# Tom's Meeting with the Prince explained — The Prince and the Pauper

> Chapter companion for The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.

## What happens

Tom Canty, a poor boy from Offal Court, wanders to Westminster Palace and is mistaken for a beggar by a soldier. Prince Edward Tudor intervenes, invites Tom inside, and they share a meal. The two boys discover they look identical and decide to swap clothes. Edward, dressed in Tom's rags, is thrown out of the palace by the soldier, who does not recognize him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Inequality

The stark contrast between Tom's poverty and Edward's royal luxury is highlighted through their clothing, food, and living conditions.

### Identity and Appearance

The boys' identical appearance allows them to swap identities, raising questions about how identity is tied to external circumstances.

### Compassion and Empathy

Edward shows compassion by inviting Tom into the palace and defending him against the soldier, while Tom's stories help Edward imagine a different life.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Canty

A poor boy from Offal Court who meets Prince Edward and swaps clothes with him.

### Edward VI

The Prince of Wales who befriends Tom, swaps clothes, and is thrown out of the palace.

### Henry VIII

Mentioned as the king, Edward's father.

### Father Andrew

The good priest who taught Tom from his books.

### Bet

Tom's twin sister, mentioned as kind like their mother.

## Key lines

> Thou lookest tired and hungry: thou'st been treated ill. Come with me.

You seem exhausted and hungry; you've been mistreated. Follow me.

_Prince Edward invites Tom into the palace after seeing him mistreated by the soldier._

> If that I could but clothe me in raiment like to thine, and strip my feet, and revel in the mud once, just once, with none to rebuke me or forbid, meseemeth I could forego the crown!

If I could wear your clothes and go barefoot to play in the mud without anyone scolding me, I think I could give up the crown.

_Edward expresses a desire to experience Tom's freedom, even if only briefly._

> I am the Prince of Wales, my person is sacred; and thou shalt hang for laying thy hand upon me!

I am the Prince of Wales, my body is inviolable, and you will be hanged for striking me.

_Edward, now dressed as a pauper, asserts his true identity to the soldier who struck him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/iii-tom-s-meeting-with-the-prince
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters