The plot has many little twists and turns that keep it unpredictable. Though the violence and vocabulary levels are rather higher than I would expect in a children's book, The Prince and the Pauper deserves a place on every family's shelf. God's name is taken in vain throughout the book. None of the violence is described at all, other than Edward and Tom's reactions to seeing or hearing about it. Both Tom and Edward are believed to be mad. Various characters are threatened with execution. A minor character lives in fear of her dangerous husband. Edward sees a woman burned at the stake for being a Baptist. Various punishments and methods of execution are described, including being slowly boiled alive. Edward's own Christianity is not mentioned.Ĭharacters get beaten by Canty (Tom's father) and others. A woman Edward befriends is in prison for being a Baptist. An old man claims to be an archangel, and a couple of characters appear to believe him. God's name is used freely without meaning. He grows to be a much gentler and humbler person, while keeping all of his integrity and morals. Edward begins somewhat proud and spoiled, but he is deeply appreciative of others' sacrifices for him, and promises to right those who have been condemned unjustly. Meanwhile the selflessness and love of others is highly commended. While many minor characters are cruel, deceitful, and wicked, their deeds are marked as wrong. And while Tom is forced to fill in for him, Edward discovers the injustice and cruel difficulties of a peasant's life. As Edward is locked out of the palace, Tom learns the hardships and pleasures of being prince. When beggar Tom Canty and royal Edward Tudor discover that they look alike and switch clothes, the whole kingdom is affected. Excellent historical fiction with some violence.
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