78 pages • 2 hours read
The Whipping Boy
A 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.
Summary and Study Guide
Overview
The Whipping Boy is a middle grade historical novel written by American author Sid Fleischman and published in 1986. The novel won the Newbery Medal (awarded by the American Library Association) in 1987. When it was published, Fleischman had already written many books for both young and adult readers, often incorporating his interest in history, and setting books in different locales and time periods. In 1994, the novel was adapted into a film called Prince Brat and The Whipping Boy; Fleischman wrote the screenplay for the adaptation. The novel explores themes of friendship, social class, and growing up by portraying a young prince and his servant running away and embarking on adventures.
This guide is based on the 1986 Greenwillow Books edition.
Content Warning: The Whipping Boy includes physical punishment of children and uses outdated terminology for Romani people. There is also a mention of animal betting and fights.
Plot Summary
Prince Horace, also known as Prince Brat, lives a life of luxury in a castle, but is selfish, spoiled, and arrogant. His tutors are often angry with him, but since they are not permitted to punish the prince directly, a young servant is hired to serve as the prince’s whipping boy.
Unlock all 78 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
