lapped – enfolded, enveloped
paupers – extremely poor people
revellers – partygoers
1. Describe the reaction of the Canty family to Tom’s birth
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The Prince and the Pauper
Study Guide
Chapter I
Vocabulary
lapped – enfolded, enveloped
paupers – extremely poor people
revellers – partygoers
1. Describe the reaction of the Canty family to Tom’s birth.
2. Describe the reaction of the royal family to the birth of Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales.
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Chapter II
bedstead – the frame of a bed ceremonious – formal, solemn chamberlains – high-ranking court of officials clad – dressed, clothed comrades – friends, companions courtly – in a royal manner decrees – rulings, commands despondently – hopelessly, dejectedly equerries – attendants who manage the horses of a royal household . ends – evil or cruel people forlorn – sad, lonely genii – mythological guardian spirits gilded – covered with gold lament – to mourn or grieve melancholy – sad, depressed mendicancy – the act of begging for a living mimic – to imitate murky – dim, gloomy obeisances – respectful gestures | perplexities – problems, questions picturesque – attractive, striking princelings – young princes profoundly – extremely, intensely rabble – a mob, crowd regal – royal reverent – respectful, worshipful salaaming – bowing in a particular way sordidness – a disgusting quality or state stealthily – furtively, quietly stringent – severe, strict thrash – to beat or whip throng – a crowd viceroyalties – governorships under the rule of a king or queen wherefore – for what reason withal – in addition wretchedly – miserably, pitifully wrought – formed, produced |
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1. Why is Tom Canty’s attitude on life surprising?
2. How does Father Andrew contribute to Tom’s life?
3. How does Twain foreshadow Tom’s becoming a prince?
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The Prince and the Pauper
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Chapter III
an ’ –[archaic ]if bastions – strongholds, fortresses bereaved – deprived; suffering the loss of a loved one box – a blow or hit buskins – a particular type of laced boots cofferer – a treasurer, one responsible for funds comely – attractive countenance – the facial expression cudgel – a type of club doff – to take off doff – to take off doff enow – [archaic ]enough fleetest – fastest garlanded – wreathed, decorated gateway – an entryway gaudy – showy, ornate halberds – long, axe-like weapons used during the 15th and 16th centuries indignation – righteous anger jaunty – lively, dashing lackeys – minions, assistants | maltreated – treated badly, mistreated marry – [archaic ]indeed meanest – poorest meet – [archaic ] fitting or proper mien – the appearance ,manner molest – to bother or harass musing – thinking, pondering plumage – the feathers of a bird portal – a doorway prithee – [archaic ]I pray thee; I ask of you quaint – charming, old-fashioned raiment – clothing rebuke – to reprimand or scold repast – a meal scantly – slightly, scarcely sentinels – lookouts, guards sentry – a guard spectacle – a sight, scene tolerably – acceptably turrets – towers, battlements |
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1. What literary term is demonstrated in the following quote, and what is its effect?
“Splendid carriages, with splendid people in them and splendid servants outside, were arriving and departing …” (Pg. 20)
2. What prayer of Tom’s is answered?
3. What is the first impression Twain gives the reader of the prince’s character?
4. What two literary terms are used in the following quote?
“…they stopped stock still where they were, like so many statues.” (Pg. 21)
5. Notice the way Twain has the characters speak. What is this use of speech called?
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6. How does the prince react to the knowledge that Tom’s grandmother beats him?
7. Twain uses opposing viewpoints to illustrate the differences in the two boys. Give one example.
8. What does the prince envy about Tom’s life?
9. Who has the idea to swap clothes and lives for a brief time?
10. In a rage, the prince shouts for the soldier who has mistreated Tom to open the gates, and the soldier obeys his voice. When the prince, clothed in rags, comes into the soldier’s view, he is thrown into the mud. What theme does this sudden change represent?
