O Príncipe e o Mendigo

De Mark Twain

Tom Canty e Edward Tudor têm a mesma idade. São exatamente iguais. Há apenas uma pequena diferença: Edward é o príncipe herdeiro do trono da Inglaterra, e Tom é um mendigo, uma criança dos úmidos cortiços da Londres do século XVI. Um dia o destino intervém e ambos têm de viver, durante algum tempo, a vida do outro. Trocam de roupas e papéis: Tom é levado para o meio da pompa e do luxo da corte enquanto Edward conhece, horrorizado, os marginais, a sordidez e as profundezas da desigualdade social.

A partir do clássico tema da troca de identidades, Mark Twain (1835-1910) – talvez o maior contador de histórias americano do século XIX – reflete de forma magistral sobre o hábito humano de julgar as pessoas pela aparência. E realiza, a um só tempo, uma fábula sobre a hipocrisia e a injustiça bem como uma divertida comédia que vem provocando lágrimas e risos em sucessivas gerações de leitores desde sua publicação, em 1882.

• Idioma: Português
• Editora: L&PM Pocket
• Data de lançamento: 12 de mar. de 2007
• ISBN: 9788525424624

Mark Twain

Mark Twain (1835-1910) was an American humorist, novelist, and lecturer. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, he was raised in Hannibal, Missouri, a setting which would serve as inspiration for some of his most famous works. After an apprenticeship at a local printer’s shop, he worked as a typesetter and contributor for a newspaper run by his brother Orion. Before embarking on a career as a professional writer, Twain spent time as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi and as a miner in Nevada. In 1865, inspired by a story he heard at Angels Camp, California, he published “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” earning him international acclaim for his abundant wit and mastery of American English. He spent the next decade publishing works of travel literature, satirical stories and essays, and his first novel, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873). In 1876, he published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a novel about a mischievous young boy growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River. In 1884 he released a direct sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which follows one of Tom’s friends on an epic adventure through the heart of the American South. Addressing themes of race, class, history, and politics, Twain captures the joys and sorrows of boyhood while exposing and condemning American racism. Despite his immense success as a writer and popular lecturer, Twain struggled with debt and bankruptcy toward the end of his life, but managed to repay his creditors in full by the time of his passing at age 74. Curiously, Twain’s birth and death coincided with the appearance of Halley’s Comet, a fitting tribute to a visionary writer whose steady sense of morality survived some of the darkest periods of American history.

Pré-visualização do livro

Mark Twain

(1835-1910)

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Mark Twain, nasceu no Missouri, em novembro de 1835. Sua família estabeleceu-se em Hannibal, uma pequena cidade à beira do Mississippi, onde ele viveu até os dezoito anos. Após a morte do pai, em 1847, Clemens abandonou a escola para tornar-se um aprendiz de tipógrafo, trabalhando no Missouri Courier. A partir de 1853, viajou muito trabalhando como tipógrafo no Leste e Meio-Oeste dos Estados Unidos, mas, em 1857, depois de uma viagem descendo o Mississippi, decidiu tornar-se timoneiro de barco a vapor. Depois de dezoito meses de treinamento tornou-se timoneiro licenciado, profissão que amou mais do que qualquer outra que já havia seguido. O tempo que passou no rio provou ser uma rica fonte de inspiração para seus escritos posteriores, pois enquanto estava lá conheceu todos os diferentes tipos da natureza humana encontrados em ficção, biografia ou história. A deflagração da Guerra Civil, em 1861, trouxe um fim a todo tráfico fluvial e Clemens passou um tempo como soldado voluntário, depois como garimpeiro em Nevada, lenhador e jornalista antes de, finalmente, começar sua carreira literária. Em 1863, primeiro adotou o pseudônimo Mark Twain (termo originário da área da navegação, que significa duas braças), como assinatura para uma hilariante carta de viagem. Seu primeiro livro, The Innocents Abroad, baseado em suas viagens pela Europa e pela Terra Santa, surgiu em 1869. Em 1870, casou com Olivia Langdon e, no ano seguinte, se estabeleceu em Connecticut, onde viveu por dezessete anos como um escritor de sucesso. Foi durante esse tempo que escreveu muitos dos seus melhores livros: Roughing It, As aventuras de Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, uma memória soberbamente evocativa, e sua obra-prima, As aventuras de Huckleberry Finn. Ele entremeou seus escritos com muitas viagens, e algumas de suas obras de maior senso de humor estão entre seus relatos de viagem. Por muitos anos foi sócio de uma editora e gráfica, porém um investimento pesado em uma máquina de composição tipográfica ruim levou-o à falência em 1894. Tentando equilibrar suas finanças, partiu em um roteiro de palestras pelo mundo todo, mas enquanto estava fora sua amada filha Suzy morreu. Seus últimos escritos refletem esses desastres com crescente ironia e amargura. Permanecendo como uma figura célebre até sua morte em 1910, ele era notado tanto por seu costumeiro terno branco e longo cabelo branco como por sua resistência à injustiça e ao imperialismo.

As aventuras de Huckleberry Finn (1885) foi originalmente escrito como um parceiro a Tom Sawyer. Planejado em um período de sete anos, tem sido altamente elogiado desde que foi lançado – um de seus críticos, Ernest Hemingway, acreditava que "toda a literatura americana moderna se origina em um livro escrito por Mark Twain, chamado Huckleberry Finn... Não havia nada antes. Não houve nada tão bom desde então".

A

ESTAS CRIANÇAS AGRADÁVEIS E BEM-COMPORTADAS

SUSIE E CLARA CLEMENS

ESTE LIVRO

É AFETUOSAMENTE DEDICADO

POR

SEU PAI

Vou escrever uma história como me foi contada por alguém que a escutou de seu pai, o qual a ouviu de seu pai, esse último tendo-a escutado igualmente de seu pai – e assim por diante, retrocedendo cada vez mais no tempo, trezentos anos e ainda mais, os pais transmitindo-a aos filhos e dessa forma preservando-a. Talvez seja uma história verdadeira, talvez seja apenas uma lenda, uma tradição. Talvez tenha acontecido, talvez não tenha acontecido, mas poderia ter acontecido. Talvez os sábios e os letrados nela tenham acreditado nos dias de antanho, talvez apenas os iletrados e os simples a tenham amado e lhe dado crédito.

