The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty-One – Fun Fact

In Ch. 31 of The Prince and the Pauper, everyone is out celebrating the upcoming coronation for Edward VI. As a part of that celebration, the narrator describes explosions and smoke filling the sky. The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 31 Fun Fact focuses on…

FIREWORKS

Keep reading or watch the video below for more information.

Reference in The Prince and the Pauper

“When he arrived there, the sides of the venerable fortress seemed suddenly rent in a thousand places, and from every rent leaped a red tongue of flame and a white gush of smoke; a deafening explosion followed, which drowned the shoutings of the multitude, and made the ground tremble; the flame-jets, the smoke, and the explosions, were repeated over and over again with marvellous celerity, so that in a few moments the old Tower disappeared in the vast fog of its own smoke…” (p. 180)

How Do Fireworks Work?

  1. A fuse sets off a charge, igniting gunpowder
  2. The firework flies into the sky
  3. Gunpowder within the firework ignites
  4. “Stars” containing metal salts and iron filings explode in different colors
  5. Stars can be placed in different compartments and configurations to create different patterns

Earliest Fireworks

  • Many believe they originated in China
  • Earliest “form” was bamboo stalks thrown into a fire, which would explode due to overheating of hollow air pockets in the bamboo
  • Supposedly in 600-900 AD, a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal, which was then poured into hollow bamboo sticks

Fireworks in Tudor Times

  • First firework display was at the wedding of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York
  • Reached peak popularity during the reign of Elizabeth I
  • She appointed an official “Fire Master of England”
  • Experimentation with pyrotechnics caused the Globe theatre to burn down the first time
  • Elizabeth visited Robert Dudley in 1572 and he presented a mock battle including fireworks, which accidentally  burned several houses to the ground nearby

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References

https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/evolution-fireworks

https://www.americanpyro.com/history-of-fireworks

https://www.livescience.com/63468-fireworks-history.html

https://blog.english-heritage.org.uk/history-of-fireworks/

http://www.planet-science.com/categories/over-11s/technology/2011/11/how-do-fireworks-work.aspx#:~:text=Firework%20patterns%3A&text=The%20fuse%20sets%20off%20a,in%20different%20colours%20and%20sparkles.

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty-One – Historical Tidbit

In Chapter 31, there is much pomp and circumstance surrounding the upcoming coronation. As a part of that, we are introduced to a historical military body that is still in existence today! Our Chapter 31 Historical Tidbit focuses on…

HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY

Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.

Part of the parade working its way toward the palace is described here:

“Also in the procession, as a special guard of honour through the city, was the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company—an organisation already three hundred years old at that time, and the only military body in England possessing the privilege (which it still possesses in our day) of holding itself independent of the commands of Parliament.”
(p. 180-181)

What is the Honourable Artillery Company?

  • Traces back as far as 1087
  • Received a royal charter from Henry VIII in 1537
  • Created for the “better defence of this realm.”
  • Went by many names (first called the Honourable Artillery Company in 1685)
  • It is the oldest regiment in the British Army

The HAC Today

  • Since 1974 it focuses mainly on intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and gunnery
  • Work with local academies in Islington and Hackney to work with young people
  • In 1964 it was registered as a charity
  • Current Captain-General: Queen Elizabeth II


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References

https://hac.org.uk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honourable_Artillery_Company

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Honourable-Artillery-Company

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty-One – Vocabulary

Our vocab word for The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 31 focuses on a commonly used noun referring to large quantities of things or people. The vocab word is…

MULTITUDE

Keep reading or watch the video below see how the word ‘multitude’ is used in The Prince and the Pauper.

MULTITUDE

DEFINITION

(n.) a large number of people		FACTS/CHARACTERISTICS

also refers to the public in general, or a large number
EXAMPLES

crowd
mob
throng		NON-EXAMPLES

zero
person
nobody

Etymology

  • Language of Origin: Latin
  • multitudin-, multitudo from multus = “much”

Sentences/Additional Forms

  • Straightforward sentence: The family had to keep a close eye on each other so they didn’t get lost in the multitude.
  • Sentence from the chapter: “…a deafening explosion followed, which drowned the shoutings of the multitude, and made the ground tremble…” (p. 180)
  • Other forms: multitudinal (adj)

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References

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multitude

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/crowd

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty – Fun Fact

In Ch. 30 of The Prince and the Pauper, we see Tom finally starting to get used to his role as king. Additionally, both Edward and Tom’s family begin to fade from his mind. In The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 30 Fun Fact focuses on…

LOSING CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Keep reading or watch the video below for more information.

