Power and Social Position

As the story begins, the prince's prank introduces the reader to the whipping boy and the theme of power begins. Neither boy has chosen his situation in life. Prince Brat is brought up in the customs of the royal court. He is doted on, spoiled, and bowed to because he is the prince, the future king. On the other hand, Jemmy is born into poverty and when his father dies, the royal court snatches him up to be the whipping boy for the constantly misbehaving little prince.

From the first day, Jemmy is determined not to let out one little peep during his whippings in an attempt to save himself some humility. While powerless, he exudes power over the prince by remaining silent during his beatings. In return, Prince Brat exudes power over the whipping boy by misbehaving. The pattern repeats itself until the two...