Prince and the Pauper

Author: Mark Twain (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: On a certain autumn day in the mid-16th century, two boys were born in England. One was born into the poor Conti family, living in a small alley called "Garbage Yard" near London Bridge, while the other was born into the wealthy Tudor family. Young Tom Conti was unpopular and did not receive love from his parents. His rough and violent father often forced him to engage in petty theft. To forget all of this, he often daydreamed, with the (palace) and Prince Edward being his fantasy themes. One day, nine-year-old Tom came to the gates of the, saw Prince Edward, and the prince also saw him and invited him inside to play. Inside the, Tom was as happy as a lark, describing the free life outside the palace walls, which made the prince want to trade clothes with him. From this decision, the prince began his life of nine near-death adventures. Under the coercion of his "father," John Conti, he became a member of a theft ring. He endured all the ridicule, mockery, and humiliation suffered by the oppressed and despised lower classes in England. He never forgot his royal identity, the dignity of the monarchy, and the family's hope for him to become the King of England. Due to the friendship and care of Miles Hendon, he vowed to make Hendon a knight. Hendon was determined to take in the boy, believing he was mentally unstable. In the, Tom Conti, dressed in the prince's lavish clothes, was also considered mad. Thus, the royal family spared no effort to keep the nation from learning the truth. His ailing father—King Henry VIII—said that if he rested and was properly cared for, the young prince might regain his senses. But whether he was mad or not, he had to be the king. The Prince and the Pauper has been beloved by both adults and children since its first publication in 1880. Children focus on the appreciation of the story's plot, overlooking Mark Twain's critique of poverty and slavery; adults, beyond the bizarre plot, perceive deeper meanings and thus enjoy the book. Walt Disney adapted the book into a film, making it one of the most beloved films for children. The film, much like Mark Twain's work upon its release, deeply captivated Americans. In America, anything could happen, so it was no surprise that a poor orphan could ascend to the throne. On a certain autumn day in the mid-16th century, an old London family with the surname Conti had a boy, but they did not welcome him. On the same day, another English boy was born, and he came from a wealthy family with the surname Tudor.