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 they didn’t believe him. Tom’s father didn’t believe him. Most thought he had gone mad or, in other words -insane. The humor in this writing makes this story very interesting and it draws the reader in, keeps the pages turning. Likewise, occasional details here and there that are not needed are tossed in to heighten the intensity. This keeps the action and events at the forefront of the mind at all times. The reader travels with Edward from London in the Sixteenth Century to Hendon Hall, into the forest, London Bridge, and abroad. If Edward had not lived in London he would not have experienced the pain and suffering he did, and therefore, would not have been the king he would become. Throughout the story the main character faces hardships and horrible circumstances, however, because of what he experiences it makes him a more merciful and kindhearted person. In turn, as a monarch he left a most individual print in history that will forever remain in our minds. In the book, Edward is almost killed by an old hermit who claims to be an Archangel –nearly death by a dagger. He is thrown in prison with his friend and servant Miles Hendon, Edward is publicly humiliated by John Canty’s band of ruffians, also beaten quite well by John Canty –only to list a few circumstances. The King wanted to save people from their misfortunes, and was successful with most of them. The little King saved the boy from the gallows who had found the stray falcon, and the woman who stole cloth from a weaver. He was able to save some people from the ill treatment of the law. King Edward the VI took a new path, a new way he reigned, one that others would cast aside without a second thought. Not so with King Edward, he knew what it was to be cold, hungry, and miserable. He was brought down from a high place to be brought lower then he would have ever thought, to be raised higher then he would have ever been. This story The Prince and The Pauper is one that will stay with me through my lifetime. The author was a true artist of entertainment, it’s no wonder The Prince and The Pauper has been adapted to movies, plays, and many other great works of art. The story was composed with great skill, the work of a true craftsman. The humor is a delight, yet it can be painful when it points out the flaws in the reader. Yet the way the book is written, it keeps the reader on edge, turning the pages, exited to see how this delightful tale will unfold. At least that’s the way it happened with me. I fully enjoyed reading the book, and do hope by my small opinion, maybe, just maybe someone will take a chance and open up the book, read it in its entirety, and enter the mind of a literary novelist. I did not expect the book to be as enjoyable as it actually became for me. This story offers not only a good laugh, and also opportunities for wonderful conversation among acquaintances and good friends, but it also teaches important insight. This story Mark Twain wrote offers wisdom to those who are willing to listen. The way the account ends, almost shows the authors character, and reveals the entire whole reason he sat down and wrote the wonderful story. Mark Twain, or rather: Samuel L. Clemens, ends with this comment: “The reign of Edward the VI was a singularly merciful one for those harsh times. Now that we are taking leave of him let us try to keep this in our minds, to his credit.” Abigail Rodriguez October 8, 2012 The Prince and The Pauper