Reference in The Prince and the Pauper

“Tom’s poor mother and sisters travelled the same road out of his mind. At first he pined for them, sorrowed for them, longed to see them, but later, the thought of their coming some day in their rags and dirt, and betraying him with their kisses, and pulling him down from his lofty place, and dragging him back to penury and degradation and the slums, made him shudder. At last they ceased to trouble his thoughts almost wholly. And he was content, even glad: for, whenever their mournful and accusing faces did rise before him now, they made him feel more despicable than the worms that crawl.” (p. 178-179)

Why do we lose our childhood memories?

  • Repressed Memory Theory
    • Sigmund Freud
    • Repressed memories associated with childhood trauma
    • Usually doesn’t entirely erase memories; survivors tend to remember events partially
  • Memories Lack Emotional Significance
    • Memories with strong emotions are stronger
    • Young children don’t have a fully developed range of emotions
  • Normal Cognitive Development
    • New neurons form in the hippocampus as we grow
    • As new pathways are being formed, these may block off early memories
    • Older neural connections are also sometimes trimmed away

How can we bring some memories back?

  • Talk about the past
  • Look at photos
  • Revisit familiar areas
  • Keep learning

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References

https://www.healthline.com/health/why-cant-i-remember-my-childhood#takeaway

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/04/08/299189442/the-forgotten-childhood-why-early-memories-fade

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/07/why-childhood-memories-disappear/397502/

https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/brain-implant-boosts-memory-first-time-ever-ncna821016

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty – Historical Tidbit

Throughout The Prince and the Pauper, we get a glimpse of what royal life is like. One of the biggest changes for Tom was getting used to all the people whose soul goal is to help you as the prince/king. We continue exploring that in the Chapter 30 Historical Tidbit…

YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.

Tom is started to get used to the royal treatment after spending so much time trapped in the palace:

“It came to be a proud pleasure to march to dinner attended by a glittering procession of officers of state and gentlemen-at-arms; insomuch, indeed, that he doubled his guard of gentlemen-at-arms, and made them a hundred.  He liked to hear the bugles sounding down the long corridors, and the distant voices responding, ‘Way for the King!’ ”  (p. 177)

Who were the Yeomen of the Guard?

  • The personal bodyguard of the king/queen of England
  • Created in 1485 by King Henry VII
  • Originally responsible for the king’s safety at home/away or on the battlefield
  • Originally, there were 50

Their Responsibilities

  • Mainly protection
  • Lined the hallways whenever the king moved from one room to another
  • Carried torches for the king
  • Advising the Officer of the Kitchen about when to prepare the king’s meals
  • Monitoring during meal times
  • Tasting the king’s food
  • Collect food/drink for the king at night
  • Stab the mattress with a dagger
  • Carrying royal coffins
  • Participate in royal coronation processions

Their Uniforms (modern-day)

  • Tudor-inspired
  • Gold-embroidered: Tudor rose, shamrock, and thistle, motto ‘Dieu et Mon Droit’ and initials of monarch
  • Red tunics
  • Red knee breeches
  • Red stockings
  • Sword
  • Long poles


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References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yeomen-of-the-Guard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeomen_of_the_Guard

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Yeomen-Of-The-Guard/

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Thirty – Vocabulary

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they carry themselves. Then again you can also fake confidence based on how you position your body. The vocab word today revolves all around body language. The word is…

BEARING

Keep reading or watch the video below see how the word ‘bearing’ is used in The Prince and the Pauper.

BEARING

DEFINITION

(n.) a person’s way of standing or moving		FACTS/CHARACTERISTICS

also can refer to carrying or tolerating something (v)
EXAMPLES

posture
manner
demeanor		NON-EXAMPLES

voice
personality

Etymology

  • Language of Origin: Old Norse
  • bera = “carry, bring, bear, endure”

Sentences/Additional Forms

  • Straightforward sentence: I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to bear all the stress that went with planning the event.
  • Sentence from the chapter: “…his embarrassments departed, and gave place to an easy and confident bearing.” (p. 177)
  • Other forms: bear (v.)