The Prince and the Pauper
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Chapter IV
belike – [archaic ]it seems like besmirched – tarnished, soiled boisterous – energetic, lively bounty – a gift or reward buffeted – battered, rocked diligently – industriously, conscientiously disporting – playing, frolicking gibbet – the gallows, the structure upon which hangings take place hale – to force to go or to move homage – reverence, worship palter – to speak insincerely; to quibble | pensioners – people who get a monetary allowance plebeian – working-class, common prodigious – huge, immense reverence – respect, worship ruffian – a thug, criminal sally – a witty comment or saying scaffoldings – temporary platforms used during the construction of buildings spurned – rejected, snubbed squalid – filthy, repulsive vermin – pests, such as rats or fleas |
1. What is ironic about the treatment of the prince at the church?
2. How does the prince hope to be saved from his dilemma?
3. What literary term is illustrated in the following quote?
4. What does Tom Canty give up when he does not believe the prince is the king’s son?
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Chapter V
albeit – although antechamber – a hall, foyer attainted – condemned due to a serious crime baleful – menacing ,threatening balked – hindered, thwarted beguile – to divert one ’s attention benumbed – made numb courtiers – attendants in a royal court cozen – to deceive or cheat diffidently – shyly, hesitantly distemper – an illness gallows – the structure upon which hangings occur grievously – gravely, severely liege – a respectful term, usually meaning lord or majesty malady – an illness | menial – a servant morrow – the next day, tomorrow patrician – an aristocrat, upper-class person peradventure – possibly reproachfully – in an scolding or accusatory way requite – to pay back scurvy – hateful, contemptible smitten – having been hit stead – in the position or place of another sumptuous – luxurious, lavish supplicating – begging, pleading tarry – to delay or linger trifles – little things, unimportant things unmarred – unblemished, not damaged or tarnished whither – where
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1. How much time passes before Tom is bored with the prince’s things and has a change in mood?
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2. What literary term is used in the following quote?
“…young pages of high degree, clothed like butterflies …” ((Pg. 30)
3. What is ironic about Tom begging to be saved?
4. What convinces the king his son is mad?
5. What must happen before the prince’s installation as king?
6. What literary term is used in the following quote describing Tom?
“His old dreams had been so pleasant; but this reality was so dreary!” (Pg. 34)
The Prince and the Pauper
Study Guide
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Chapter VI
Vocabulary
appertain – to pertain to assailed – attacked broidered – embroidered; decorated or adorned with needlework deft – skillful, adept diligence – tirelessness, hard work exaltation – glorification, adoration filch – to steal forestalled – prevented, hindered heedless – neglectful, careless illustrious – famous, memorable irreverence – disrespect lineaments – distinctive lines or features of the face nought – nothing
| o ’erwrought – overwrought; tense, stressed, overexcited ordainment – an order or command salver – a type of serving tray semblance – resemblance, appearance servitor – an attendant stripling – an adolescent styes – enclosed areas for pigs trow – [archaic ] to think verily – in truth very –the exact one vigilant – watchful, alert wont – accustomed
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1. What is the king’s command relayed by St. John to the prince?
2. What does Twain mean by the sentence, “Snags and sandbars grew less and less
frequent…”? (Pg. 38)
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3. Why does Tom begin to feel at ease about going to the banquet?
4. Who is “piloting a great ship through a dangerous channel”? (Pg. 38) Explain.
5. Why is Tom unable to rest?
6. How does St. John commit treason?
7. What reason does St. John give for his opinion of the prince?
8. How does St. John convince himself the prince is not a fake?
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Chapter VII
Vocabulary
constitutional – basic, essential discomposure – agitation, uneasiness divan – a type of sofa eccentricity – a peculiarity, strangeness gauntlets – steel-plated gloves worn with a suit of armor greaves – armor for the legs martial – relating to the military panoply – the full armor of a warrior or soldier | resignedly – wearily, tiredly ruff – a type of collar worn during the 16 and 17th centuries tribulation – distress, suffering unheedfulness – carelessness vagaries – whims, capricious notions or ideas wainscoting – a type of paneling on the walls of a room
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1. Why does Twain describe all the prince’s servants in so much detail?
2. What simple acts make Tom happy?
3. Explain the incident about Tom’s unwillingness at first to scratch his own nose.
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Chapter VIII
Vocabulary
coveted – wanted, desired inarticulate – incoherent, unintelligible mitre – a type of tall, pointed hat usually worn by bishops pallor – paleness | restoratives – cures, healing aids sith – [archaic ]since slavish – unquestioning, mindless suffice – to be sufficient or adequate
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1. Why does the king want the Seal?
