“The Prince and the Pauper” by Mark Twain is a historical novel that explores themes of identity, class, and social injustice. Set in 16th-century London, it follows two boys—Tom Canty, a destitute pauper, and Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales—who share an uncanny resemblance. When a chance encounter leads them to swap places, they experience life from opposite ends of society.
Tom, raised in poverty and cruelty, dreams of a better life, while Edward, though surrounded by wealth, is unaware of the struggles beyond the palace walls. Their roles reversed, Tom navigates the expectations of royalty, while Edward endures the harsh realities of the streets. Through their journeys, Twain delivers a sharp critique of social inequality, making this novel both an adventure and a powerful reflection on privilege and justice.
- Pages: 340
- Published: 1881
- Author: Mark Twain
Oscar Wilde Quote
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
Oscar Wilde | An Irish poet and playwright
