What is a doppelganger? In the simplest of terms, a doppelgänger is someone’s twin, or double. Sometimes, a doppelgänger can be the "evil twin"; it can also be representative of a double-life. Doppelgängers are intriguing because they explore the duality of human nature – the two sides of people that coexist, but sometimes clash with each other.
The Prince and the Pauper tells the story of the historical King Edward VI who switches lives with a young pauper for a few weeks. As Edward experiences the difficulties of life as a commoner, he recognizes the injustices of English law and later works to right them as king. The story is an exciting tale of mistaken identity and a wonderful introduction to sixteenth century English history.
The Prince and the Pauper Compare and Contrast - Juxtaposition
Storyboard Text
TOM CANTY
TOM CANTY
BOTH
BOTH BOYS
HOME
EDWARD VI
EDWARD VI
Tom lives in Offal Court, a dilapidated section of London filled with poverty and crime.
TOM CANTY
Both boys live in or near London, England.
BOTH
EDUCATION
Edward lives in luxury in Westminster Palace.
Tom receives informal lessons from an old priest who lives in Offal Court. Tom has limited access to books, but learns to read English and a little Latin.
Both boys are intelligent and enjoy learning. They use their education to make wise and fair decisions.
APPEARANCE
Edward is taught many subjects, including Latin, Greek, and French. He has several tutors and takes his lessons in the comfortable rooms of the palace.
Tom owns only a single, ragged outfit that he wears at all times.
Aside from their clothes, the boys look nearly identical. They are doppelgängers of the same age, height, and coloring. No one can tell them apart.
PERSONALITY
Edward wears regal robes of costly fabrics. He has many different suits of clothing for various occasions and is carefully dressed each morning in an elaborate ceremony.
APPEARANCE
Let the prisoner go free--it is the King's will!
But sire, you cannot be so lenient...
What dost thou know of suffering and oppression?
I am the King as thou shalt know to thy cost. Thou hast confessed a murder--thou shalt swing for it.
Tom is meek and dreamy. He gets through his days as a pauper by dreaming about royalty and accepting beatings from his father and grandmother without complaint. In the castle, he shows eager obedience to the prince and is at first very timid in the castle.
Both boys are kind-hearted and merciful. They make similar decisions as king, trying to enact justice and end cruelty.
Due to his royal upbringing, Edward is confident and commanding. Even when confronted by dangerous men who are bigger and stronger than he is, he refuses to obey their commands.