Trapped: Exploring Themes of Confinement in 'The Prince and the Pauper' and 'Captains Courageous'

Prince Edward, the protagonist of the novel 'The Prince and the Pauper' by Mark Twain, is a young prince who is trapped emotionally and mentally in his royal duties. He is obligated to follow the strict rules and regulations of his position and is unable to explore his true passions and desires. Edward is expected to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and behave in a certain manner, which makes him feel confined and suffocated. He yearns for freedom and to experience life outside the palace walls. However, his responsibilities as a prince prevent him from doing so, leaving him feeling trapped and hopeless.

Similarly, Harvey, the protagonist of the novel 'Captains Courageous' by Rudyard Kipling, is a young boy who is trapped on a fishing boat named the 'We're Here'. Harvey is the son of a wealthy businessman and is used to a life of luxury and privilege. However, when he falls overboard his family's yacht and is rescued by the crew of the 'We're Here', he is forced to adapt to a life of hard work and manual labor. He is unable to escape the confines of the boat and is forced to work alongside the crew, who initially treat him with disdain and disrespect. Harvey feels isolated and alone, with no escape from his current situation.

Both Edward and Harvey are trapped in their own ways, unable to escape the circumstances that they find themselves in. Edward's imprisonment is emotional and mental, whereas Harvey's is physical. However, both characters yearn for freedom and the ability to pursue their own desires. In the end, both characters are able to find a way out of their confinement, with Edward swapping places with a pauper and Harvey being rescued from the 'We're Here'. The novels serve as a reminder that, no matter how trapped we may feel, there is always a way out and a chance to pursue our dreams.