The Prince and the Pauper
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Chapter IX
accoutrements – accessories, trappings aldermen – members of a town legislature armorial – pertaining to coats of arms arras – a tapestry or wall hanging blazon – a coat of arms cavaliers – armed horsemen coifs – tight fitting caps damask – a type of elaborately patterned fabric damask – a type of elaborately patterned fabric damask deputation – a delegation, commission doublets – jacket-like garments emblazoned – ornamented, especially with coats of arms or other symbol ermine – the fur of a weasel esquires – men aspiring to knighthood gilt – covered with gold habiliments – uniforms denoting rank or position habited – dressed in a distinctive costume halberdiers – guards armed with axe-like weapons called halberds liveries – uniforms | mace – a type of medieval club with spikes at the top mantles – cloaks minever – [archaic ] a type of fur used as trimming,, especially in ceremonial dress murrey – a purplish color myriads – multitudes, masses pourpoints – quilted doublets prelude – the introductory part pretensions – outward shows or displays principality – a region or territory presided over by a prince prows – the bows (front parts)of ships purfled – having a decorative border resounded – echoed, resonated ribanded – adorned with ribbons staves – staffs or rods tabard – a loose coat opened at the sides, worn by knights over their armor taffeta – a type of glossy fabric tawny – yellowish-brown |
1. Twain uses imagery in this chapter to describe the river pageant. Cite an example.
2. What is the purpose of this short chapter, which is primarily description?
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Chapter X
Vocabulary
aspect – the facial expression belabored – beat on, attacked cleave – to cling to commingling – blending together commiseration – pity, sympathy contrive – to plan or arrange denounce – to condemn, criticize ejaculation – a sudden exclamation frowsy – unkempt, slovenly habituated – accustomed, familiar with heedfully – carefully | interposing – intervening; stepping in knave – an immoral man loathsome – hateful manifest – obvious, apparent relinquish – to give up spurious – false, fake tallow – a mixture of animal fat used to make candles and soaps usurper – one who takes something without the legal right to do so
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1. What literary term is illustrated in the following quotes?
“The insulted blood mounted to the little prince’s cheek once more.…” (Pg.54)
“The stunning surprise of this reply nailed the hag’s feet to the floor …” (Pg.54)
2. Why does Tom’s mother think he has gone mad?
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3. How does the prince show compassion toward Tom’s mother?
4. The prince “slept like the dead.” This quote is an example of which literary term?
5. Twain describes the crowd in the streets as “a swarming hive of humanity” and as “that tossing sea of life.” (Pg. 59) Twain uses what literary device in these quotes?
6. What does Edward realize in the crowded streets of merry-makers, and what does he plan to do?
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Chapter XI
Vocabulary
bawdkin – an embroidered material made of silk and gold threads bawdricks – ornamented belts worn across the chest beruffled – stirred or rippled cannell-bone – the collarbone curs – dogs extant – in existence girded – encircled goad – to provoke or incite incrusted – encrusted; coated, covered jubilant – joyful, ecstatic laden – loaded | limpid – clear, transparent magnates – powerful people minstrels – musicians mortification – degradation, humiliation prerogative – a privilege, right prostrate – face down, horizontal rapier – a sword solemnity – seriousness stupefying – astonishing, bewildering sublime – inspiring, magnificent traversed – crossed, passed through voyded – having a part cut out
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1. Who comes to the rescue of the prince as he is mocked for demanding admission into Guildhall?
2. Explain how Miles Hendon is a bridge between the prince’s current life and his former life.
3. What is the announcement from the palace messenger?
4. What is the proclamation made by Tom as king?
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Chapter XII
Vocabulary
ablutions – washings accolade – a tribute, honor alacrity – eagerness, quickness arbitrament – the deciding of a dispute by a judge bandying – discussing frivolously baronet – a nobleman who ranks below a baron beseech – to beg boon – a benefit, advantage covetous – envious, jealous gallant – chivalrous, gentlemanly haberdasheries – shops selling men ’s accessories haggard – worn-down inane – silly interminable – unending
| livid – pale oppressive – overwhelming, overpowering precedent – an example or model privation – a hardship, adversity proprietors – owners redoubtable – formidable, impressive renowned – famous, well-known rheums – watery discharges from the nose and mouth thought to be indicative of illness romaunt – romantic story; romantic speech soliloquizing – talking to oneself spectre – a ghost or phantom suborned – bribed, corrupted thither – there waif – an orphaned or homeless child waif – an orphaned or homeless child waif |
1. What are the emotions of the prince, now king, at the news of Henry’s death, and how do they change?
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2. What literary term is demonstrated in the quote describing the decaying heads on London Bridge?
