Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Prince and the Pauper, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Appearances vs. Reality
Wealth, Poverty, and Morality
Justice
Nature vs. Nurture
Summary
Analysis
That evening, the Thames is full of splendid boats and colorful lanterns. The steps of a large terrace are full of halberdiers who scatter once a command is given. Dozens of state barges pull up to the point where the stairs meet the water. Dignitaries, ambassadors, knights, and gentlemen dressed in splendid clothes from all over Europe come down the stairs while trumpets blast. Hertford appears and makes a sweeping bow. Another blast of the trumpets and a voice commanding people to make way indicate that Edward, the Prince of Wales, is about to appear. Tom walks out wearing fine clothes studded with pearls and other jewels and soberly nods his head in greeting to his admirers. It is quite a spectacle to see Tom Canty, who was born in a gutter, stepping out as prince.
Tom’s first public outing helps solidify his place as prince. It also gives him a taste of what being a real prince is like. For the first time in his life, Tom isn’t treated as a problem or as insignificant—he is at the center of everyone’s attention and he seems to be universally admired. Given his upbringing in an impoverished and abusive household, this sense of power and importance could prove to be intoxicating over time—even for someone as kindhearted and introspective as Tom.
Themes
