The Whipping Boy: Comprehension Questions

The Whipping Boy is a historical novel by Sid Fleischmann, published in 1986, and awarded the Newbery Medal in 1987. It tells the story of a spoiled prince and his servant, Jimmy, who serves as the prince's whipping boy. The novel explores themes of friendship, social class, and personal growth. The boys run away, face challenges, and encounter criminals. Through their adventures, the prince learns about his reputation and vows to change. The story concludes with a happy ending, as the prince acknowledges Jimmy's loyalty and the criminals are inadvertently sent to a prison colony.

Who is the author of 'The Whipping Boy'?

• Mark Twain

• J.K. Rowling

• Charles Dickens

• Sid Fleischmann

In what year did 'The Whipping Boy' win the Newbery Medal?

• 1986

• 2000

• 1987

• 1994

Which of the following is NOT a theme explored in 'The Whipping Boy'?

• Science fiction

• Friendship

• Social class

• Growing up

What role does Jimmy play in the story?

• A criminal

• A king

• The prince's Whipping Boy

• The prince's tutor

Why does the prince decide to run away?

• He wants to escape his responsibilities

• He is forced by his father

• He is bored of the castle

• He wants to explore the world

How does Jimmy trick the criminals?

• By offering them money

• By running away

• By pretending to be a king

• By claiming to be the prince

Who helps Jimmy and the prince escape in a wagon?

• Captain Nips

• Betsy

• Billy

• Cutwater

What surprises the prince at the fairgrounds?

• The presence of his father

• The size of the crowd

• His bad reputation

• His popularity

What is Jimmy blamed for at the fairgrounds?

• The prince's disappearance

• Lying to the king

• Stealing

• Running away

Where do Jimmy and the prince flee to escape the criminals?

• The castle

• The forest

• The sewers

• The mountains