Capítulo 1

O nascimento do príncipe e do mendigo

Na antiga cidade de Londres, num certo dia de outono no segundo quartel do século XVI, nasceu um menino numa família pobre de nome Canty, que não o desejava. No mesmo dia, outra criança inglesa nasceu numa família rica de nome Tudor, que realmente o desejava. Toda a Inglaterra também o queria. A Inglaterra o tinha desejado tão ardentemente e com tantas esperanças, havia rezado tanto a Deus por seu nascimento que, agora que o menino realmente chegara, as pessoas quase enlouqueciam de alegria. Meros conhecidos se abraçavam, beijavam-se e gritavam. Todo mundo fez feriado, e superiores e inferiores, ricos e pobres festejavam, dançavam, cantavam e tornavam-se muito sentimentais; e eles mantiveram esse ritmo por dias e noites a fio. Durante o dia, Londres era uma visão e tanto, com bandeiras alegres ondulando de cada sacada e cumeeira e esplêndidos cortejos marchando pelas ruas. Durante a noite, era de novo uma visão e tanto, com suas grandes fogueiras em cada esquina e seus bandos de foliões criando alegria ao redor. Não se falava de outra coisa em toda a Inglaterra senão do novo bebê, Edward Tudor, príncipe de Gales, que dormia envolto em sedas e cetins, inconsciente de todo esse espalhafato, sem saber que grandes lordes e damas o vigiavam e guardavam – e sem tampouco se importar com isso. Mas não se falava sobre o outro bebê, Tom Canty, envolto nos seus pobres trapos, exceto entre a família de mendigos que ele viera incomodar com a sua presença.

Capítulo 2

Os primeiros anos de vida de Tom

Vamos pular vários anos.

Londres tinha mil e quinhentos anos e era uma grande cidade – para aqueles tempos. Tinha cem mil habitantes – alguns acham que o dobro disso. As ruas eram muito estreitas, tortuosas e sujas, especialmente na parte em que Tom Canty vivia, que não ficava muito longe da Ponte de Londres. As casas eram de madeira, com o segundo andar projetando-se sobre o primeiro, e o terceiro estendendo seus cantos além do segundo. Quanto mais altas as casas, mais largas elas se tornavam. Eram esqueletos de fortes vigas entrecruzadas, com material sólido no meio, revestido de reboco. As vigas eram pintadas de vermelho, azul ou preto, de acordo com o gosto do proprietário, e isso dava às casas uma aparência muito pitoresca. As janelas eram pequenas, guarnecidas com pequenos vidros chanfrados, e abriam para fora sobre gonzos, como as portas.

A casa em que vivia o pai de Tom ficava no alto de um pequeno buraco imundo chamado Offal Court, perto de Pudding Lane. Era pequena, deteriorada e frágil, mas estava apinhada de famílias desgraçadamente pobres. A família de Canty ocupava um quarto no terceiro andar. A mãe e o pai tinham uma espécie de armação de cama no canto, mas para Tom, a avó e suas duas irmãs, Bet e Nan, não havia restrições – eles tinham todo o chão para si e podiam dormir onde escolhessem. Havia os restos de um ou dois cobertores e alguns feixes de palha antiga e suja, mas não podiam ser corretamente chamados de camas, pois não eram organizados. Eram chutados para uma grande pilha de manhã, e à noite selecionava-se parte daquela massa para o uso.

Bet e Nan tinham quinze anos – gêmeas. Eram meninas de bom coração, sujas, vestidas com trapos e profundamente ignorantes. A sua mãe era como elas. Mas o pai e a avó eram um par de demônios. Embebedavam-se sempre que podiam, depois brigavam entre si ou com qualquer outra pessoa que aparecesse no seu caminho. Sempre praguejavam e diziam palavrões, bêbados ou sóbrios. John Canty era ladrão, e sua mãe, uma mendiga. Faziam das crianças mendigos, mas não conseguiam fazer delas ladrões. Entre a ralé terrível que habitava a casa, mas dela não fazendo parte, estava um bom e velho padre que o rei tinha despejado de sua casa com uma pensão de alguns centavos, e ele costumava chamar as crianças à parte e ensinar-lhes em segredo boas maneiras. O padre Andrew também ensinou a Tom um pouco de latim e o ensinou a ler e escrever; e teria feito o mesmo com as meninas, mas elas tinham medo das zombarias dos amigos, que não teriam suportado nelas tamanho refinamento.

Toda a Offal Court era apenas outra colmeia como a casa de Canty. Bebedeiras, tumultos e brigas eram a ordem ali todas as noites e durante quase toda a noite. Cabeças quebradas eram tão comuns como a fome naquele lugar. Entretanto, o pequeno Tom não era infeliz. Ele levava uma vida dura, mas disso não tinha conhecimento. Era a espécie de vida que todos os meninos de Offal Court levavam, portanto ele supunha que era uma vida correta e confortável. Quando chegava em casa de mãos vazias à noite, sabia que o pai o xingaria e bateria primeiro, que, uma vez satisfeito, a terrível avó faria tudo de novo, aperfeiçoando ainda mais os maus-tratos. E que, no meio da noite, a mãe faminta se aproximaria furtivamente com qualquer migalha ou crosta miserável que fora capaz de guardar para ele às custas de ela própria passar fome, mesmo que fosse frequentemente apanhada nessa espécie de traição e levasse por isso tremendas surras do marido.

