Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
The Prince and the Pauper Themes
The Triumph of Justice
The Prince and the Pauper ends happily, largely because justice is achieved. Edward is restored to his rightful throne and those who helped him are rewarded, while those who hurt him are punished. Miles Hendon is named an earl and Tom Canty is made a Ward of the King. Hugh Hendon is thrown in prison and John Canty becomes a marked man. Edward even sees to it that kind-hearted “criminals” he met receive mercy and live happily ever after.
The Innocence of Children
While most of the adults in the book are hardened to the violence around them, the child protagonists are not. Though the adults, both royal and peasant, accept and dole out cruel punishments as part of life, both Tom and Edward step up and put a stop to it. They are horrified by some of the tortures they have never before witnessed. Tom is astounded that any government could enforce execution by boiling in oil. Edward is shocked by the heavy punishments commoners receive for small crimes. Both boys use their power to show mercy and alter English law to treat people more humanely.
The Prince and the Pauper Motifs & Symbols
The Great Seal
The Great Seal is a symbol of the king's authority. It was used as a mold for wax seals on documents approved by the king. The true seal indicated that the document was genuine. In The Prince and the Pauper, the seal becomes the object through which Edward proves he is king. By identifying the seal and its location, he proves his identity is genuine.
Clothing
Clothing is an important motif throughout The Prince and the Pauper. Characters’ clothing symbolize their status, and society judges them accordingly. So important are clothes that the characters cannot seem to see past them. Once Tom and Edward switch their apparel, no amount of protesting convinces their families that they are not who they appear to be. In rags, Edward is considered disposable and is mocked, beaten, and thrown in prison. In royal finery, Tom is treated with deference and adulation. In the end, Twain’s focus on clothing suggests a powerful argument in favor of democracy. By switching roles, Tom and Edward prove that there is nothing inherently royal in the Tudor line. In the guise of Edward, Tom succeeds perfectly well at ruling England. Clearly, neither clothing nor social class are true measures of a person’s ability.
Violence
The Prince and the Pauper is filled with violence. From domestic to state-sponsored, violence permeates the lives of the English. Throughout the story, we see characters beaten and whipped, hear of men who were branded and lost ears, witness two women burnt at the stake, and learn of criminals sentenced to be beheaded and boiled in oil. Twain emphasizes the brutality of sixteenth-century England in order to cast Edward in a sympathetic light and highlight his gentleness as he tries to change England’s oppressive laws.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The Prince and the Pauper. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s), symbols(s), or motif(s) from The Prince and the Pauper you wish to include and replace the "THEME, SYMBOL, or MOTIF" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme, symbol, or motif.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes and symbols from the novel, and support their choices with details from the text.
The Prince and the Pauper Themes
The Triumph of Justice
The Prince and the Pauper ends happily, largely because justice is achieved. Edward is restored to his rightful throne and those who helped him are rewarded, while those who hurt him are punished. Miles Hendon is named an earl and Tom Canty is made a Ward of the King. Hugh Hendon is thrown in prison and John Canty becomes a marked man. Edward even sees to it that kind-hearted “criminals” he met receive mercy and live happily ever after.
The Innocence of Children
While most of the adults in the book are hardened to the violence around them, the child protagonists are not. Though the adults, both royal and peasant, accept and dole out cruel punishments as part of life, both Tom and Edward step up and put a stop to it. They are horrified by some of the tortures they have never before witnessed. Tom is astounded that any government could enforce execution by boiling in oil. Edward is shocked by the heavy punishments commoners receive for small crimes. Both boys use their power to show mercy and alter English law to treat people more humanely.
The Prince and the Pauper Motifs & Symbols
The Great Seal
The Great Seal is a symbol of the king's authority. It was used as a mold for wax seals on documents approved by the king. The true seal indicated that the document was genuine. In The Prince and the Pauper, the seal becomes the object through which Edward proves he is king. By identifying the seal and its location, he proves his identity is genuine.
Clothing
Clothing is an important motif throughout The Prince and the Pauper. Characters’ clothing symbolize their status, and society judges them accordingly. So important are clothes that the characters cannot seem to see past them. Once Tom and Edward switch their apparel, no amount of protesting convinces their families that they are not who they appear to be. In rags, Edward is considered disposable and is mocked, beaten, and thrown in prison. In royal finery, Tom is treated with deference and adulation. In the end, Twain’s focus on clothing suggests a powerful argument in favor of democracy. By switching roles, Tom and Edward prove that there is nothing inherently royal in the Tudor line. In the guise of Edward, Tom succeeds perfectly well at ruling England. Clearly, neither clothing nor social class are true measures of a person’s ability.
Violence
The Prince and the Pauper is filled with violence. From domestic to state-sponsored, violence permeates the lives of the English. Throughout the story, we see characters beaten and whipped, hear of men who were branded and lost ears, witness two women burnt at the stake, and learn of criminals sentenced to be beheaded and boiled in oil. Twain emphasizes the brutality of sixteenth-century England in order to cast Edward in a sympathetic light and highlight his gentleness as he tries to change England’s oppressive laws.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The Prince and the Pauper. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s), symbols(s), or motif(s) from The Prince and the Pauper you wish to include and replace the "THEME, SYMBOL, or MOTIF" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme, symbol, or motif.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
How Tos about The Prince and the Pauper Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Engage students with a role-play activity exploring social class in 'The Prince and the Pauper'
Bring literature to life by having students act out scenes that highlight social class differences. This encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes as students step into the shoes of both the prince and the pauper.
Assign character roles and distribute simple costume props
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scene from the book. Give out basic props like paper crowns or scrap fabric to help students get into character and visually represent social status.
Guide students to rehearse their scenes focusing on dialogue and body language
Encourage students to think about how each character would speak and move. Discuss how status and clothing affect interactions, building comprehension skills and interpretation of text.
Facilitate performances and prompt students to reflect on class perceptions
After each group presents, lead a class discussion about how clothing, language, and behavior shaped how characters were treated. Ask students what surprised them and how the activity changed their view of the story’s themes.
Connect the activity to real-world examples of judging by appearances
Invite students to share experiences or observations where people were judged by what they wore or how they looked. Relate these insights back to the novel’s message to reinforce understanding and encourage empathy beyond the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Prince and the Pauper Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
What are the main themes in The Prince and the Pauper?
The Prince and the Pauper explores key themes such as the triumph of justice, the innocence of children, and the importance of compassion over social class. The novel shows how fairness and empathy can overcome cruelty and class divisions.
How does clothing serve as a symbol in The Prince and the Pauper?
Clothing in The Prince and the Pauper symbolizes social status and identity. When Tom and Edward swap clothes, society treats them differently based on appearance, highlighting how superficial judgments can shape people's lives.
What is the significance of the Great Seal in The Prince and the Pauper?
The Great Seal represents the king's legitimate authority. Edward's knowledge of the seal's location and its use proves his true identity, making it a crucial symbol of rightful rule in the story.
How does Mark Twain portray violence in The Prince and the Pauper?
Mark Twain uses vivid examples of violence—from beatings to harsh punishments—to highlight the brutality of sixteenth-century England. This contrast emphasizes Edward's kindness and his efforts to reform unjust laws.
What are some effective ways to teach themes and symbols from The Prince and the Pauper to middle school students?
One effective method is to use storyboards where students illustrate and describe key themes and symbols with examples from the text. This visual approach helps students engage with the novel and deepen their understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Prince and the Pauper, The
- Great Seal of Edward III • The National Archives UK • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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