The Prince and the Pauper · Chapter
IV: The Prince's Troubles Begin explained
After being abandoned by the mob, the prince wanders lost through London, bruised and exhausted.
What happens
After being abandoned by the mob, the prince wanders lost through London, bruised and exhausted. He seeks help at Christ's Church but is mocked and attacked by the boys there. Later, he is seized by John Canty, who claims to be his father and drags him away.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The prince, despite his royal identity, is treated as a beggar and subjected to violence and mockery by common boys, highlighting the harsh realities of class and the vulnerability of the powerless.
Identity and Appearance
Edward's true identity is disbelieved because of his ragged appearance; he is judged by his clothes rather than his words, underscoring the theme of mistaken identity.
Compassion and Empathy
Edward resolves to remember the suffering of the poor and to provide education and kindness when he becomes king, showing his growing empathy for the downtrodden.
Characters to notice
- Edward VI
Wanders lost and injured through London, seeks help at Christ's Church, is mocked and attacked, then seized by John Canty.
- John Canty
Finds the prince in the street, claims him as his son, and drags him away despite the prince's protests.
Key passages
“When I am king, they shall not have bread and shelter only, but also teachings out of books; for a full belly is little worth where the mind is starved, and the heart. I will keep this diligently in my remembrance, that this day's lesson be not lost upon me, and my people suffer thereby; for learning softeneth the heart and breedeth gentleness and charity.”
Edward vows that as king he will provide not just food and housing but also education, believing that learning fosters kindness and compassion.
Edward's reflection on the value of education and his commitment to reform.
“Oh, jest not, palter not, delay not!—I am worn, I am wounded, I can bear no more. Take me to the king my father, and he will make thee rich beyond thy wildest dreams. Believe me, man, believe me!—I speak no lie, but only the truth!—put forth thy hand and save me! I am indeed the Prince of Wales!”
Edward desperately pleads with John Canty to take him to the king, promising riches in return, but Canty dismisses him as mad.
Edward's frantic attempt to prove his identity to John Canty.