Não, a vida de Tom seguia bastante bem, especialmente no verão. Ele apenas mendigava o bastante para salvar a sua pele, pois as leis contra a mendicância eram severas, e as penalidades, pesadas; assim, gastava boa parte de seu tempo escutando as encantadoras velhas histórias e lendas do bom padre Andrews sobre gigantes e fadas, anões e gênios, castelos encantados e deslumbrantes reis e príncipes. A sua cabeça se encheu dessas coisas maravilhosas, e muitas noites, enquanto ficava deitado no escuro sobre a palha escassa e repulsiva, cansado, faminto e sentindo a dor de uma surra, ele soltava a sua imaginação e logo esquecia as dores e sofrimentos nas deliciosas imagens invocadas sobre a vida encantada de um príncipe mimado num palácio régio. Com o tempo um desejo começou a persegui-lo dia e noite: queria ver um príncipe real, com seus próprios olhos. Falou disso certa vez para alguns de seus camaradas em Offal Court, mas eles zombaram e mofaram dele tão impiedosamente que depois disso ele se contentou em guardar o sonho para si mesmo.

Ele lia frequentemente os velhos livros do padre e fazia com que ele os explicasse e comentasse. Os seus sonhos e leituras provocaram aos poucos certas mudanças no seu ser. As figuras de seus sonhos eram tão refinadas que ele passou a lamentar as suas roupas maltrapilhas e a sua sujeira, desejando que fosse limpo e mais bem-vestido. Continuava a brincar na lama de qualquer jeito e também a gostar da brincadeira, mas, em vez de chafurdar no Tâmisa unicamente para se divertir, começou a descobrir mais um valor nessa forma de diversão, por causa das lavagens e purificações que proporcionava.

Tom sempre podia descobrir alguma coisa acontecendo ao redor do Maypole em Cheapside, e nas feiras. E, de vez em quando, ele e o resto de Londres tinham uma chance de ver uma parada militar, quando algum infeliz famoso era levado prisioneiro para a Torre, por terra ou barco. Certo dia de verão, ele viu a pobre Anne Askew e três homens serem queimados na fogueira em Smithfield e escutou um ex-bispo lhes pregar um sermão que não o interessava. Sim, a vida de Tom era bastante variada e agradável no geral.

Aos poucos as leituras e os sonhos de Tom sobre a vida principesca provocaram um efeito tão forte sobre a sua mente que ele começou a representar o príncipe, de forma inconsciente. A sua fala e maneiras tornaram-se curiosamente cerimoniosas e corteses, para a imensa admiração e diversão de seus íntimos. Mas a influência de Tom entre esses jovens começou então a crescer, dia a dia, e com o tempo ele veio a ser julgado, por eles, com uma espécie de temor admirado, como um ser superior. Ele parecia saber tanto! E, além disso, era tão profundo e sábio! Os comentários de Tom e os desempenhos de Tom eram relatados pelos meninos a seus pais, e então esses também começaram a discutir Tom Canty, a considerá-lo uma criatura muito talentosa e extraordinária. Adultos traziam suas perplexidades para que Tom as resolvesse e ficavam espantados com a inteligência e sabedoria de suas decisões. De fato, ele se tornou um herói para todos os que o conheciam, exceto para a sua própria família – eles eram os únicos a não ver nele nada de especial.

Em privado, depois de um tempo, Tom organizou uma corte real! Ele era o príncipe, seus camaradas especiais eram guardas, camaristas da corte, palafreneiros, lordes e damas de companhia, e a família real. Todos os dias, o falso príncipe era recebido com cerimoniais elaborados que Tom tirava de suas leituras românticas; todos os dias, os grandes assuntos do reino fingido eram discutidos no conselho real, e todos os dias Sua Alteza de arremedo emitia decretos para seus exércitos, marinhas e vice-reinos imaginários.

Depois disso, ele partia com seus trapos e mendigava alguns centavos, comia a sua pobre crosta de pão, recebia as costumeiras bofetadas e abusos, após o que se estirava sobre o seu punhado de palha suja e retomava as grandezas vazias em seus sonhos.

Ainda assim, o desejo de ver pelo menos uma vez um príncipe real, de carne e osso, crescia dentro de si, dia após dia e semana após semana, até que por fim absorveu todos os outros desejos e tornou-se a única paixão de sua vida.

Certo dia de janeiro, nas suas costumeiras andanças para mendigar, ele vagueou desanimado pela região ao redor de Mincing Lane e Little East Cheap, para cima e para baixo, descalço e com frio, olhando para as vitrines das casas de comida para vender e desejando os terríveis bolos de carne de porco e outras invenções mortais ali exibidas – para ele, eram guloseimas dignas dos anjos, isto é, a julgar pelo cheiro –, pois nunca tivera a sorte de possuir e comer uma delas. Caía uma garoa fina, a atmosfera estava escura, era um dia melancólico. À noite, Tom chegou em casa tão molhado, cansado e faminto que o pai e a avó não foram capazes de observar a sua condição desesperada sem ficarem comovidos – à sua maneira; por isso, deram-lhe uma bofetada rápida e o mandaram para a cama. Por um longo tempo, a sua dor e a sua fome, o praguejar e a luta que aconteciam no prédio mantiveram-no acordado; mas por fim os seus pensamentos erraram para longínquas terras românticas, e ele caiu no sono na companhia de pequenos príncipes cobertos de joias e ouro, que viviam em imensos palácios e tinham criados que lhes faziam salamaleques ou corriam para executar as suas ordens. E então, como de costume, sonhou que ele próprio era um pequeno príncipe.

Durante toda a noite, as glórias de sua condição real brilharam sobre ele. Movia-se entre grandes lordes e damas num resplendor de luz, aspirando perfumes, absorvendo uma música deliciosa e respondendo às mesuras reverentes da multidão brilhante que se dividia para lhe abrir caminho, ora com um sorriso, ora com um aceno de sua cabeça principesca.

E quando acordou de manhã e olhou para a miséria ao seu redor, o seu sonho provocou o efeito habitual – multiplicou por mil a sordidez de seu ambiente. Sobrevieram então a amargura, o coração partido e as lágrimas.

