The Prince and the Pauper

Author

Mark Twain

Publication

12/31/1881

Overview

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is a historical tale set in Tudor England that follows two boys from completely different worlds who happen to look exactly alike. Through a chance encounter, they exchange places and are suddenly forced to live each other’s lives, experiencing the privileges and hardships they had only imagined before. The story explores themes of identity, social class, and justice, while offering a vivid picture of life in both the royal court and the streets of London. With a blend of humor and sharp observation, Twain invites readers to see how circumstance shapes perspective and how empathy can grow from unexpected situations.

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Content

Preface
Chapter I. The birth of the Prince and the Pauper.
Chapter II. Tom’s early life.
Chapter III. Tom’s meeting with the Prince.
Chapter IV. The Prince’s troubles begin.
Chapter V. Tom as a Patrician.
Chapter VI. Tom receives instructions
Chapter VII. Tom’s first royal dinner.
Chapter VIII. The Question of the Seal.
Chapter IX. The river pageant.
Chapter X. The Prince in the toils.
Chapter XI. At Guildhall.
Chapter XII. The Prince and his Deliverer.
Chapter XIII. The disappearance of the Prince.
Chapter XIV. ‘Le Roi est mort—vive le Roi.’
Chapter XV. Tom as King.
Chapter XVI. The State Dinner.
Chapter XVII. Foo-foo the First.
Chapter XVIII. The Prince with the Tramps.
Chapter XIX. The Prince with the peasants.
Chapter XX. The Prince and the hermit.
Chapter XXI. Hendon to the rescue.
Chapter XXII. A Victim of Treachery.
Chapter XXIII. The Prince a prisoner.
Chapter XXIV. The Escape.
Chapter XXV. Hendon Hall.
Chapter XXVI. Disowned.
Chapter XXVII. In Prison.
Chapter XXVIII. The sacrifice.
Chapter XXIX. To London.
Chapter XXX. Tom’s progress.
Chapter XXXI. The Recognition procession.
Chapter XXXII. Coronation Day.
Chapter XXXIII. Edward as King.
Conclusion. Justice and retribution.
FOOTNOTES AND TWAIN’S NOTES