Literary Criticism Essay

Dearest Gentle-reader,

Welcome to this little author’s note where we dive into the captivating world of The Lost Prince by Frances Hodgson Burnett. First off, let me just say, if you have not read the book yet, you are in for a real treat! It is like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the heart of Victorian England, where adventure, mysteries, and heartfelt friendships await.

Have you ever had a friend who just gets you? Someone you can trust with your deepest secrets and who stands by you through thick and thin? That is exactly what Marco and The Rat share. They challenge the typical notions of masculinity and friendship, showing us that true bonds are built on respect, empathy, and loyalty. In Victorian times, there existed all of these strict rules about how men should behave. They were expected to be stoic, tough, and never show their emotions. But Marco and The Rat throw those rules out the window. They show us that it is okay to be vulnerable, to share your fears and worries with a friend who truly cares.

In The Lost Prince, friendship is not just a nice thing to have—it is a powerful force that helps the characters grow and overcome challenges. It is a safe space where they can be themselves without judgment or fear. And let us not forget the adventures they go on together! From daring escapades to heartfelt conversations, every moment between Marco and The Rat is a testament to the strength of their bond.

So, if you are ready to embark on a journey of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, then dive into The Lost Prince and get ready to be amazed, because as Burnett’s timeless tale reminds us, true friendship knows no bounds and can withstand any challenge that comes its way. Happy reading!

Warmest wishes & kindest regards,
Sophie Geddie

Sophie Geddie

Professor Johnston

ENG 3113

1 April, 2024

Embracing the Social Challenge in The Lost Prince

          Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Lost Prince” is a hidden gem, a flawless masterpiece of literary art. Within its pages, readers can find adventure, intrigue, mysteries, hope, and love. Burnett portrays the youth of Victorian England quite perfectly, illustrating the freedom of boyhood, the closeness of friendship, and the bonds of companionship. It is quite simply amazing just how accurately the author is able to portray the trials, obstacles, and issues surrounding stereotypical boyhood, while also challenging them through the lively, unique characters of Marco and his dear friend, The Rat. These boys, both just young adolescents, embark on a beautiful, and at times nerve-wracking, journey of self-discovery, bravery, and maturing masculinity. However, the most fascinating element of the entire book is the friendship between Marco and The Rat. Burnett challenges the social norms of male friendships that are typically built upon competition by suggesting an alternative: that male friendships can be built upon respect, empathy, and loyalty. 

          “Men sought to prove their manhood in a variety of ways: some through physical domination, some through the acquisition of an upright and self-controlled character, some through economic success, and some through a combination of attributes. What a man needed to achieve in his quest for manhood was a central question that received many answers…” (Lorien, “The Contested Terms). It is true that there exists a stereotype surrounding men that has seemed to be the source of many bonding and companionship issues between male friends. This stereotype, which paints with the broadest of brushes, and forcefully places unsuspecting men into very specific and precise boxes, states that male friends must act “manly” at all times, and avoid any activities that could possibly be presumed “feminine.” This includes bearing one’s soul to another, speaking openly about feelings, hardships, and trials in one’s life, and spending vulnerable moments with one another. 

          “To form a household. To exercise authority over dependants, and to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining and protecting them––these things set the seal on a man’s gender identity’” (Ingrid, “Domestic Development”). These were the harsh, specific standards to which men were held in the Victorian Era. Though times have changed drastically, the role of a man was long set in stone during that time. Your duty included being a provider above all else, ensuring the health and wellness of your loved ones. You must provide for them, protect them, nourish them, offer shelter for them, have enough money to marry off your daughter, and create a legacy for your children, that your name would be reputable and continue on for generations and generations to come. All of these duties, these tasks, these worries left little to no room for a man to experience emotions or allow himself to feel them. On top of emotional unavailability and illiteracy, men also were not allowed the outlet of camaraderie and companionship in which they could truly express their innermost thoughts, fears, feelings, stressors, and worries, for fear of appearing feminine or weak. Instead, a man was to “man up,” and shoulder the burden of an entire lineage upon his shoulders without ever allowing a knee to buckle or a tear to slip.

