Crispin:the cross of lead.?

Question

If you were to choose one sentence from the novel and tell why you think ths sentence embodies the theme of the story what would it be?and how could you express this through images or illustrations?

Answer 1

When the Widow Daventry tells Crispin about his true identity, she says, "Your connection gives no honor. No position. What someone fears is not you, but that you will be used. Can't you see it? Your noble blood is the warrant for your death. It will remain so till it flows no more."
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Synopsis
During the Middle Ages around the year of 1377 we learn of a peasant boy who is preparing the burial site of his mother, Asta. With the help of the local priest he completes the process and prays for the sins of his mother.

Following the burial, the boy, known simply as Asta’s son is approached by John Aycliffe, the steward of the manor and is told to pay up his death taxes. Asta’s son takes flight in fear that he will be unable to survive on his own. While hiding out in the woods, he overhears Aycliffe and another man discussing a secretive document. Aycliffe spots the boy and threatens his life. Asta’s son manages to escape to safety and receive help from Father Quinel. It is at this time that Asta’s son learns his baptismal name, Crispin, and of a unknown past that includes a engraved cross of lead owned by his mother.
Crispin, however, is unable to catch a break as Aycliffe begins to destroy the boy’s character and credibility. Crispin’s home is burned to the ground and the boy is charged with the murdering the priest and stealing from the lord of the manor. Crispin becomes a fugitive on the run and a substantial bounty has been placed on his head.

On the run, he makes his way to the village that has been stricken by the plague. All of the villagers, but one, a minstrel called Bear, have perished. The massive man declares Crispin his servant and forces him to pledge his life to good things upon his master. Under Bears direction, they travel through the countryside where the illiterate and uneducated Crispin learns to play instruments and juggle like an entertainer.

Bear also takes the initiative to liberate Crispin’s mind and teaches him how to survive on his own and think for himself. In time, Crispin shares the cross of lead with Bear. To himself, Bear reads the inscription and learns that Crispin is the illegitimate son of Lord Furnival, the man in which Crispin was sworn to serve in serfdom. Bear does not disclose the information to Crispin but becomes more cautious as the hunt parties search for Crispin.

On their journey, Bear and Crispin arrive at the city of Great Wexly where Bear met up with his entourage, a group of rebels in hope of a more democratic government. The story takes on a whole new perspective with the death of Lord Furnival. It is apparent that John Aycliffe must find and kill Crispin, as he is the rightful heir to the estate.

Aycliffe prepares a trap for Crispin as he captures Bear and drags him away to Lord Furnival’s castle. Crispin pursues Furnival and confronts him inside the castle walls. They make a deal, however Acyliffe reneges on his half and sends the soldiers out to kill Bear and Crispin. In the end, bear defeats Aycliffe and brings him to his death. The men walk away from the scene in search of a new life of freedom and more importantly great adventures.
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For illustration, see the first link below:
Good luck.