The Prince and the Pauper · Chapter
The Prince with the Tramps explained
Prince Edward, now forced to travel with a gang of vagabonds, endures a harsh march and witnesses their cruel behavior.
What happens
Prince Edward, now forced to travel with a gang of vagabonds, endures a harsh march and witnesses their cruel behavior. He refuses to beg or steal, leading to conflict with Hugo. After a failed begging scheme, Edward escapes and wanders alone, cold and hungry, until he finds shelter in a barn with a calf, where he finally sleeps peacefully.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Edward, a king, is forced to live as a beggar and is treated cruelly due to his ragged clothes, highlighting the vast divide between social classes.
Compassion and Empathy
The benevolent stranger shows kindness to Hugo, while Edward finds comfort in the company of a calf, contrasting the lack of empathy from humans.
Illusion vs. Reality
Edward's royal identity is hidden by his appearance, and he is mistaken for a beggar, blurring the line between his true self and his perceived role.
Characters to notice
- Edward VI
Forced to travel with tramps, refuses to beg or steal, escapes from Hugo, and finds shelter in a barn.
- Hugo
A member of the vagabond troop who tries to force Edward to beg and later attempts a begging scheme.
- John Canty
Commanded to keep away from Edward by the Ruffler, but still present in the troop.
Key passages
“The troop of vagabonds turned out at early dawn, and set forward on their march. There was a lowering sky overhead, sloppy ground under foot, and a winter chill in the air.”
At dawn, the vagabond group began their journey under a gloomy sky, on muddy ground, with cold winter air.
Describes the harsh conditions of the march.
“They snatched linen from the hedges, occasionally in full view of the owners, who made no protest, but only seemed grateful that they did not take the hedges, too.”
They stole laundry from hedges while the owners watched without objecting, relieved they didn't take the hedges themselves.
Illustrates the fear the vagabonds instilled in others.
“The king was not only delighted to find that the creature was only a calf, but delighted to have the calf's company; for he had been feeling so lonesome and friendless that the company and comradeship of even this humble animal were welcome.”
Edward was happy to discover the creature was just a calf and glad for its company, as he felt lonely and friendless.
Shows Edward's relief and comfort in the calf's presence.