3. What literary term is demonstrated when Hendon, talking to himself, describes his dedication and concern for the king?
4. How does Miles Hendon describe his brother Hugh, and what does the description foreshadow?
5. Why is Miles Hendon away from his home?
6. What request does Hendon make in response to the Edward’s offer of a reward?
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Chapter XIII
Vocabulary
athwart – across; from one end to the other detestable – hateful dissipated – dissolved meddle – to interfere paltry – worthless, trivial | perplexity – bewilderment, confusion prating – idle chatter profane – to abuse; to treat with disrespect ruefully – regretfully scrivener – a writer or scribe |
1. Why does Hendon leave the king alone?
2. How is the king taken from Hendon?
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Chapter XIV
Vocabulary
aggrandizements – exaggerations annulled – cancelled, terminated apace – quickly assemblage – a crowd or group asunder – into separate parts augmented – enlarged, increased august – imposing, grand brevity – shortness, briefness calamity – a disaster, misfortune coffers – the treasury; funds deign – to stoop; condescend doltish – stupid ducal – pertaining to a duke executors – people responsible for carrying out the will of another fervidly – passionately indiscretion – a blunder, mistake | intercede – to intervene or mediate irksome – annoying obsequies – funeral ceremonies pallid – pale personages – people of distinction, celebrities plaintively – sadly, mournfully preamble – an introduction or preface rapturous – ecstatic, delighted ratifying – endorsing, authorizing repose – relaxation; peacefulness slovenly – sloppy, careless squandering – spending wastefully treble – to triple unscathed – unharmed viscount – a nobleman whose rank is just below that of an earl wanton – reckless; careless |
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1. What shocks Tom about the finances of the court?
2. Who is Humphrey Marlow, and why does he beg Edward not to “burn thy books”? (Pg. 83)
3. Why is the earl shocked and convinced the king has gone mad again?
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Chapter XV
abhor – to hate alteration – a change or modification aver – to assert or claim callow – inexperienced, immature cataclysm – a catastrophe, disaster consequential – important, significant cordially – warmly, sincerely covenant – an agreement or contract expediency – appropriateness, suitability fettered – restricted, confined forbore – refrained, held back grisly – gruesome, horrible hindrance – an obstacle or barrier imperious – authoritative, commanding impetuous – impulsive, rash | imploringly – pleadingly, in a begging manner indecorum – lack of good taste; impropriety league – a measurement of distance equal to about three miles manifestations – expressions, demonstrations marred – blemished, tarnished perilous – dangerous scaffold – the platform upon which condemned people are executed severity – harshness, cruelty van – the front part of a group or force wending – proceeding along wot – [archaic ] know woundily – [archaic ]excessively or extremely zeal – enthusiasm, passion
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1. To what two things is Tom Canty’s kingship compared in the beginning of the chapter?
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2. What does Tom dread about his fourth day as king, and why is this ironic?
3. Why does the earl say, “History will remember [your grace’s noble words] to the honor of your royal house.” (Pg.91)
4. Why do the people think Tom is sane?
5. How is Tom so sure the man is innocent?
6. How does Tom save the woman and her child who are accused of selling themselves to the devil?
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Chapter XVI
acclamations – applause, cheering garret – an upper floor or loft pilasters – architectural columns that are set into a wall salt-cellar – a container used for holding salt; saltshaker | scabbard – a sheath for a sword sceptre (scepter )– a staff held by a king or queen which symbolizes royal authority veneration – worship, adoration, respect |
1. Twain shifts points of view several times in this chapter. Describe those points of view, and in your opinion, how do these shifts add to the story?
