The Meaning of Equality

From the title of this novel onward, The Prince and the Pauper examines inequality and unfairness. Wisely, Mark Twain does not attempt to rail against the class system in feudal England. His focus is not on redressing societal wrongs, either then or now, but rather on probing aspects of human nature that transcend such inequalities. What he finds is nothing new to contemporary readers, but it is a powerfully presented reminder of what the true riches in life are. Tom Canty, a modest and unassuming pauper, wishes he could see a prince. He does not yearn for anything so extraordinary as to meet a prince, but simply wants to set eyes on one. Instead, through a misunderstanding, he actually becomes a prince for a while. Tom's initial reaction to this strange occurrence is fear of punishment when people find out he is a fake, coupled...