78 pages • 2 hours read
Sid FleischmanThe Whipping Boy
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
At the beginning of The Whipping Boy, Prince Horace is an arrogant and cruel boy. To what extent is he to blame for his bad behavior, and to what extent is he a product of his environment? Why do you think his father might have agreed to the practice of a whipping boy rather than punishing the prince directly?
Why does Prince Horace run away, and why does he insist that Jemmy join him? Are the prince’s hopes for a new life realistic? Is it surprising that the prince wants to run away, even though he seemingly lives a life of luxury and privilege?
What factors make it possible for Prince Horace and Jemmy to eventually become friends? What do they end up having in common, despite their different backgrounds? Are there any barriers or differences that would have made it impossible for the boys to trust and respect each other?
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