Capítulo 3

O encontro de Tom com o príncipe

Tom levantou-se com fome e saiu a perambular com fome, mas com os pensamentos ocupados com os esplendores fugazes de seus sonhos noturnos. Errou aqui e ali pela cidade, mal notando aonde estava indo ou o que estava acontecendo ao seu redor. As pessoas o empurravam, e algumas lhe diziam palavrões, mas tudo passava despercebido ao menino meditativo. Aos poucos ele se viu em Temple Bar, o mais longe de casa a que já tinha chegado naquela direção. Parou e considerou um momento, depois afundou em suas fantasias de novo, e passou para fora das muralhas de Londres. O Strand tinha deixado de ser uma estrada do campo por aquela época, e considerava-se uma rua, mas com uma construção deformada; pois embora houvesse uma fileira toleravelmente compacta de casas num de seus lados, havia apenas alguns grandes edifícios dispersos no outro, esses sendo palácios de nobres ricos, com terrenos amplos e belos que se estendiam até o rio – terrenos que estão agora abarrotados de acres sombrios de tijolo e pedra.

Tom descobriu então Charing Village e descansou na bela cruz ali construída por um rei destituído em tempos antigos. Depois vadiou por uma estrada quieta e encantadora, passando pelo palácio majestoso do grande cardeal, em direção a um palácio muito mais poderoso e grandioso – Westminster. Tom fitou com alegre admiração o imenso edifício de alvenaria, as alas bem espraiadas, os baluartes e torreões carrancudos, o imenso portão de pedra com suas grades douradas e seu magnífico arranjo de leões colossais de granito, e os outros signos e símbolos da realeza inglesa. O desejo de sua alma seria satisfeito por fim? Ali, na verdade, estava o palácio de um rei. Ele não poderia esperar ver um príncipe agora – um príncipe de carne e osso, se os céus assim o quisessem?

Em cada lado do portão dourado havia uma estátua viva – isto é, um soldado ereto, majestoso e imóvel, vestido da cabeça aos pés com uma armadura de aço brilhante. A uma distância respeitosa, estavam muita gente do campo e pessoas da cidade, esperando qualquer vislumbre casual da realeza que pudesse se oferecer. Carruagens esplêndidas, com pessoas esplêndidas dentro delas e criados esplêndidos do lado de fora, chegavam e partiam por vários outros portões nobres que se abriam no muro real.

O pobre Tom, com seus trapos, aproximou-se e estava passando lenta e timidamente pelos sentinelas, com o coração a bater e uma esperança crescente, quando de repente avistou pelas grades douradas um espetáculo que quase o fez gritar de alegria. Lá dentro estava um menino bonito, moreno e bronzeado pelos vigorosos esportes e exercícios ao ar livre, cujas roupas eram todas feitas de sedas encantadoras e cetins, brilhando de joias. No seu quadril, uma pequena espada e uma adaga cobertas de pedras preciosas, botinhas delicadas nos pés, com saltos vermelhos, e sobre a cabeça um elegante gorro carmesim, com plumas pendentes presas com uma grande gema brilhante. Vários cavalheiros magníficos estavam por perto – seus criados, sem dúvida. Oh! Ele era um príncipe – um príncipe, um príncipe vivo, um príncipe real – sem sombra de dúvida! A prece do coração do menino mendigo fora por fim atendida.

A respiração de Tom tornou-se rápida e curta com a emoção, e seus olhos se arregalaram de admiração e prazer. Tudo logo deu lugar na sua mente a um único desejo: chegar perto do príncipe, envolvê-lo e devorá-lo com o olhar. Antes que soubesse o que estava fazendo, tinha a face contra as grades do portão. No instante seguinte um dos soldados o afastou rudemente, atirando-o e fazendo-o girar entre a multidão boquiaberta de basbaques do campo e vagabundos de Londres. O soldado disse:

– Olha as tuas maneiras, jovem mendigo!

A multidão zombava e ria, mas o jovem príncipe pulou até o portão com o rosto afogueado, os olhos lampejando de indignação, e gritou:

– Como ousas tratar um pobre sujeito desse modo? Como ousas tratar assim o súdito mais ínfimo de meu pai, o rei? Abram os portões e deixem-no entrar!

Foi um espetáculo ver aquela multidão volúvel tirar os seus chapéus. Um espetáculo, escutá-los dar vivas e gritar: Longa vida ao príncipe de Gales!

Os soldados apresentaram as armas com suas alabardas, abriram os portões e apresentaram de novo as armas quando o pequeno príncipe da Pobreza entrou, com seus trapos ondulantes, para apertar a mão do príncipe da Profusão Ilimitada.

Edward Tudor disse:

– Pareces cansado e faminto: tens sido maltratado. Vem comigo.

Meia dúzia de criados deu um pulo à frente para – não sei para quê. Interferir, sem dúvida. Mas foram afastados com um gesto real certeiro e pararam imóveis onde estavam, como estátuas. Edward levou Tom a um rico aposento no palácio, que ele chamava seu gabinete. Por seu comando, foi trazido um repasto que Tom nunca tinha visto antes exceto nos livros. O príncipe, com delicadeza e educação principescas, mandou embora os criados, para que seu convidado humilde não ficasse embaraçado pela sua presença crítica; depois sentou-se ali perto e fez perguntas enquanto Tom comia.

– Qual é o teu nome, menino?

– Tom Canty, se lhe apraz, senhor.

– É um nome estranho. Onde vives?

– Na cidade, se lhe apraz, senhor. Offal Court, fora de Pudding Lane.

– Offal Court! É realmente outro nome estranho. Tens pais?

– Pais tenho, senhor, e também uma avó cujo valor é para mim indiferente, Deus me perdoe, se for uma ofensa dizê-lo – além de irmãs gêmeas, Nan e Bet.

– Então a tua avó não é muito bondosa contigo, pelo que vejo?

– Nem com qualquer outro, se apraz a Vossa Alteza. Ela tem um coração malvado e pratica o mal todos os seus dias.

– Ela te maltrata?

