Genre
Fiction
Setting and Context
Tudor London, both in the "slum" area, Offal Court, and in the wealthy area of the Palace
Narrator and Point of View
The point of view is that of Tom, a young man who spends much of his time hanging around outside the palace
Tone and Mood
Aspirational and sometimes heartwarming; sometimes fun
Protagonist and Antagonist
There is really no specifically antagonistic character throughout the book, although the Prince's situation is antagonistic to him as he feels confined and wishes to live a normal life sometimes.
Major Conflict
The conflict is more argumentative in style and is mostly at the end of the book, when Edward returns to the palace disguised as Tom but nobody will believe he is anything but a pauper boy spinning a tale.
Climax
Edward produces the Great Seal of England which he took with him when he left the palace. Everyone is relieved because they have been searching for it, and Tom is relieved because his possession of it proves that he really the Prince of Wales.
Foreshadowing
Edward's disguising himself as Tom foreshadows his difficulty in being believed when he returns to the Palace to reclaim his identity.
Understatement
The author states that life as a pauper is difficult but this is an understatement; it is almost impossible for the poor to change their lot in life. They are generally without an education and cannot read or write. They are often hungry. Life is very hard.
Allusions
The book alludes to the true documented history of the time in terms of customs and practices of Tudor England, particularly pertaining to the way of the Court.
Imagery
The author paints rich and textured images of the life in Court so that the reader is able to imagine the colors and particularly the clothing and ornate decoration that was used at the time.
Paradox
Each of the boys is dissatisfied with his life and wants the life of the other. Edward, in particular, is very paradoxical as a person because he wants to have the opportunity to experience a life that nobody who has to live it wants to live.
Parallelism
There is a parallel between the hardships that Edward experienced whilst living as Tom, and the way in which he rules the nation once he becomes king. He is kind and benevolent, empathizing with his subjects, in a way that he would not have been otherwise
Metonymy and Synecdoche
The Court is used as the term to encompass every member of the King's household, rather than naming them all individually or as a group according to their roles or duties.
Personification
No specific examples
