Summary of The Prince and the Pauper

The Prince and the Pauper is a classic children’s novel written by Mark Twain in 1881. The novel tells the story of two young boys living in sixteenth-century England: Prince Edward, son of Henry VIII, and Tom Canty, a pauper. After learning of their remarkable resemblance, the boys decide to switch places. Edward finds himself in the hostile environment of London’s slums, where he forms an unlikely alliance with a group of outcasts. Meanwhile, Tom is forced to face his fears as he assumes the prince’s role within the royal court. As their adventure unfolds, both boys learn valuable lessons about class, identity, and the consequences of setting aside privilege in pursuit of justice.