– Há momentos em que detém a sua mão, estando adormecida ou dominada pela bebida, mas quando recupera o seu julgamento claro, ela compensa aqueles momentos com boas surras.

Um olhar furioso brilhou nos olhos do pequeno príncipe, e ele gritou:

– O quê? Surras?

– Oh, realmente,

Avaliações de O Príncipe e o Mendigo

[novak_13 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

Only Mark Twain could have turned this hackneyed old concept into a very readable, enjoyable novel. This Reader’s Digest edition had factual historical notes and a good afterword at the end of the book. First class.

[othemts · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

I remember enjoying this book as a child (although I can't remember what age) and since my son is interested in Mark Twain, we listened to the audiobook on a recent road trip. It was a little bit more complicated than I remembered, and frankly we both had trouble following parts of the story, but perhaps that is a challenge of audiobooks compared with print. The basic story is well-known in which the poor and abused Tom Canty meets Prince Edward and discovering they resemble one another, swap clothing. Through a comedy of errors, they are separated and end up with Tom unwillingly becoming king and the prince having to live life at the very bottom of society. All works out in the end, and Twain is probably too kind on Edward VI's actual legacy as king, but the book delves into some of the gritty realities of impoverished masses and the court intrigues of the elites.

[norabelle414 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

Audiobook - Edward VI, Prince of Wales, meets a poor boy named Tom Canty who looks just like him. They trade clothes for fun, which results in the true prince being kicked out of the castle and Tom being confused for the prince. Edward roams around the city being abused by Tom's father, captured and forced to steal by a band of thieves, and getting arrested twice. He learns the true plight of his poorest subjects, which allows him to eventually become a kind and fair king. Tom learns, um, how to behave at a fancy dinner party?The general plot - a poor person and a rich person look alike and trade lives - is timeless and well-known. The details of the plot are just decent historical fiction. It's an interesting look into 1540s England, but not much more. It would have been nice if Tom had learned some kind of lesson in the end, too, like valuing his mother and sister or something. But nope. The narrator, Steve West, was very good, especially considering the dialogue is all Tudor-era-appropriate.

[tadad_1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

The basic story line of The Prince and the Pauper is probably familiar to everyone as it has become a Hollywood staple in a long series of movies: screen adaptations of varying qualities of the book directly, as well as basic plot lifts like "A Change of Place" or "Model Behavior". Twain’s book is more than just the piece of Hollywood froth into which it’s generally made, however. The ironic and amused tone that is present in so many of his works is much reduced; Twain’s reflections on his subject are darker and pointed. There is humor in the book...a fair amount of it...but there is also a very direct criticism of social systems where the ordinary person is at the mercy of authority, reflections on "the grass is always greener...", and the folly of judging someone by their appearances or circumstances.The novel is a bit slower-paced than his more famous works and a modern editor would probably cut a bit of Edward’s continual ranting about his rights when taken for Tom. Nonetheless, as with every Twain novel I’ve tried, this one is worth reading.

[ntempest_1 · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

Possibly my favorite Twain novel. So many people know the basics of this story that I think few of them ever read the original anymore. The politics and social commentary in this book are some of the best Twain produced. His subtle condemnation of the way society separated the haves and have nots during his day (and still does, if truth be told) is spot on and utterly compelling, all without compromising story or character.

[theokester · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

The Prince and the Pauper is one of those books that part of me always thought I had read because I had seen so many movie adaptations of the book. Some were intended as direct adaptations and others took some significant leeway but they all sort of had a similar vibe. I've always enjoyed Twain but in recent years I've re-realized that I haven't read as many of his novels as I feel I should have. So with that background, I sat down with Prince and the Pauper.In case there are any people unfamiliar with the story, the basic idea is that we are in ~1600s London and there is a young prince who happens to meet a pauper who has an uncanny twin-like resemblance to the prince. Through some unintended circumstances, the prince ends up kicked out of his own castle while the pauper is set up as the prince in his place. Each boy tries to acclimate to his new surroundings and deal with the extreme change in social class. Further complications arise when the King dies and it is announced that the prince is to be crowned King of England.The first thing that struck me with this book was the style. Twain has always been one who is noted for his rhetoric and his use of dialect and style in such a way as to portray the era and culture he is trying to represent. As such, he writes this book with a somewhat stilted and formal narration filled with "thy"s and "thou"s and "wherefore"s. I had no problem with the language, I just wasn't expecting it. Whether or not it actually added to the tone and nature of the book, I'm not quite sure. I don't think it painted the scene quite as much as do the dialog of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer but I was still impressed with his use of vocabulary and style to help convey a certain time period.I also naturally discovered quick differences between the book and the various movie versions. In most of the movie adaptations I've seen, the Prince and Pauper decide to switch places as a sort of game and they are both excited at the idea of swapping roles. In the book, the prince notices their similar appearance and suggests they exchange clothes to see just how similar they might look. The concept of actually exchanging roles never really entered into the discussion and each boy is in fact quite frightened and upset when the exchange occurs.Not being an avid historian, I can't fully speak to Twain's portrayal either of royalty or poverty of the era, but I did feel both a disgust and a compassion upon the poverty stricken of 16th century London. The squalor they were forced to live in was truly unspeakable. What struck me as interesting was the way Twain presented the reality of the situation. Even though the lifestyle was miserable and unhappy, the people had a sense of acceptance and made the best they could out of bad situations. As the prince tried to fit in and adapt to his new circumstances, each time he complained or worried about the filth and poverty he was chided by those around him and they seemed to be accepting and perhaps even unconsciously ignorant of their plight. It's an interesting social idea and seems to push the idea that those who haven't ever known better never really aspire to better or those who see no opportunity for social mobility are content to stay where they are, no matter how awful. I personally think that mindset may be somewhat true but I think more likely is that those living in poverty were frankly just too exhausted and overwhelmed with trying to survive that they seldom had energy to think about was to escape their situation, let alone to devise a method to climb the social ladder.I found myself comparing the life of Twain's prince/pauper in lower class London with Dickens's lower class characters in Oliver Twist or some of his other works. In some ways, I felt like the attitudes of Twain's characters felt a little more realistic but in other instances I felt like Dickens had a better handle on the minds, motivations and actions of the English poor. As I thought about it, I decided that Twain's characters had more "modern" thought processes while Dickens's characters were more likely evocative of a real life citizen of lower class London.The life of the pauper-turned-prince in the palace is interesting but is often treated with much less detail and consideration than our prince-turned-pauper. We see snippets of life in the castle as the pauper tries to understand his new role and become accustomed to being waited on by attendants on all sides. After a variety of worrisome advisement from counselors and even the king, the young pauper finally takes the role upon himself and does his best to pretend at being the prince. Fortunately he has a few trusted advisors. While they don't believe that he is actually a pauper (everyone thinks he's gone mad), they do work to help him carry out his duties with gentle nudges and whispered reminders of proper behavior and etiquette. Once the king dies, the prince is expected to oversee various declarations and judgements and Twain takes this opportunity to provide some "Solomon-like" deliberations in court to showcase the young pauper's compassion as well as his quick thinking and wit.Meanwhile, the prince-turned-pauper finds himself fighting for survival in lower class London and finally making friends with a man who also doesn't believe the change in roles (he also thinks the boy must be crazy) but he pretends to believe and acts to help the prince in a variety of ways. The prince never tries to adapt himself to the world of the lower class. He continually tries to convince everyone of his royal lineage and rights. Naturally this doesn't help his situation get any better and in most cases it results in ridicule or harassment of some type.The high level plot is comical and often used throughout drama and literature. Offhand I can't think how many Shakespearean plays have to do with mistaken or switched identity either with twins or disguise or some other form of subterfuge. Twain uses this oft used trope to bring a lot of light hearted comedy to an investigation of the inequality of social classes and the unbalanced nature of cultural distinctions. The story was very entertaining and had plenty of Twain's quick wit and snarky humor. Beyond the simple humor and the fun, cute story, there is a lot of great material to think about both from social standpoints and from the aspect of literary scholarship. I think it would be entertaining some day to compare Twain's London with Dickens's London or to evaluate Twain's social concerns from this book with any of the various social problems of modern society.I had a lot of fun reading this book and definitely recommend it. The reading, tone and nature of the writing could be very accessible and entertaining to young readers. Some of the language may be harder for elementary school kids but they would likely enjoy having it read to them. Older readers will enjoy the quick wit, nuanced humor and insightful perspectives on social inequality. Overall this is a great book that is definitely overshadowed by Twain's larger works and as such is likely often overlooked. While it may not be quite as rich as Twain's more impactful books, it definitely stands on its own as a solid classic.4.5 out of 5 stars

