Review of "Classics Illustrated: The Prince and the Pauper," by Samuel Clemens

Review of

Classics Illustrated: The Prince and the Pauper, by Samuel Clemens


Five out of five stars

 The basic plot of this classic story by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) is one of rags and riches being interchanged. The setting is a kingdom run by an absolute monarch, his word is law, even to the extent where a person that displeases him can be put to death. The two main characters are a poor boy named Tom Canty and the son of the king, Edward Tudor. Tom is beaten by his father when he displeases him, while Edward is of course pampered.

 When the two boys meet and discuss their lives, they decide to swap clothes so that each can be the other for a short time. Once this is done, they realize that they could be identical twins. Edward quickly discovers that playing the role of Tom is very unpleasant, for it is easier for a poor boy to adapt to the role of the pampered royalty than it is for the royalty to live as the poor do.

 Edward struggles to stay alive and somehow find a way to get back into the palace grounds and recover his position. Tom tries to explain the situation to the members of the royal court, but no one believes him. Finally, after the king dies and Tom is to be coronated, the two boys meet once again, and their roles are switched back to normal. Tom and Edward remain friends and Edward vows to rule far more justly, for he now understands the plight of the poor.

 I have long taken the position that the classics of literature should be learned by any and all means possible. Although the story is of necessity abridged, this comic provides the essence of what is really just a very long fairy tale.