2. What seems to be happening to Tom, and what is the significance of the last sentence in the chapter?
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Chapter XVII
adornments – decorations, ornamentations beldame – an ugly and hateful old woman billet – a piece of firewood blasphemy – profanity, sacrilege brazen – bold, shameless commendation – praise, approval dell – archaic term for a vagrant girl derisive – mocking, sarcastic dialect – a way of speaking particular to a region disencumbered – unburdened husbandmen – farmers implements – tools insolence – rudeness, disrespect ironical – sarcastic, mocking mendicants – beggars motliest – worst-looking; most diverse or varied murmurous – low and indistinct ogre – a monster | orgy – a party marked by overindulgence and unrestrained behavior placard – a poster or sign proffered – offered, gave reviling – insulting rue – to regret sanctify – to bless or make holy scourgings – severe punishments; whippings sentiment – feeling, emotion slatternly – slovenly, messy sovereignty – royal authority stalwart – muscular, brawny starveling – a starved person or animal truculent – defiant, hostile unstinted – continuous, unstopped villainous – wicked wench – a young woman whence – from where |
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1. How does the youth who takes the king convince the king to follow?
2. Why is John Canty in a disguise, and why does he change his name to John Hobbs?
3. Why does Edward come into the crowd of ruffians?
4. How do the ruffians treat the king after he professes to be Edward, King of England?
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Chapter XVIII
abate – to subside or decrease benevolent – kind chaff – to tease or mock epithets – derogatory or abusive terms used to characterize people inscrutable – dif . cult to make out or understand kine – [archaic ] cattle | levy – to impose a tax; confiscate property petulant – irritable, bad-tempered pungent – strong, sharp in taste or odor ribald – vulgar, lewd spectral – ghostly uncanny – eerie, strange waive – to give up rights; pass |
1. How does the king free himself from Hugo?
2. What literary term is demonstrated in the following quote? Hugo ran “off like the wind.” (Pg.111)
3. Explain a theme revealed in the following quote: “His [the king’s] clothes were against him.” (Pg.112)
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4. Describe Twain’s use of suspense in the barn scene.
5. What is the climax of the conflict in the barn?
6. Twain uses alliteration throughout the novel. Give an example from this chapter.
7 When is the king ironically comfortable?
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Chapter XIX
atone – to make amends dissertation – an essay or critique eloquent – articulate, well-spoken magnanimous – generous, fair menial – unskilled, basic ostensible – supposed, apparent | sagacity – wisdom sidling – edging toward, creeping toothsome – edible, tasty trenchers – wooden serving trays victuals – food
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1. The two little girls believe the boy in their barn is the king simply because they believe his word. What theme does this trust reflect?
2. Why does the mother let the “tramp” sit at the family table?
3. How does Edward view the mother?
4. Why does the king agree to drown the kittens after he originally refuses?
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Chapter XX
archangel – a spiritual being one rank above an angel articulating – expressing, verbalizing descried – caught sight of, observed disposition – a tendency, inclination fagot – a bundle of sticks futile – useless, pointless gloaming – twilight judiciously – sensibly, wisely patriarchs – elders, fathers placid – calm | prattling – chattering repine – to complain reposeful – calm, restful repulsion – disgust sanctuary – a refuge, shelter sublimities – things which are lofty or exalted; splendid thong – a leather strap used for tying or binding venturesome – daring, adventurous vindictive – spiteful, malicious whetstone – a stone utilized to sharpen cutting tools |
1. To escape John Canty, where does the king go and who does he meet?
2. Why does the king’s mood change suddenly from hope to hopelessness?
3. Why does the hermit want to kill Edward?
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Chapter XXI
abstraction – vagueness; pensiveness apostrophe – talking to an object or an unthinking thing complaisance – the willingness to comply with another’s wishes or demands copse – a thicket of shrubs despatch (dispatch )– to send off forsook – abandoned, deserted | impotent – powerless, helpless unprofane – without blasphemy or profanity unutterable – unspeakable, indescribable usury – lending money at an extremely high interest rate utmost – greatest, highest
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1. Whose voice does the king hear as the hermit lifts the knife?
2. How does the hermit deceive Hendon?
3. Why is the king happy to see John Canty and Hugo?
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Chapter XXII
alms – charitable donations to the poor contemptuously – hatefully covertly – secretly cowed – intimidated implacable – merciless, relentless infamous – villainous ,wicked | lubberly – clumsy, dull-witted poultice – a heated mixture applied to aching or inflamed body parts railleries – bouts of teasing or ridicule respite – a reprieve or break unslaked – not combined with water |
1. How does the king earn the title “King of the Game-Cocks”? (Pg. 133)
2. How does Hugo plan to force the king to beg?
3. How does Hugo plan to get rid of the king?
4. After Hugo attempts to frame the king, an angry mob attacks. Who convinces the mob to let the law handle the “thief "?
