sense of justice	Prince Edward’s early displays of a strong sense of justice foreshadow the eventual changes he will make once he returns to his rightful place.
Tom’s struggle to adjust	Tom’s initial struggle to adjust to life as a prince foreshadows the challenges both boys will face throughout their adventures.

4. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The royal seal	The royal seal symbolizes the power and authority of the monarchy, and its importance in the story highlights the novel’s themes of power and legitimacy.
The prince’s rags	The prince’s ragged clothing, which he wears while living as a pauper, symbolizes his loss of power and status, as well as the hardships faced by the lower class.
Tom’s fine clothes	Tom’s fine clothes, which he wears as a prince, symbolize the wealth and privilege of the upper class, emphasizing the stark contrast between the lives of the two boys.

5. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Historical figures	The novel alludes to historical figures, such as King Henry VIII and his court, which helps to ground the story in a specific historical context.
Social and political issues	The novel alludes to various social and political issues of the time, such as poverty, crime, and corruption, providing a backdrop for the story’s themes and commentary.
Religious themes	The novel contains allusions to religious themes and ideas, such as divine right and the role of the church in society, which reflect the importance of religion in the historical setting.

6. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The contrasting settings	The novel uses vivid imagery to depict the contrasting settings of the royal palace and the impoverished streets of London, highlighting the disparity between the two worlds.
The prince’s adventures	The imagery used in the prince’s adventures as a pauper, such as the squalor and danger he encounters, serves to emphasize the harsh realities of life for the lower class.
The lavish court	The lavish and opulent court life is described in detail, contrasting sharply with the poverty and hardship experienced by the common people.

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