# Tom Receives Instructions explained — The Prince and the Pauper

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/vi-tom-receives-instructions
- 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