Humphrey Marlow Character Analysis in The Prince and the Pauper

Edward Tudor’s whipping boy. Humphrey Marlow was hired to be whipped in place of Edward for any mistakes Edward makes during his Greek or Latin lessons because it would be wrong to whip the Prince of Wales. Still, Humphrey values the job because he gets paid well and he is able to help take care of his family that way. When Tom Canty is mistaken for Edward, he uses Humphrey to get more information about life in the palace. With Humphrey’s help, Tom begins to acclimate to his new circumstances and it able to play the part of prince (and later king) so well that people think “Edward’s” sanity has been restored. After Edward is finally recognized and coronated as the rightful King of England, Humphrey reunites Edward and Miles Hendon. Miles goes to the palace hoping to talk to the king, not realizing that Edward (who he’s taken care of for the past few weeks and who he thought was mad) is actually the king.

Humphrey Marlow Character Timeline in The Prince and the Pauper

The timeline below shows where the character Humphrey Marlow appears in The Prince and the Pauper. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Wealth, Poverty, and Morality Theme Icon

...what he wants. The boy is surprised he and explains that he’s the whipping boy, Humphrey Marlow. Tom explains that his mind is clouded by grief. Out loud, Humphrey sympathizes with... (full context)

Humphrey is very grateful, and Tom realizes he can use Humphrey to learn more about the... (full context)

...to say. Tom struggles with how restrictive palace life is but he enjoys talking to Humphrey. By the third day, Tom begins to acclimate to his new lifestyle but he still... (full context)

...Hendon sticks out like a sore thumb because of how dirty his clothes are. Fortunately, Humphrey Marlow spots him he and realizes Hendon must be the person the new king is... (full context)