Chapter XXVII. In prison. Practice Quiz — The Prince and the Pauper
by Mark Twain — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter XXVII. In prison.
Where are Edward and Hendon held in Chapter 27?
In a large crowded room of a prison, chained alongside about twenty other manacled and fettered prisoners of both sexes and varying ages.
How does Hendon feel upon being imprisoned after returning home?
He is bewildered and stunned -- he had expected a joyful welcome as a returning prodigal but instead received the cold shoulder and a jail cell. He feels like a man who danced out to enjoy a rainbow and got struck by lightning.
What conclusion does Hendon reach about Edith?
He concludes that Edith did recognize him but repudiated him for "interested reasons" -- likely to protect herself from Hugh. Despite wanting to curse her, he finds he cannot profane her name because it has been sacred to him for so long.
What makes the nights in prison so miserable?
The jailer sells liquor to prisoners for bribes, leading to ribald singing, fighting, shouting, and carousing. One night a man nearly kills a woman by beating her with his manacles before the jailer intervenes.
Who is Blake Andrews?
A loyal old servant who served the Hendon family his entire life. He secretly recognizes Miles Hendon in prison but publicly denies knowing him to protect himself, then kneels and whispers his true loyalty when the jailer leaves.
How does Andrews help Hendon and Edward in prison?
He visits several times a day, pretending to abuse Hendon while secretly smuggling in food (dainties that keep Edward alive, since the boy cannot eat the coarse prison fare) and delivering news about the family and kingdom.
What happened to Arthur Hendon?
Arthur had been dead for six years by the time of the chapter events.
How did Hugh Hendon force the marriage to Edith?
Hugh forged a letter reporting that Miles was dead. The shock prostrated their father Sir Richard, who was already ill. Sir Richard and Hugh insisted on the marriage; Edith begged for delays and obtained three months of respite before the wedding took place at Sir Richard's deathbed.
What did Edith reportedly discover after marrying Hugh?
She found several rough and incomplete drafts of the forged letter among Hugh's papers and accused him of precipitating both the marriage and Sir Richard's death through his wicked forgery.
What political news does Andrews bring about the kingdom?
The late king (Henry VIII) is to be buried at Windsor on the 16th, and the new King Edward VI is to be crowned at Westminster on the 20th. The Earl of Hertford has been made Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector.
How does Edward react to news that someone is ruling as "King Edward the Sixth"?
He is struck dumb with amazement and falls into deep reverie, wondering if the beggar-boy he left dressed in his garments at the palace is now on the throne. He becomes impatient to get to London.
Who are the two Baptist women and what role do they play?
They are prisoners chained near Edward who comfort him with gentle ministrations when Hendon's efforts fail. Edward grows to love them dearly and finds peace through their soothing presence.
What is Edward's reaction when he learns the Baptist women will be punished?
He is horrified, pleading "they will not scourge thee" and promising to come into his own in time to save them. He does not yet realize they face execution, not scourging.
What happens to the Baptist women in the prison yard?
They are burned at the stake. Their two young daughters rush in screaming, trying to reach them -- one breaks free and her gown catches fire before being torn away. Edward turns to the wall, saying the sight will haunt him until he dies.
What does Hendon observe about Edward's behavior after the burning?
Hendon notes with satisfaction that Edward has "changed, and groweth gentler" -- he interprets Edward's subdued reaction as a sign his delusion of being king is fading, when in reality Edward is maturing morally.
What are the three unjust punishments Edward learns about from other prisoners?
1) A half-witted woman is to be hanged for stealing a yard or two of cloth. 2) A man is to be hanged for killing a deer in the king's park (after being acquitted of horse theft). 3) An apprentice is sentenced to death for taking home a lost hawk he found.
Who is the old lawyer Edward meets, and what is his story?
A man with a "strong face and dauntless mien" who wrote a pamphlet against the Lord Chancellor. He lost his ears in the pillory, was fined 3,000 pounds, and imprisoned for life. For repeating the offense, he faces losing what remains of his ears, a 5,000-pound fine, branding on both cheeks, and life imprisonment.
What does the old lawyer call his mutilated ear stubs?
"Honourable scars" -- he shows them by turning back his grey hair, demonstrating defiance against unjust authority.
What vow does Edward make at the end of Chapter 27?
He vows that "the laws that have dishonoured thee, and shamed the English name, shall be swept from the statute books" and declares that "kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy."
What keepsakes do the Baptist women leave for Edward?
Each leaves a shred of ribbon pinned to his clothing as a token of remembrance. Edward vows to keep them always and to seek out these friends and take them under his protection.
What is the dramatic irony of Hendon's observation about Edward?
Hendon believes Edward's growing gentleness means his "delusion" of being king is passing, when in fact Edward truly is the king and is becoming a wiser, more compassionate sovereign through his suffering.
How does Sir Hugh's behavior change after Sir Richard's death?
Hugh throws off "all soft disguises" and becomes a pitiless master toward everyone who depends on him and his domains for bread, including mistreating Lady Edith and the servants.
What is the rumor Andrews mentions about the king?
There is a rumor that "the King is mad," but it is dangerous to speak of it -- "'tis death to speak of it, they say." Edward angrily denies this, insisting "The King is not mad."