[shanaqui_1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

I loved the details in this book a lot. I could really see the dirty details of London in that era, from the description.

[mausergem_1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

This is my first book by Mark Twain. It's a fictionised story using some real characters like King Henry VIII and his son King Edward VI.Tom Canty, a begger boy, is very keen on seeing the prince Edward who is the same age that he is. One day when he is roaming in the vicinity of the King's palace, he sees the prince. He is invited into the private chambers of the prince and seeing their remarkable resemblance they decide to play a jest. They exchange clothes and try to act each other's part. Things take a wrong turn and the real prince is thrown out on the streets and Tom is considered as the prince. What follows is a merry adventure for both of them.The conversations in the book are in old English which take a bit of time getting used to but overall it's a fun read. 

[fdholt · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

Mark Twain’s The prince and the pauper is the story of two boys, Prince Edward and Tom Canty, who meet by chance and decide to exchange clothes with unexpected results. It is also the story of Miles Hendon, knight errant, who stumbles upon a ragged boy and takes an interest. We are drawn into the high courts of Tudor England as well as the slums and prisons and learn quite a bit about the harsh life in those times. Most criminals were sentenced to death, even for thievery of something as simple as a crust of bread. Both boys were appalled and did what they could to make things better for the aristocracy, the middle classes and the poor.I read this book many years ago along with A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and did not realize the social implications of either. Twain was making a point that life in England was not the rosy picture that many authors painted; he researched his subject and used material written in the 16th century to support his story. (There were some artistic liberties, but then this is a novel.)The dialog was in “Elizabethan” English, which can be hard to understand for some. However, there are some editions that have modernized the language. My copy of the book included endnotes to explain some of the material in the book; reading these gave me a better sense of the story. (However, I could have done without the description of death by boiling in oil!) There was also an afterward by Kenneth Lynn which put the book into perspective in Twain’s literary output, a list of Twain’s major works with original date of publication, and a bibliography of literary criticism current to 1963. Since it is a short novel, The prince and the pauper can be enjoyed by all levels of readers.

[schmerguls · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

I found this an exquisitely funny book and it has lived in my memory ever since I read it in 8th grade.

[la2bkk · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

The basic story line offered so much potential for compelling social commentary. However, Twain's effort really accomplished little more than a mildly entertaining novel. While an enjoyable read, particularly for its description of 16th century English society, I was disappointed at the lack of sophistication.

[bookconcierge · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

Book on CD narrated by Steve West.Two boys born on the same day in very different circumstances meet and discover they each envy the other’s experiences. But only when they exchange clothes do they realize how identical they are in looks. So much so that Edward, Prince of Wales, is ejected from the palace as a beggar, while the pauper Tom Canty is accepted as the prince, despite their protests to the contrary.This is a wonderful classic that explores the difference in class in 16th century England, and the ways that appearance effects how one is treated. Both boys learn much from their experience as “the other.” Tom learns that a life of luxury is not all it’s cracked up to be; he chafes against the restrictions on his movements, the requirements for certain study, the constant presence of servants and guardians. Edward learns first-hand of the harsh life of his poorest subjects: their reliance on begging, the unfairness of the legal system, the lack of opportunities to improve their lot. Tom uses his new-found position to change some of the laws of the land. Edward learns the value of compassion and kindness. It’s a wonderful lesson in “walking in the other person’s shoes.”One thing that was a little difficult, though was Twain’s use of 16th-century English: “Dost not know thy father, child?” is one fairly easy example, but much of the dialect used makes it that much more difficult for a reader to appreciate the story. Still, it’s worth the effort to persevere. And I would recommend listening to the audio.There are many editions of this classic available. The hardcover text edition I used to supplement my listening was the Oxford Mark Twain with an introduction by Judith Martin and an afterword by Everett Emerson. It includes nearly 200 illustrations by Beverly R David and Ray Sapirstein. It’s really a physically beautiful book.The audio edition I listened to was narrated by Steve West. He did a fine job. He has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to differentiate the various characters.

