Who Edward, Prince of Wales is
Edward, Prince of Wales is the son of Henry the Eighth and heir to England's throne. He lives under constant watch at the palace and complains that he has no freedom. When a guard strikes Tom Canty, Edward angrily orders that the poor boy be admitted.
What Edward, Prince of Wales wants
Edward is curious about Tom's games and life outside the palace, and the boys exchange clothes for fun. Still wearing Tom's rags, he rushes outside to punish the guard, only to be thrown into the street. He insists on his royal identity, but strangers mistake his confidence for madness.
How Edward, Prince of Wales changes
Hunger, cold and cruel treatment expose Edward to a world his sheltered upbringing has kept from him. He sees harsh punishments imposed on powerless people and begins questioning laws he has always believed are fair. He promises himself that he will change those laws if he recovers his throne.
Edward, Prince of Wales and the others in the story
Miles Hendon rescues Edward from a bullying crowd and gives him food, shelter and protection. Miles humors his royal claims rather than believing them, while Edward accepts his care as loyalty. Through their friendship, Edward begins to value a person's kindness more than rank.
Questions
Why is Edward mistaken for a beggar?
Edward wears Tom Canty's clothes after their exchange, and the palace guard fails to recognize him.
Does Miles Hendon believe Edward is a prince?
No, Miles treats Edward's claim as a fantasy, but still protects him and becomes his friend.
What does Edward learn about the poor?
He learns that poor people suffer under laws he has been taught to trust. Experiencing their hardships makes him question the justice of those laws.
