The Prince and the Pauper · Chapter
Tom Receives Instructions explained
Tom is instructed by Lord St.
What happens
Tom is instructed by Lord St. John and Lord Hertford to conceal his identity and act as the prince, following King Henry VIII's command. He interacts with Princess Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey, who help him navigate courtly conversation, and prepares for the Lord Mayor's banquet.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Appearance
Tom must hide his true identity and act as the prince, while the lords debate whether he is the real prince or an impostor.
Power and Corruption
The king's command forces Tom to uphold a false identity, highlighting the power dynamics and manipulation within the court.
Compassion and Empathy
Princess Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey show kindness and understanding toward Tom's confusion and mistakes.
Characters to notice
- Tom Canty
Struggles to maintain his princely role, receives instructions from the lords, and is aided by Princess Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey.
- Edward VI
Referenced as the true prince, but not present in the chapter; his commands are conveyed through Lord St. John.
- Henry VIII
Issues commands through Lord St. John regarding Tom's behavior and concealment of his infirmity.
- Lord Hertford
Advises Tom on courtly conduct, whispers instructions, and later meditates on Tom's identity.
- Lord St. John
Delivers the king's instructions to Tom, helps cover Tom's mistakes, and reassures others of Tom's identity.
- Bet
Appears as Princess Elizabeth, who tactfully assists Tom during conversation and changes topics to avoid embarrassment.
- Nan
Appears as Lady Jane Grey, who asks Tom questions and shows disappointment when denied admittance to Lord Guilford Dudley.
Key passages
“Prithee, insist not, my lord; it is not meet that they sit in thy presence.”
Please do not insist, my lord; it is not appropriate for them to sit in your presence.
Lord Hertford instructs Tom on courtly etiquette.
“The king hath said it. None may palter with the king's command, or fit it to his ease, where it doth chafe, with deft evasions.”
The king has spoken. No one may alter or evade his command to suit their own comfort.
Tom accepts the king's instructions resignedly.
“Now were he impostor and called himself prince, look you that would be natural; that would be reasonable. But lived ever an impostor yet, who, being called prince by the king, prince by the court, prince by all, denied his dignity and pleaded against his exaltation?”
If he were an impostor claiming to be prince, that would be natural. But has there ever been an impostor who, when called prince by everyone, denied his own dignity and argued against his own elevation?
Lord Hertford reasons that Tom must be the true prince because he resists the role.