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References

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearing

https://www.etymonline.com/word/bear?ref=etymonline_crossreference#etymonline_v_8203

https://bettechamberlin.com/tag/posture/

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Twenty-Nine – Fun Fact

In England, as well as many other countries, we have seen many examples of leaders who use intimidation and threats to keep their people in control. In a modern-day context, we can see examples of this in workplaces and other settings as well. Today’s Fun Fact dives into that particular style of leadership; The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 29 Fun Fact focuses on…

LEADING BY FEAR

Keep reading or watch the video below for more information.

Reference in The Prince and the Pauper

“About ten o’clock on the night of the 19th of February 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…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. ” (p. 176)

Characteristics of Fear-Based Leaders

  • Their identity is their only source of power
  • Don’t feel whole or healthy
  • Think everyone is a friend or an enemy
  • Desire trophies
  • Don’t want to learn anything new
  • Addicted to measurements

Reasons Fear-Based Leadership Doesn’t Work

  • It gets in the way of cognitive ability
  • It causes resentment and revenge
  • It triggers fight-or-flight
  • It disengages your team and stops teamwork
  • Stops people from speaking up

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References

https://www.thoughtfulleader.com/leading-by-fear/

https://blog.blackswanltd.com/the-edge/5-reasons-fear-based-leadership-is-ineffective

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/11/25/the-five-characteristics-of-fear-based-leaders/?sh=155dcc7d8a96

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Twenty-Nine – Historical Tidbit

Today’s Historical Tidbit for Ch. 29 focuses on a gruesome part of London’s history. In order to keep the people of London in line, Henry VIII (and many other monarchs before and after him) had a strong visual threat to anyone thinking about going against the Crown. The Historical Tidbit for Chapter 29 is about…

THE HEADS ON LONDON BRIDGE

Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.

When Miles and Edward return from Hendon Hall, they get caught up in a crowd on the London Bridge. While they are there, one of the heads on on display falls and causes chaos on the bridge.

“…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.”  (p. 176)

Why were there heads on the London Bridge?

  • On the southern side of London Bridge
  • For 300 years heads were put on spikes
  • They were parboiled and covered in tar
  • Served as a warning to anyone wanting to challenge the Crown
  • They would rot and eventually fall into the river

Famous Heads

  • William Wallace – the first head in 1305
    • Put there by Edward I
  • Jack Cade – led a rebel army
  • Thomas Moore – refused to accept Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England
  • Thomas Cromwell – killed by Henry VIII for treason

Other Facts

  • It was someone’s job to be the Keeper of the Heads
    • He impaled new heads and threw the old ones in the river
  • At one time, 30 heads were counted on the bridge
  • In 1678 the heads were moved to Temple Bar instead
  • Modern-day, there is still a spike on London bridge
    • Could be a sun-dial; could be a reminder of the bloody history of the bridge 
    • Supposedly is just a marker to point to where the original London Bridge crossed the river


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References

https://paul-81502.medium.com/the-severed-heads-of-london-bridge-6b4b6be678f4

https://www.londonremembers.com/subjects/london-bridge-head-spikes

https://londonist.com/2016/05/what-s-the-spike-on-london-bridge-for

The Prince and the Pauper – Chapter Twenty-Nine – Vocabulary

Our vocab word for The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 29 doesn’t get used very much anymore. But occasionally it will still come up in modern texts! The vocab word is…

BY-AND-BY

Keep reading or watch the video below see how the word ‘by-and-by’ is used in The Prince and the Pauper.

BY-AND-BY

DEFINITION

(n) a future time or occasion		FACTS/CHARACTERISTICS

Can also be an adverb
EXAMPLES

future
before long
soon		NON-EXAMPLES

yesterday
right now

History

  • by and by (early 14c.) originally meant “one by one,” with by apparently denoting succession; modern sense of “before long” is from 1520s.

Sentences/Additional Forms

  • Straightforward sentence: By-and-by, we’ll take a trip to Europe.
  • Sentence from the chapter: “By-and-by a thought occurred to him which pointed to a possibility…” (p. 175)
  • Other forms: n/a

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References

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by-and-by#:~:text=(Entry%201%20of%202),adverb

https://www.tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/developing-vision-future-international-business/

NEW PRODUCT: The Prince and the Pauper – Pontes Books White Version Audiobook Now Available

Whether you enjoy listening to audiobooks while following along in the actual book or listening to audiobooks exclusively while doing activities like driving or walking, you might be excited about our new product!

There is now an audiobook version available for the Pontes Books White Version of The Prince and the Pauper!

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