[delightedlibrarian · Nota: 2 de 5 estrelas]

SO different from the Disney version its amusing. But it was an interesting read. I wonder whose perspective of history is more accurate, Twains because he was closer in time, or ours because we have more research and available information...

[puuchan_1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

One day two babies was born. But they are very different lives-one is aprince, the other is a pauper. Ten years later, they change p;aces.I was excited thinking what will happen next.And courage of the prince moved me.But i dont like the end of this story. I was disappointed.

[nm9fall079schora · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

this book was really interesting but in some parts of it this book was confusing because you didn't know who was who. The prince and the pauper had many lessons in it that i think where interesting. I liked that the prince got to experience how life was for many people. He realized that his life was pretty great compaired to other people's. I think that elementry or middle school students would like this book better than adults and teens.

[sueincyprus · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

The well-known story set in 1547, when Crown Prince Edward and the (fictional) neglected, impoverished Tom Canty switch places for fun, as they look surprisingly alike, and find themselves stuck in a role entirely different from anything previously experienced.Written for children but some of the incidents are quite shocking so I'd consider it more suitable for teens (and adults) interested in historical fiction of this era. The author evidently researched well, and the detail feels authentic, though I'm no historian. Some of the descriptions are long-winded, but if one accepts the unlikely premise of the story, it's a believable book, well-written and dramatic. I downloaded mine free from Project Gutenberg, but there are many editions in print and electronic form, as well as various TV/film adaptations of this book.

[cyderry · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

I think the majority of readers know the story,the Prince and Pauper who exchange places because of their uncanny resemblance, but I was surprised at the political undertones that were skillfully woven throughout. Twain has shown the cruelty of the time as well as the naivete of the nobility to the hardship inflicted by unjust laws.I usually have a hard time with Classics, but I liked this one.

[deusxmachina-1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

I'm not sure why I love Mark Twain so much, but even this simple, obvious comedy of mistaken identities was a delight. His style is dated, his characters are more often than not cardboard (or archetypes, depending on the benevolence of the reader), his social commentary comes much more often with the mallet than with the scalpel. And still - this was an adventurous romp through the land and society of 16th century England, never in doubt who was the good guys and the villains, and yes, of course I fell in love with Miles Hendon.And I'm not sure, but... this thing was published first in 1881, and of course audience expectations have changed since then, but reading scenes like Tom experiencing for the first time the morning rituals as prince, with the endless ordeals until his clothing finally reaches him, I imagine Mr. Twain sitting at his desk, adding another comma and another element to an already endless list and cackling maniacally while he knows exactly that he's gonna drive his readership insane.And I can't help myself, but I LOVE this attitude in an author.

[momma2_2 · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

Although the kids had a hard time following the story (just like with Shakespeare, must be the Old English) this was a really good book. We just paused periodically to make sure that everyone was up to speed. This was not at all what I expected from Mark Twain although it did bear his hallmark humor. It was like a Tom and Huck scheme gone wrong with thees and thous. It was a much more in depth story than what you might suppose if all you had been exposed to is the animated versions. I was pleased and entertained.

[hjjugovic · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

I could have sword I had read this years ago, but it felt fresh to me when I read it on DailyLit this time. Twain is such a genius! I loved this little story with so much depth and humor. I was also surprised to see how much historical research went into it. This is recommended to everyone.

[dbsovereign · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

You can't get what you want unless you see it through someone else's eyes first.

[jovanh470volny · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

The prince and the Pauper is a well-known story, a classic written by Mark Twain, a superb 19th century writer. This book starts off in London during the rule of Henry VII. On the streets of London resides the Canty family. With a dead beat, drunken, and heavily abusive dad, and no money to fuel his drinking habits, he resorts to violence and beats his only son, and our main character, Tom Canty. When tom was born he was born with the same features and everything, as the prince, Edward, they were even born on the same day and hour. These two young individuals meet each other in a course of different events and decide that they want to have a perspective of the others life, and that it would be easy because of their visual similarities. They later find that this was not as good of an idea as they though it would be. As they face the hardships of each other’s lives. And what is more of a problem; they can’t get a hold of each other to switch back. In a turn of fate they do however, and all things are reversed back and even improved as Edward becomes King, and tom becomes his right hand man.The Prince and the Pauper is a wonderful classic novel, and many have enjoyed it. It’s meant for anyone and has a good meaning intended to the readers. Mark twain is a wonderful author, and writes books such as this that will keep your face glued to the pages. I’d even suggest reading it more than once just because it is that much of an enjoyable read.

[josejalapeno_1 · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

In this book, Prince Edward and a beggar, Tom Canty, switch places accidentally. They have many different adventures based on what kind of people they were with. It's in England, during the reign of King Henry VIII. Most of the characters were fictionally made. Overall, it was an okay book; but unless you don't enjoy the medieval way the characters talk, then i suggest you don't read this book.

