How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He only begged just enough to save himself, for the laws against mendicancy were stringent, and the penalties heavy; so he put in a good deal of his time listening to good Father Andrew's charming old tales and legends about giants and fairies, dwarfs, and genii, and enchanted castles, and gorgeous kings and princes. His head grew to be full of these wonderful things, and many a night as he lay in the dark on his scant and offensive straw, tired, hungry, smarting from a thrashing, he unleashed his imagination and soon forgot his aches and pains in delicious picturings to himself of the charmed life of a petted prince in a regal palace. (2.5)
It's no surprise that Tom dreams of fairy tales instead of thinking about his real life problems. We would too, if we were Tom. These fairy tales, however, actually do prepare him to pass himself off as the king. What is it about stories, storytelling, and imagination that actually helps get Tom out of pauperdom?
Quote #2
Privately, after a while, Tom organized a royal court! He was the prince; his special comrades were guards, chamberlains, equerries, lords and ladies in waiting, and the royal family. Daily the mock prince was received with elaborate ceremonials borrowed by Tom from his romantic readings; daily the great affairs of the mimic kingdom were discussed in the royal council, and daily his mimic highness issued decrees to his imaginary armies, navies, and viceroyalties. (2.9)
What is the difference between Tom's royal court and the "real" royal court? Is it just money? Respect? Reputation? Is there much of a difference? Maybe Henry VIII's court is just as imaginary as Tom's, in a way: Henry VIII may have power, but there doesn't seem to be anything all that different about him that makes him somehow better than everyone else.
Quote #3
His spirits sank lower and lower as he moved between the glittering files of bowing courtiers; for he recognized that he was indeed a captive now, and might remain forever shut up in this gilded cage, a forlorn and friendless prince, except God in His mercy take pity on him and set him free […]
His old dreams had been so pleasant; but this reality was so dreary! (5.63)
We hate to say it, but be careful what you wish for. It turns out that Tom's fairy-tale prince life was just as fictional as his dreams of dragons. Being a prince for real is kind of hard work, and it's actually pretty boring.