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Chapter XXII
consternation – dismay, worry
decorum – good manners
ominous – threatening
1. What advice does Hendon give the king? What literary term does Twain use?
2. Why does Hendon “turn pale …with an electric shiver of dismay”? (Pg. 138)
3. Why does the woman change the value of the pig?
4. What does the officer hide?
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Chapter XXIV
barratry – term for various criminal offenses, including selling favors and taking bribes commutation – the downgrading of a punishment to something less severe halter – a noose used in hangings | malfeasance – misconduct, especially by a public official misprision – wrongdoing, especially by a public official nathless – [archaic ] nevertheless paralytic – paralyzed, unable to move |
1. How does Hendon save the king from the jail sentence?
2. To what does the constable agree?
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Chapter XXV
blithely – merrily; without a care brook – to tolerate or allow deflections – swerving or turning to the side fervency – passion, ardor hillock – a small hill | illiberal – not generous or abundant leal – [archaic ] loyal,, faithful prodigal – a wasteful or reckless person undulations – wave-like movements
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1. What type of welcome does Hendon expect at Hendon Hall, and what type of welcome does he get?
2. What is ironic about the following quote by the king?
“Mind not thy mischance, good man; there be others in the world whose identity is denied, and whose claims are derided.” (Pg. 149)
3. What does Miles Hendon have that the king does not have?
4. What does Hendon believe is Hugh’s crime?
5. What new surprises occur at the end of the chapter?
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Chapter XXVI
miscreant – a troublemaker or scoundrel
1. What does Edward think is strange about the kingdom?
2. What is the king’s latest plan to regain his identity as heir to the throne?
3. What does Hendon do with the letter?
4. What warning does Lady Edith give Hendon?
5. What confession does Hendon have?
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Chapter XXVII
arraigned – accused, charged carle – an immoral man chafed – became irritated or annoyed dauntless – resolute, fearless eddying – swirling harry – to harass or bother interlarded – enriched, embellished manacled – handcuffed or shackled ministrations – caring or attentive gestures pillory – a wooden structure with holes for the head and hands in which accused criminals were placed for public punishment | oppress – to tyrannize or keep down precipitating – hastening, causing, triggering quadrangle – a type of rectangular courtyard repudiated – rejected, denied revery (reverie)– a daydream or trance seditious – subversive, treasonable subordinates – minions, underlings taciturn – reserved, silent, reticent tumult – uproar, commotion tuppenny – two pennies urchin – an imp or brat varlets – rascals, knaves |
1. What quote does Twain uses to describe Miles Hendon’s feelings while in jail? Explain it.
2. How does the servant, Blake Andrews, help the king and Miles Hendon?
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3. What does the king learn from Blake Andrews?
4. What is ironic about the two women being burned at the stake?
5. What change does Hendon observe in Edward, and what changes Hendon’s mind?
6. What lesson is expressed in this chapter?
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Chapter XXVIII
clamor – an uproar, commotion defiled – tainted, tarnished gauds – showy decorations or ornaments henchman – a loyal disciple or followed | remission – a lessening, reduction sardonic – scornful, mocking tinselled – covered in showy but valueless glitter unreverent (irreverent )– disrespectful |
