# Tom's First Royal Dinner explained — The Prince and the Pauper

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

## What happens

Tom Canty, now mistaken for Prince Edward, endures his first formal royal dinner, struggling with the elaborate etiquette and customs of the court. He eats with his fingers, fills his pockets with nuts, and scratches his own nose when it itches, all while the courtiers watch with sorrowful compassion. After the meal, he retreats to his private cabinet, where he tries on a suit of armor but soon abandons it to eat nuts and read a book on court etiquette.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Appearance

Tom's struggle to maintain the appearance of a prince while his true identity as a pauper is revealed through his ignorance of court customs, such as eating with his fingers and not knowing how to use the rosewater dish.

### Illusion vs. Reality

The courtiers treat Tom as the prince despite his bizarre behavior, maintaining the illusion of his royalty while the reality of his pauper background constantly breaks through.

### Power and Corruption

The immense power and privilege of royalty are depicted through the hundreds of servants and elaborate rituals, but also the absurdity and isolation that come with such power, as Tom is unable to perform simple actions like scratching his nose without causing a crisis.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Canty

Tom is dressed for his first royal dinner and struggles with the strict court etiquette, eating with his fingers, filling his pockets with nuts, and scratching his own nose. He later retreats to his cabinet to eat nuts and read a book on court etiquette.

### Edward VI

The true prince is not present in this chapter, but his armor and belongings are mentioned as being in the cabinet where Tom goes.

### Henry VIII

King Henry VIII is not directly present, but the court's strict adherence to protocol reflects his reign's influence.

### Lord St. John

Lord St. John is not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but the courtiers present include the Earl of Berkeley, Lord d'Arcy, and others who serve Tom.

### Lord Hertford

Lord Hertford is not directly mentioned, but the court's careful handling of Tom's 'vagaries' suggests the influence of advisors like Hertford.

## Key lines

> Prithee, take it away, lest in mine unheedfulness it be soiled.

Please take this napkin away, so I don't accidentally get it dirty.

_Tom, unfamiliar with fine napkins, asks for it to be removed to avoid soiling it, showing his humble background._

> I crave your indulgence: my nose itcheth cruelly. What is the custom and usage in this emergence? Prithee, speed, for 'tis but a little time that I can bear it.

Please forgive me, but my nose itches terribly. What is the proper procedure in this situation? Hurry, because I can't stand it much longer.

_Tom's desperate plea reveals the absurdity of court etiquette, as even scratching an itch requires a prescribed ritual._

> Nay, it likes me not, my lord: it hath a pretty flavor, but it wanteth strength.

No, I don't like this, my lord. It has a nice taste, but it's not strong enough.

_Tom mistakes the rosewater finger bowl for a drink, further highlighting his ignorance of court customs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/vii-tom-s-first-royal-dinner
- 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