Certain experiences are transformative, permanently changing world-view and future actions. Edward IV from Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper experiences this when he is interlarded into the impoverished life of Tom Canty. Before he met Tom, Edward was a spoiled, though kind-hearted, young prince who always had his own way. When he was first thrust out of his comfortable life, Edward tries to maintain his royal ways, but slowly learns to adjust to his surroundings, and by the end of the book he is a better person and a wiser king.
Edward’s character is developed throughout The Prince and the Pauper by the injustice he sees, the hardship he endures, and the degradation he faces.
To begin with, the injustice Edward sees encourages his mercy. Throughout his journey as Tom Canty, Edward encounters many injustices caused by the stringent law, including many of the gang members’ circumstances and the two Baptist women. Edward and Miles Hendon were also treated unjustly, when Hugh wishes to whip Edward and Miles takes his place. Edward’s kind heart is touched by the suffering he sees, and after the two women were burned, he says, “The world is made wrong: kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy” …show more content…
While he tries to recover his position as king, Edward faces the many difficulties of life in the streets. He is chased by jeering crowds, beaten about by John Canty, and is almost killed many times. Edward learns what it is like to be hungry, something he would never have experienced as a prince. When he returns to his position as king, Edward changes many things to help his people, despite the protests of his dignitaries that he is too lenient. Edward tells them, “What dost thou know of suffering and oppression? I and my people know, but not thou” (Twain 146). Edward learned to understand his people because he was one of them, and he became a gentle and compassionate
Edward’s character is developed throughout The Prince and the Pauper by the injustice he sees, the hardship he endures, and the degradation he faces.
To begin with, the injustice Edward sees encourages his mercy. Throughout his journey as Tom Canty, Edward encounters many injustices caused by the stringent law, including many of the gang members’ circumstances and the two Baptist women. Edward and Miles Hendon were also treated unjustly, when Hugh wishes to whip Edward and Miles takes his place. Edward’s kind heart is touched by the suffering he sees, and after the two women were burned, he says, “The world is made wrong: kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy” …show more content…
While he tries to recover his position as king, Edward faces the many difficulties of life in the streets. He is chased by jeering crowds, beaten about by John Canty, and is almost killed many times. Edward learns what it is like to be hungry, something he would never have experienced as a prince. When he returns to his position as king, Edward changes many things to help his people, despite the protests of his dignitaries that he is too lenient. Edward tells them, “What dost thou know of suffering and oppression? I and my people know, but not thou” (Twain 146). Edward learned to understand his people because he was one of them, and he became a gentle and compassionate