# In Prison explained — The Prince and the Pauper

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

## What happens

King Edward and Miles Hendon are imprisoned together in a crowded cell. Edward converses with fellow prisoners, learning of their harsh sentences and becoming furious at the injustices. He vows to reform the laws when he regains his throne. Hendon wrestles with confusion over Lady Edith's apparent rejection. An old servant, Blake Andrews, recognizes Hendon but pretends not to, offering secret loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The chapter highlights the cruel and arbitrary nature of Tudor justice, with harsh sentences for minor crimes, and Edward's outrage at these injustices.

### Compassion and Empathy

Edward shows deep compassion for the prisoners, especially the women Baptists, and vows to save them.

### Identity and Appearance

Hendon struggles with being unrecognized and falsely accused; Edward's true identity is hidden, causing confusion and doubt.

### Power and Corruption

The jailer's bribery and the arbitrary power of the court system illustrate corruption; Hendon suspects Hugh's manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Edward VI

Chafes at imprisonment, converses with prisoners, learns of their cruel sentences, and vows to show mercy and reform unjust laws.

### Miles Hendon

Moody and bewildered by his reception at home; tormented by Edith's apparent denial of him; finds comfort in the loyalty of Blake Andrews.

### Blake Andrews

Old family servant who secretly recognizes Hendon and pledges loyalty, though publicly denies him to avoid suspicion.

### John Canty

Not directly present but referenced as the father of Tom Canty; not a focus in this chapter.

### Hugh Hendon

Mentioned as the one who might have set up the imprisonment; Hendon suspects his hand in the deception.

### Lady Edith

Hendon obsesses over her conduct, believing she recognized him but denied him for selfish reasons.

## Key lines

> The world is made wrong; kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy.

Society is flawed; rulers should study their own laws to understand mercy.

_Edward expresses his belief that kings need to learn compassion from the laws they enforce._

> He felt much as a man might who had danced blithely out to enjoy a rainbow, and got struck by lightning.

Hendon felt like someone who joyfully went to see a rainbow but was suddenly hit by lightning.

_Describes Hendon's shock and disappointment upon returning home to imprisonment instead of welcome._

> I knew thee the moment I saw thee; and main hard work it was to keep a stony countenance and seem to see none here but tuppenny knaves and rubbish o’ the streets.

I recognized you instantly, and it was very difficult to keep a straight face and pretend you were just a worthless scoundrel.

_Blake Andrews secretly reveals his loyalty to Hendon while publicly denying him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/xxvii-in-prison
- 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