How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The dull work went tediously on. Petitions were read, and proclamations, patents, and all manner of wordy, repetitious, and wearisome papers relating to the public business; and at last Tom sighed pathetically and murmured to himself, "In what have I offended, that the good God should take me away from the fields and the free air and the sunshine, to shut me up here and make me a king and afflict me so?" (14.35)
Tom seems pretty upset to be prince at this point. What are the positive parts of his life of poverty that he may be remembering? Why are they missing now that he's the prince?
Quote #8
The larger part of his day was "wasted"—as he termed it, in his own mind—in labors pertaining to his royal office. Even the two hours devoted to certain princely pastimes and recreations were rather a burden to him than otherwise, they were so fettered by restrictions and ceremonious observances. However, he had a private hour with his whipping-boy which he counted clear gain, since he got both entertainment and needful information out of it. (15.2)
Why does Tom feel that his day was wasted? It says that even the recreational time he gets is not so fun. Does Edward ever talk about being bored as the prince? Or is it just Tom? If it's just Tom, why do you think that is?
Quote #9
"In truth, being a king is not all dreariness—it hath its compensations and conveniences." (15.11)
This scene happens when Tom sees a ruckus outside of his window and commands that some people condemned to death be brought to him. It turns out that being rich isn't all lame: sometimes you get to boss people around, too. More importantly, though: Tom decides at this point to use his power for good. Tom kind of paves the way for Edward: it's only because Tom is so good that Edward is able to successfully get his throne back and rule in a new way.