The Prince and the Pauper Theme of Family

Many people get the warm fuzzies when they talk about their family. These are the people who know all of your secrets, who love you the most, and who share Thanksgiving dinner with you. But in The Prince and the Pauper, family isn't always so perfect. Tom is neglected and abused by his own family members, and Edward finds out that sometimes you create your own family with friends who love you. But both of them realize that no matter who or what you consider family, a loving family is worth more than all the riches in the world.

Questions About Family

  1. What is the role of mothers in The Prince and the Pauper? Why does the narrator focus on them so much?
  2. Which characters become family members in The Prince and the Pauper? Which bonds are more important? The ones you make, or the ones you are born into?
  3. How are Tom and Edward treated differently by their families in The Prince and the Pauper? Why?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

No one can love you more than your family in The Prince and the Pauper.

Family is more important than riches or gold in The Prince and the Pauper.