[santhony_35 · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

For Christmas, I ordered an mp3 player (Library of Classics) that was pre-loaded with 100 works of classic literature in an audio format. Each work is in the public domain and is read by amateurs, so the quality of the presentation is hit or miss. The premise of The Prince and The Pauper is ages old; two people from wildly divergent ways of life switch places, with predictable consequences. This is a very simple and short story, the protagonists being Edward VI, first Prince of Wales and then King of England, and a penniless ragamuffin. The Prince thinks the carefree lifestyle of the ragamuffin sounds attractive and the pair change clothes and identities.If you can get past the utterly absurd premise that the two boys were so exactly alike that their mothers and closest friends were unable to detect the switch, there are a few amusing scenarios, but the story soon becomes tiresome and maddeningly repetitive. Instead of using fictional characters,Twain uses the historical Edward VI as his Prince, implying that the time spent among the lower classes of his kingdom served to make him a more caring and empathetic monarch. Of course, this holds little historical water, as Edward died at the age of fifteen and was never more than a puppet for the power hungry factions that surrounded the throne. I’m sure there are any number of metaphors and morals to be gleaned from the story, but as simple entertainment, it falls short.

[14hermannsc · Nota: 1 de 5 estrelas]

I did not like this book because it was very hard to understand (at least the version i read). I think that Mark Twain over did the old english a little bit.

[gbill_7 · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

"The Prince and the Pauper" is a simple read and has a fairly predictable ending; I don't think it will knock anyone's socks off, but it is well written and a bit of a classic. Twain's original concept of switching roles and fortunes is also one that has been often copied (e.g. the movie "Trading Places" with Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd :-).There is an interesting undercurrent in the book, for while Twain mocks royalty overtly in scenes such as one with the attendants passing the king's clothes one by one down to him through a long line like a fire brigade, he also does this more subtly. In putting royalty in the context of the 16th century and its way of life - which included many examples of needless violence and cruel torture, ignorant superstition, and fundamental unfairness - Twain shows it as outmoded as all of those things. It is arbitrary and corruptible, he is pointing out, and hereditary power for the few while many suffer is wrong. It is a novel set in London and Dickensian in style, but it has an American message at its core.Quotes:"...when the office of Taster had its perils, and was not a grandeur to be desired. Why they did not use a dog or a plumber seems strange; but all the ways of royalty are strange.""None believe in me - neither wilt thou. But no matter - within the compass of a month thou shalt be free; and more, the laws that have dishonoured thee, and shamed the English name, shall be swept from the statute books. The world is made wrong; kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy.""...they stepped upon London Bridge, in the midst of a writhing, struggling jam of howling and hurrahing people, whose beer-jolly faces stood out strongly in the glare from manifold torches - and at that instant the decaying head of some former duke or other grandee tumbled down between them, striking Hendon on the elbow and then bounding off among the hurrying confusion of feet. So evanescent and unstable are men's works, in this world! - the late good king is but three weeks dead and three days in his grave, and already the adornments which he took such pains to select from prominent people for his noble bridge are falling.""Once when his royal "sister", the grimly holy lady Mary, set herself to reason with him against the wisdom of his course in pardoning so many people who would otherwise be jailed or hanged or burned, and reminded him that their august late father's prisons had sometimes contained as high as sixty thousand convicts at one time, and that during his admirable reign he had delivered seventy-two thousand thieves and robbers over to death by the executioner*, the boy was filled with generous indignation, and commanded her to go to her closet and beseech God to take away the stone that was in her breast and give her a human heart."* Hume's England

[sean191 · Nota: 3 de 5 estrelas]

The Prince and the Pauper reminded me very much of Adventures of Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. There were last second rescue, unbelievable circumstance, local dialects (or an estimation of them at least) abusive fathers, faithful companions...the list goes on. Unfortunately, I don't think Twain did as good a job tapping into old England as he did to the Mississippi river area.

[ashryan_1 · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

Most people are familiar with the basic situation of this classic story, but there is much more to Twain's original version than to its many adaptations. Of course, the crucial fact of these two boys being born in such different circumstances at the same time and identical in appearance and meeting as they do is pretty fabulous, but then, it is intended as a fable. At root, this is a story about the arbitrariness of hereditary nobility in general and monarchy in particular, and in true Twain fashion there are many biting and hilarious scenes. However, Twain fails to be true to his own theme in his resolution, which basically amounts to "...and despite what you would expect from everything that's happened so far, they all lived happily ever after." It would have been much more powerful and memorable had they failed to prove their true identities and the pauper had remained king, and the king a pauper...but I suppose a lot of readers wouldn't have liked that ending (which would have been the point!). But in any case, Twain's story is well worth reading just as it is.

[john257hopper · Nota: 5 de 5 estrelas]

This classic story of mixed identity between the boy King Edward VI and pauper Tom Canty is a heartwarming and easy read. Mark Twain's first historical novel, it follows the tradition of of 19th century historical novels in telling as much about the assumptions of the time it was written (1881) as about the time it is set (1547), e.g. in terms of Royal mercy and concern for the poor. The language is a joy to read and this Kindle edition contains all the many illustrations.

[cbl_tn · Nota: 4 de 5 estrelas]

After a chance meeting, Edward, Prince of Wales (son of Henry VIII) and poor Tom Canty, curious about what it would feel like to wear the other's clothes, swap clothes. They are both astonished when they look in a mirror and realize their extraordinary likeness. Tom looks like the prince in the prince's clothes, and Edward looks like Tom in Tom's rags. While still wearing Tom's clothes, Prince Edward ends up outside the palace grounds. No one believes him when he says he is the Prince of Wales. No one believes Tom when he says he is not the prince. Their inability to recognize faces and surroundings that should be familiar is blamed on a fit of madness. Then Henry VIII dies, and both boys despair of ever going back to their rightful places.Although I've been familiar with the basic plot for as long as I can remember, this is the first time I've read the story. I had formed an impression that the prince was a fictional character, so I was surprised when he turned out to be Edward VI. (I have no doubt that Tom Canty is fictional, though!) If I had known how much I would enjoy the story, I wouldn't have put it off for so long. Even though the outcome is never in doubt, each boy's adventures in the other's world kept me a captivated listener. The only negative feature worth noting is the overly flowery language, which doesn't seem anywhere close to authentic. While this is a classic of children's literature, the language will probably cause many 21st century young readers to lose interest before the plot takes hold of them.