Missouri - Show-me Readers discussion

March 2013 Discussion Board

Just downloaded it this morning from Gutenberg, so I'm ready to start it this weekend!

I am about 12% through (finished chapter 4) and I can see where this is going. I am laughing at the way the prince is speaking to the people that he meets along his adventure. He is oblivious that he is different from them. Of course, not a soul takes the boy seriously and even rough him up a bit. I am looking forward to how Tom makes out.

Did anybody notice in chapter 3 that Twain uses the phrase "tricked out"? I thought that was modern slang, but Twain used it all the way back in 1881!

Okay, I'm about 50 pages in and, Jenni, the "tricked out" phrase caught my attention too. lol

At first I was kind of disappointed that we were reading this book because I've seen, as I'm sure we all have, this premise used used to death in movies, TV comedies and cartoons. I really thought this was going to be a rather boring read, however, I'm enjoying the different layers of this book - social commentary, historical record, political thriller, farce - there's a lot to sink one's teeth into here.

One of my favorite scenes so far is (view spoiler)[the dinner the first night when Tom, as the Prince< breaks down and starts crying because his nose itches, and he doesn't know the protocol for scratching it. Poor thing!

I also laughed that Tom's neighborhood is called Offal Court. What great word play is that? Considering that it is in the bowels of the city, it's very aptly named. (hide spoiler)]

I'm also enjoying the illustrations, although, I find them unnecessary because of Twain's great descriptions.

Katey and I were talking last night and we're trying to figure out how these boys looked so much alike that nobody recognizes them as not who they ought to be. Do you think they really looked that much alike, or do you think that nobody looks any anyone in the face? Do you suppose this will be addressed later in the book?

I haven't made much time to read. I will kick it into gear this weekend. On chapter 5. :(

I am 36% through the book (finished Chapter 13), and I'm more curious about how these boys have been mistaken for each other and nobody, especially Tom's mom looking at the prince up close and saying, "Hey, this is not my child!" I guess that's the beauty of fiction, it doesn't have to necessarily make sense. For me, it's all I can focus on though.

Jenni, I think you definitely have to suspend reality for this one. What I'm finding fascinating are the lessons that both boys are learning.

I'm just over 50% in this book and so far it seems to me that Tom is definitely the wiser. The lifestyle of the monarchy seems so ridiculous and frivolous. Tom seems like the one voice of reason. For instance, (view spoiler)[Tom stops the executions of the woman and child by proving them incapable of rendering a storm by taking their stockings off. That made me laugh! (hide spoiler)]

What kinds of themes are you guys seeing in the novel? Mark Twain is known for having social commentary in his work. Do you see any?

Well, he's definitely making a statement about the aristocracy. King Henry and the Prince are both painted as ridiculous characters who are incredibly out-of-touch. Edward is, of course, naive about the disparity of life outside the palace walls, and in my opinion this provides the set-up for some of the more humorous scenes of this story so far. By contrast, Tom, educated on the street, seems much more capable in his role as the Prince.

Something else I also find very interesting is that even the poorest, most desperate characters in this book still swear an unwavering loyalty to the King. My husband is British, and even when he disagrees with politics and policy of his homeland, he speaks of the crown with such reverence! I think that's something to which most of us Americans can't really relate. Twain probably couldn't either.

Street smarts can sometimes be more valuable to people than those who are raised in protective environments. You have to live among the people to understand what the people need. The prince was raised to treat others as if there were barely more than animals.

How do you guys feel about the adults? I'm really distracted by them.

Most of the commoners are a bit wacko! No wonder they don't believe the King! They think he's just as odd as they are. It's also no wonder that the King is frustrated because there is a communication barrier. I am frustrated FOR the poor king. The adults hear what he says and they fall just short of understanding, like the widow with the 2 daughters. She was trying to piece him together, then he had to leave in a rush. Man o man!

Tom, on the other hand doesn't communicate well either and all the adult servants just kind of tiptoe around him. Watching, but not making an effort to help him. I guess fear of reprisal keeps them quiet, being royal servants and all, but with all those adults around, you would think ONE would be around who could figure out what is going on.

Yes, the adults distract me!

I just completed chapter 30 during lunch break, and I am excited to find out how this story shakes out! I sure hope the ending makes sense, I am worried there's going to be a "gotcha" moment.

I finished THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER last night. I wrote my review.

I just finished the book last night. I really enjoyed it. (view spoiler)[ When at first they couldn't find the Great Seal I think I actually gasped aloud! (hide spoiler)] Jenni, I found myself becoming frustrated too! The royal household/staff seem to be so mired in protocol that they have lost all common sense! I loved the character of Miles Hendon though. Outcast from his own family, he showed such loyalty and tenderness to the boy he thought was delusional. I found it touching.

I also liked the way all the loose ends were tied up neatly at the end.