Chapter XXVIII. The sacrifice. Practice Quiz — The Prince and the Pauper
by Mark Twain — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter XXVIII. The sacrifice.
What is Miles Hendon sentenced to in Chapter 28?
Two hours in the stocks, for being a "sturdy vagabond" and for assaulting the master of Hendon Hall.
How does the court treat Miles's claims to be the rightful heir of Hendon Hall?
His claims are "left contemptuously unnoticed, as being not even worth examination."
Why is Edward nearly condemned to the stocks himself?
For being in bad company (with Miles), but he is let off with a lecture and a warning because of his youth.
What incident at the stocks first enrages Edward?
An egg sails through the air and crushes itself against Miles's cheek, while the crowd roars with enjoyment.
What does Edward cry out when he confronts the officer?
"For shame! This is my servant — set him free! I am the —" before Miles cuts him off in a panic.
How does Miles stop Edward from revealing his identity?
He exclaims "Oh, peace! thou'lt destroy thyself. Mind him not, officer, he is mad."
What punishment does the officer initially order for Edward?
A taste or two of the lash to "mend his manners."
How does Sir Hugh escalate Edward's punishment?
He suggests "half a dozen will better serve his turn" and rides up specifically to observe.
Why does Edward not struggle when seized for the lashing?
He is paralyzed by the thought of the monstrous outrage proposed against his sacred person — he recalls that history already records the scourging of an English king.
What historical event does Edward recall when facing the lash?
The scourging of an English king with whips (a reference to Henry II's penance at Canterbury in 1174).
What does Miles say to convince the officers to spare Edward?
"Let the child go — ye heartless dogs, do ye not see how young and frail he is? Let him go — I will take his lashes."
How many lashes does Miles receive in Edward's place?
A dozen (twelve), ordered by Sir Hugh to be "well laid on."
What threat does Sir Hugh make to keep Edward silent during the whipping?
For each word Edward utters, Miles will receive six additional strokes.
How does Edward react while Miles is being whipped?
He turns away his face and allows "unroyal tears to channel his cheeks unchecked."
What distinction does Edward draw between Miles saving him from wounds versus saving him from shame?
Saving a prince from wounds and death is "high service" but "little — nothing" compared to saving a prince from shame.
How does Miles behave under the scourge?
He makes no outcry and bears the heavy blows with "soldierly fortitude."
How does the mob's behavior change after witnessing the whipping?
The gibes and hootings die away, replaced by stillness; no sound remains but the falling blows.
What ceremony does Edward perform after the whipping?
He picks up the scourge, touches Hendon's bleeding shoulders with it, and whispers, "Edward of England dubs thee Earl!"
What does Miles privately think about being dubbed an Earl?
He finds it grimly humorous — "to be suddenly hoisted, naked and gory, from the common stocks to the Alpine altitude and splendour of an Earldom" seems the "last possibility in the line of the grotesque."
What metaphor does Miles use for his accumulating mock titles?
He compares himself to a maypole: "I shall presently be hung like a very maypole with fantastic gauds and make-believe honours."
Despite finding the titles valueless, why does Miles say he values them?
"For the love that doth bestow them. Better these poor mock dignities of mine, that come unasked, from a clean hand and a right spirit, than real ones bought by servility."
What happens to the latecomer who tries to insult Miles after the whipping?
He is "promptly knocked down and kicked out" by the crowd, without any words.
What is the title and central theme of Chapter 28?
"The Sacrifice" — Miles's willingness to take Edward's punishment, demonstrating selfless loyalty and the nature of true nobility.
What dramatic irony pervades this chapter?
Edward truly is the King of England and actually has the authority to grant an earldom, but everyone — including Miles — believes he is a mad pauper boy.
How does Sir Hugh depart at the end of the chapter?
He wheels his horse about and spurs away; the crowd silently parts to let him pass and silently closes again behind him.