Activity Overview
The characters of Tom and Edward are doppelgängers. Their many similarities throw their drastically different situations into stark relief. Have students use storyboards to compare and contrast the two boys. By identifying their similarities and differences, students will enter deeper into character analysis. Start with a three-column T-chart and have students choose categories to compare. These may include education, appearance, home, personality, family, or others. For each category, students should find a similarity to depict in the center column and individual differences to depict in the outside columns. The storyboard above provides an example.
Example The Prince and the Pauper Compare and Contrast
| Tom Canty | Both Boys | Edward VI |
|---|---|---|
| Home | ||
| Tom lives in Offal Court, a dilapidated section of London filled with poverty and crime. | Both boys live in or near London, England. | Edward lives in luxury in Westminster Palace. |
| Education | ||
| Tom receives informal lessons from an old priest who lives in Offal Court. Tom has limited access to books, but learns to read English and a little Latin. | Both boys are intelligent and enjoy learning. They use their education to make wise and fair decisions. | Edward is taught many subjects, including Latin, Greek, and French. He has several tutors and takes his lessons in the comfortable rooms of the palace. |
| Appearance | ||
| Tom owns only a single, ragged outfit that he wears at all times. | Aside from their clothes, the boys look nearly identical. They are doppelgängers of the same age, height, and coloring. No one can tell them apart. | Edward wears regal robes of costly fabrics. He has many different suits of clothing for various occasions and is carefully dressed each morning in an elaborate ceremony. |
| Personality | ||
| Tom is meek and dreamy. He gets through his days as a pauper by dreaming about royalty and accepting beatings from his father and grandmother without complaint. In the castle, he shows eager obedience to the prince and is at first very timid in the castle. | Both boys are kind-hearted and merciful. They make similar decisions as king, trying to enact justice and end cruelty. | Due to his royal upbringing, Edward is confident and commanding. Even when confronted by dangerous men who are bigger and stronger than he is, he refuses to obey their commands. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the doppelgängers in The Prince and the Pauper.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Add more rows.
- In the middle column, identify the things that are similar between the two characters.
- In the right most column, describe the things that makes one character unique.
- In the left most column, describe the things that makes the other character unique.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
The characters of Tom and Edward are doppelgängers. Their many similarities throw their drastically different situations into stark relief. Have students use storyboards to compare and contrast the two boys. By identifying their similarities and differences, students will enter deeper into character analysis. Start with a three-column T-chart and have students choose categories to compare. These may include education, appearance, home, personality, family, or others. For each category, students should find a similarity to depict in the center column and individual differences to depict in the outside columns. The storyboard above provides an example.
Example The Prince and the Pauper Compare and Contrast
| Tom Canty | Both Boys | Edward VI |
|---|---|---|
| Home | ||
| Tom lives in Offal Court, a dilapidated section of London filled with poverty and crime. | Both boys live in or near London, England. | Edward lives in luxury in Westminster Palace. |
| Education | ||
| Tom receives informal lessons from an old priest who lives in Offal Court. Tom has limited access to books, but learns to read English and a little Latin. | Both boys are intelligent and enjoy learning. They use their education to make wise and fair decisions. | Edward is taught many subjects, including Latin, Greek, and French. He has several tutors and takes his lessons in the comfortable rooms of the palace. |
| Appearance | ||
| Tom owns only a single, ragged outfit that he wears at all times. | Aside from their clothes, the boys look nearly identical. They are doppelgängers of the same age, height, and coloring. No one can tell them apart. | Edward wears regal robes of costly fabrics. He has many different suits of clothing for various occasions and is carefully dressed each morning in an elaborate ceremony. |
| Personality | ||
| Tom is meek and dreamy. He gets through his days as a pauper by dreaming about royalty and accepting beatings from his father and grandmother without complaint. In the castle, he shows eager obedience to the prince and is at first very timid in the castle. | Both boys are kind-hearted and merciful. They make similar decisions as king, trying to enact justice and end cruelty. | Due to his royal upbringing, Edward is confident and commanding. Even when confronted by dangerous men who are bigger and stronger than he is, he refuses to obey their commands. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the doppelgängers in The Prince and the Pauper.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Add more rows.
- In the middle column, identify the things that are similar between the two characters.
- In the right most column, describe the things that makes one character unique.
- In the left most column, describe the things that makes the other character unique.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about The Prince and the Pauper Compare and Contrast Analysis
Plan a Character Hot Seat Activity for Deeper Analysis
Engage students in a role-playing exercise by assigning each one a character from The Prince and the Pauper. The 'hot seat' student answers classmates' questions in character, encouraging critical thinking and empathy as they explore perspectives beyond surface details.
Prepare Thoughtful Interview Questions for Each Character
Ask students to create questions that reveal motivations, feelings, and experiences for both Tom and Edward. This step helps students move beyond basic facts and encourages deeper understanding of the characters’ choices and challenges.
Assign Roles and Set Ground Rules for Respectful Dialogue
Divide students into small groups, ensuring each group has a 'Tom,' an 'Edward,' and interviewers. Explain expectations for listening, taking turns, and staying in character to foster a safe and focused classroom environment.
Facilitate the Hot Seat Session and Encourage Reflection
Guide the activity by having interviewers ask their questions while 'Tom' and 'Edward' respond in character. Afterward, lead a class discussion on what new insights students gained about the characters’ similarities and differences.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Prince and the Pauper Compare and Contrast Analysis
How can I teach students to compare and contrast Tom and Edward in The Prince and the Pauper?
To help students compare and contrast Tom and Edward, use a three-column T-chart or storyboard. Have students select categories like home, education, appearance, and personality, then identify similarities in the center and unique traits for each boy on the sides. Illustrate with scenes and examples for deeper analysis.
What are the main similarities and differences between Tom Canty and Edward VI?
Tom and Edward are physically identical doppelgängers, both intelligent and kind-hearted. However, Tom is poor, lives in Offal Court, and has a humble education, while Edward is a prince with royal tutors and a luxurious life. Their unique backgrounds shape their personalities and experiences.
What categories should students use to compare characters in The Prince and the Pauper?
Students should consider comparing home, education, appearance, personality, and family. Other options include dreams, challenges, or social status. These categories help identify both shared traits and unique differences.
What is a simple lesson plan for analyzing character differences in The Prince and the Pauper?
Start with a brief character overview, then guide students to complete a T-chart or storyboard comparing Tom and Edward. Assign categories, discuss examples, and have students illustrate their findings. Wrap up with a class discussion or presentation for reflection.
Why is using a storyboard effective for compare and contrast lessons in literature?
Storyboards help students visualize similarities and differences between characters, making abstract analysis more concrete. Visual elements engage learners, aid memory, and encourage creativity, leading to deeper understanding and retention.
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