Who John Canty is
John Canty is a thief and a drunk in the poor London neighborhood of Offal Court. He forces his son Tom to beg and beats him at home. His cruelty is part of the life Tom escapes through books and dreams of princes.
John Canty and the others in the story
John Canty's treatment of Tom contrasts with the tenderness shown by Tom's mother and sisters, Nan and Bet. Tom's grandmother is no kinder to the boy than his father is.
When Edward and Tom exchange clothes, their identical appearance leads John Canty to mistake the prince for his son. He thinks the boy has gone strange in the head when Edward insists that he is the king's heir. John Canty beats Edward and drags him home, bringing the sheltered prince into Tom's harsh family life.
Questions
Who is John Canty?
John Canty is Tom Canty's father, a violent man who steals and forces his son to beg.
Is John Canty kind to Tom?
No, he beats Tom rather than offering the tenderness Tom receives from his mother and sisters.
Why does John Canty take Edward home?
He believes Edward is Tom because the two boys look exactly alike. Edward's claim to be the prince makes Canty think the boy is unwell.
