The Prince and the Pauper

Throughout the rest of the book, Edward, having ended up on the streets, learns about the powerlessness of the lower layers of English society. He witnesses cruel executions of women, lands in prison, and is subjected to a mock coronation by robbers. When he swears that, once he becomes king, he will fix things and rule his subjects with kindness and generosity. Meanwhile, Tom, left in the palace, tries to master court rituals and manners. His ignorance of the basics of etiquette can be explained by the fact that he lost his memory and perhaps even goes insane.

At the decisive moment, when Tom must inherit the throne after the death of Henry VIII, Edward appears at court and, in confirmation of his rights to the crown, points to the location of the missing Great Seal of the kingdom (Tom, not knowing better, cracks nuts with it). Edward becomes king, and Tom receives a place in his entourage.