1. Why does the king resolve himself to allow beatings when he is demanding that others wash and dress him?
2. How is the king saved from the beating?
3. Why does the king stay silent instead of protesting Miles Hendon’s offer to be beaten in his place?
4. What does the king do to show his appreciation to Miles Hendon?
5. How does the crowd pay homage to Miles Hendon for his heroic deed?
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Chapter XXIX
evanescent – brief, fleeting
expedients – maneuvers, devices
imputation – an accusation or charge
manifold – various, many
1. What is Miles Hendon’s last hope for restoring Hendon Hall and his true love?
2. How do the king and Miles get separated?
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Chapter XXX
adulation – adoration, worship
penury – poverty
vassals – subordinates, dependants
1. How does Tom feel about Edward, the lost and true king?
2. How does Tom describe his feelings when he thinks of his mother and sisters?
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Chapter XXXI
aldermanic – of or pertaining to aldermen arrayed – dressed, clothed batteries – percussion sections of an orchestra boding – omen-like burnished – glossy, gleaming celerity – speed, swiftness compulsory – required, obligatory derided – ridiculed, mocked effigy – an image eulogistic – pertaining to a tribute exultation – joy, ecstasy furbelows – ruffles guilds – trade associations, unions largess – money or gifts given lustreless – without gleam or shine nigh – near ostentatiously – showily, flamboyantly, pretentiously | perdition – eternal damnation perpetuated – kept up, continued phraseology – phrasing, wording piteous – pathetic, pitiful populace – the general public procession – a march or parade progenitors – ancestors remonstrance – an act of pleading or protest rent – torn, split resplendent – splendid, magnificent riveted – fastened, fixed smote – hit, as if with a heavy blow solicitude – concern, worry tableaux – a picture or representation transfigured – transformed, changed venerable – respected, esteemed vigorous – forceful, strong |
1. What does Tom say is “the one thing worth living for in this world”? (Pg.174)
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2. Who recognizes Tom in the royal procession, and how does Tom react?
3. What changes Tom’s mind about the grandeur of his current life?
4. What simile describes the pageant, and what is its significance?
5. Why does the Lord Protector want the king to smile at the people?
6. Why does the duke think the king’s downcast face is an omen?
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Chapter XXXII
anointed – dabbed with oil in a ceremonial way apparition – a ghostly or unusual vision appurtenances – additions, accessories artisan – a craftsman coigns – cornerstones or projecting angles within a building communed – conversed, communicated comported – agreed, harmonized concourse – a crowd or gathering conjunction – a union, a joining together coronet – a small crown, tiara corrugated – ridged, grooved divers – various dowagers – widows with property and high social status effectually – adequately ensued – followed, proceeded
| envoy – a representative, ambassador fealty – loyalty floundered – faltered, struggled graved – engraved heralded – proclaimed, announced indignant – angry, offended palpitates – throbs, pulses palsy – a shaking peeress – a noblewoman pervaded – permeated, saturated pother – a commotion or fuss suffuses – fills, saturates transept – an area in a church vantage – a strategic or superior position variegated – multicolored vestments – official garments |
1. Twain’s reference to Solomon is an illustration of what literary term? Why do you think Twain uses this allusion?
2. How does Twain describe the crowd on page 180, and what two literary terms does he use?
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3. What is the climax of the conflict at the coronation, and how does Twain build the suspense?
4. Why do the authorities fail to “seize the vagabond!”? (Pg.182)
5. What final question does the Lord Protector ask “the vagabond”?
6. When the Great Seal is not in the location disclosed by Edward, the Lord Protector states his shock at bulky, massive, golden disk disappearing. How does this lead to its location?
7. Why does the king have mercy on Tom?
8. Why does the king tell the Duke of Somerset that he is not a duke but an earl?
9. What convinces all, once and for all, that Tom is not the true king?
The Prince and the Pauper
Study Guide
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Chapter XXXIII
aught – anything blenched – blanched ,became pale canvassed – scrutinized or investigated clove – divided or split flunkies – assistants, lackeys inconspicuous – discreet, unnoticed lee – the sheltered side of an object or structure | mesmerizes – hypnotizes or captivates ordained – ordered, decreed torpid – lazy, stagnant transfixed – mesmerized, hypnotized veritable – authentic, real, genuine wrathful – furious, enraged
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1. Why does Miles Hendon want to find Sir Humphrey Marlow?
2. How does the whipping-boy know Miles Hendon?
3. Miles Hendon asks if the whipping-boy knows Marlow. What is surprising about the whipping-boy’s response?
4. Why does the officer seize Miles Hendon?
5. What ironic twist of fate does Miles Hendon experience?
6. How and why does the king reward Tom?
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Conclusion Vocabulary
accession – attainment of rank or office benignant – kind, gracious leniency – clemency, mercy, compassion | relict – the surviving one; one living after another person ’s death remitted – abated, decreased retribution – revenge |
1. How is this an “all’s well that ends well” novel? Give specific examples.
2. How does the king see that justice is done?
3. Why does Twain say we should remember Edward VI?
4. What profound statement does the king make when his subjects question his compassion? In your opinion, does the statement summarize a major theme in the novel? Explain.
5. What do you think of the large number of coincidences that occur in the book? Is it realistic that so many people are related, or rescuers appear at precisely the right moment?
