The Prince and the Pauper

In Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper, two boys trade clothing - and their lives, as a result. One boy is the heir to the throne of England and the other is a poor commoner.

The novel chronicles the adventures of two young boys, a Prince and a Pauper, who exchange roles and stations in life. Each boy has strong misconceptions of what the other boy’s life is like, and series of educational and entertaining adventures play out as the boys grow more comfortable in both their real and assumed roles in life.

Young Prince Edward lived a life of luxury with servants to grant his every wish. Tom Canty spent his days begging on the streets, and his nights in a hovel with his tyrannical father.

When the two boys meet, a simple switch of clothing sets them on a path they'd never dreamt possible. The prince, mistaken for Tom, is forced to live a pauper's life, while Tom unwillingly takes on the life of a prince.

After many adventures, Edward Tudor resumes his rightful, royal position and Tom Canty accepts a role that recognizes his intelligence and good heartedness. The Prince and the Pauper is Mark Twain's satiric look at social injustice, freedom, and innocence - all set in a tightly plotted tale.