Chapter IV. The Prince's troubles begin. Practice Quiz — The Prince and the Pauper
by Mark Twain — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter IV. The Prince's troubles begin.
Why does the mob finally leave Prince Edward alone at the beginning of Chapter 4?
The mob leaves because Edward becomes too tired to rage, threaten, and issue royal commands. Once he falls silent, he is no longer entertaining to them.
Where does Edward bathe his bleeding feet?
He bathes them in a brook that flows where Farringdon Street now stands.
What building does Edward recognize that gives him hope?
He recognizes Grey Friars' Church, which his father renamed Christ's Church and converted into a home for poor children.
Who converted Grey Friars' Church into a children's home?
King Henry VIII took it from the monks and gave it as a home for poor and forsaken children.
Why does Edward believe the Christ's Church boys will help him?
He believes they will gladly serve the son of the king who provided their home, especially since he is now as poor and forlorn as they are.
Describe the uniform worn by the Christ's Church boys.
A flat black cap, hair cropped to the forehead, a clerical band at the neck, a blue gown to the knees, full sleeves, a broad red belt, bright yellow stockings, and low shoes with metal buckles.
How do the Christ's Church boys first respond to Edward's claim of being the Prince of Wales?
They shout with laughter, mock him, and perform a sarcastic mock homage by dropping to their knees.
What does Edward do that turns the boys' laughter into fury?
He kicks the nearest boy and threatens to build him a gibbet (gallows), which the boys see as going beyond a joke.
What do the boys do to Edward after he threatens them?
They beat him with their hands and set dogs named Lion and Fangs upon him.
What does Edward instinctively reach for when first insulted by the boys?
His hand flies to his hip, reaching for a sword that is not there, revealing his royal training.
What is dramatic irony, and how does Twain use it in Chapter 4?
Dramatic irony occurs when the reader knows something the characters do not. Here, the reader knows Edward is the true prince, but every character dismisses his claims because of his ragged clothing.
What is situational irony in Chapter 4?
Edward seeks refuge at Christ's Church — a charity his own father created — yet is beaten by its beneficiaries. The place meant to help the poor harms the prince who is now poor himself.
What vow does Edward make about education after being beaten?
He vows that when he is king, poor children will receive not just food and shelter but teachings from books, because "learning softeneth the heart and breedeth gentleness and charity."
What is the significance of Edward's education vow for his character development?
It shows Edward beginning to transform from a sheltered prince into a compassionate ruler. He connects the boys' cruelty to their lack of education and resolves to fix the root cause.
Why is Edward searching for Offal Court?
He believes Tom Canty's family will recognize him as someone who is not Tom, proving he is the true prince, and will take him to the palace.
Who finds Edward at the end of Chapter 4?
John Canty, Tom's drunken and abusive father, grabs Edward on the street, mistaking him for Tom.
How does John Canty react when Edward says he is the Prince of Wales?
He declares the boy has "gone stark mad as any Tom o' Bedlam" and drags him away, threatening a beating.
What does "Tom o' Bedlam" refer to?
It refers to patients from Bethlehem Royal Hospital (Bedlam), London's notorious asylum for the mentally ill. Calling someone a "Tom o' Bedlam" meant they were insane.
What does pathetic fallacy mean, and where does it appear in Chapter 4?
Pathetic fallacy is when weather or nature reflects a character's emotions. As Edward's situation worsens, night falls, rain begins, and a "raw and gusty night" sets in.
What theme does clothing represent in Chapter 4?
Clothing symbolizes the theme of appearance versus reality. Edward's ragged clothes make his true identity invisible, and everyone judges him based on what he wears rather than who he is.
What does John Canty threaten to do to Edward/Tom for not bringing home money?
He threatens to "break all the bones in thy lean body," revealing his violent and exploitative nature as a parent.
How does Twain describe Edward's physical condition by the end of the chapter?
His body is bruised, his hands are bleeding, and his rags are besmirched with mud. He is so tired and faint he can hardly drag one foot after the other.
What does Edward's phrase "a full belly is little worth where the mind is starved" mean?
It means that providing only physical needs (food, shelter) is insufficient without education. True well-being requires nourishing the mind and heart as well as the body.
What role does Christ's Church play as a symbol in Chapter 4?
It symbolizes the gap between institutional charity and genuine compassion. The church provides material shelter but not the education or moral development that would prevent cruelty.