          Young, impressionable boys are taught to receive this as a rule of manliness, an understood, mostly unspoken law of masculinity. Appearing feminine in any capacity is a fate worse than death to many men, hence the reason that feelings and emotions seemed to be avoided in conversations between male friends altogether. However, one of the central elements of The Lost Prince is the challenging of the notion that boyhood is synonymous with naivety. Burnett presents a more complex portrayal of boyhood that acknowledges the capacity for both vulnerability and wisdom. This is very evident in the character of The Rat, whose experiences as a “street urchin” forced him to confront the harshest of realities that life has to offer at an incredibly young age. However, despite his cynicism and distrust of others, it is apparent that The Rat retains a sense of curiosity and wonderment that gradually appears to break through his tough exterior. As he reflects on his newfound friendship with Marco, The Rat muses, “It’s like a fairy tale, only it’s true” (Burnett 5). Rather than conforming to traditional expectations of masculinity, which often prioritize stoicism and emotional detachment, The Rat is portrayed as navigating the complexities of friendship and loyalty. His character alone challenges stereotypes of boyhood by representing vulnerability and resilience as complementary rather than contradictory traits. Though the boys have a rocky start, respect is very quickly grown and shared between them. The foundation of their friendship is mutual respect and the idea that neither boy is greater than the other. This is very unusual.

          Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford discusses the contrast between friendships among women and men in her article “Female vs. Male friendships: 10 Key Differences.” She argues that a significant distinction lies in the robustness of male friendships despite their lower levels of intimacy compared to female friendships. Men typically bond through shared activities like sports, fostering less fragile connections. Conversely, women often build bonds by revealing secrets, leading to more fragile friendships. This notion is exemplified in The Lost Prince, where Marco, The Rat, and Loristan develop trust and companionship through shared adventures, creating a safe space for deeper emotional discussions. This challenges traditional gender norms, as highlighted in Daniel Cox’s 2023 article “Male Friendships Are Not Doing The Job,” which suggests that men struggle to express emotions and intimacy in their friendships.

          There appears to be pros and cons to both female and male relationships. According to Duford’s article, the sharing of secrets is what often leads to the downfall of female friendships, and the lack of emotional vulnerability is what traps male friendships at the “good enough” level, rather than propelling them to levels of greatness. This begs the question: per The Lost Prince, what qualities of can be found in true friendship – in a friendship without the pressure of endless competition, or the stereotypical need to always put on a masculine front and absolutely, under no circumstances, ever appear feminine? In the book, friendship is portrayed as a powerful force that fosters trust, companionship, and emotional support. The bond between Marco and The Rat exemplifies loyalty and resilience, as they face challenges together and stand by each other through thick and thin. One quote that highlights this bond is when Marco says to The Rat, “We can trust each other. We are chums, aren’t we?” This reflects the trust and camaraderie they share, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust in their friendship. Additionally, their friendship provides a safe space for vulnerability and emotional expression, as seen in The Rat’s confession, “I was afraid to tell anyone. But somehow I wasn’t afraid to tell you.” This demonstrates the depth of their emotional connection and the comfort they find in confiding in each other. Overall, The Lost Prince illustrates that true friendship encompasses trust, loyalty, emotional support, and a sense of companionship that transcends challenges.

          Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Lost Prince offers a profound exploration of friendship that defies societal norms and stereotypes. Through the characters of Marco and The Rat, the novel challenges the traditional expectations of masculinity, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, trust, and emotional vulnerability in true friendship. The bond between Marco and The Rat exemplifies loyalty, resilience, and companionship, providing a safe space for emotional expression and support. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that genuine friendship transcends societal pressures and fosters personal growth and understanding. The Lost Prince serves as a testament to the enduring power of friendship, showcasing its ability to navigate challenges and enrich lives in meaningful ways.

Works Cited

Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Lost Prince. W. Briggs, 1915. 

Foote, Lorien, ‘Introduction: The Contested Terms of Manhood’, The Gentlemen and the Roughs: Violence, Honor, and Manhood in the Union Army (New York, NY, 2010; online edn, NYU Press Scholarship Online, 24 Mar. 2016), https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9780814727904.003.0001

Ranum, Ingrid. “An Adventure in Modern Marriage: Domestic Development in Tennyson’s “Geraint and Enid” and “The Marriage of Geraint”.” Victorian Poetry, vol. 47, no. 1, 2009, pp. 241–57, https://doi.org/10.1353/vp.0.0047.

Tarra Bates-Duford, Ph.D. “Female vs Male Friendships.” Psych Central, 26 Jan. 2018, psychcentral.com/blog/relationship-corner/2018/01/female-vs-male-friendships-10- key-differences#1.