# How does Short Fiction develop the theme of Corruption and Injustice?

> Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

## Answer

Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu develops Corruption and Injustice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Corruption appears in both legal and personal spheres, notably through the tyrannical Judge Harbottle who manipulates the court, and through characters like Dwyer who scheme for wealth, often leading to moral decay and eventual downfall.

Sir Arthur's manipulation of the legal system, his plot to murder his niece, and the Frenchwoman's confession implicating him.

Edward Dwyer's transformation into an informer and his exploitation of the O'Maras illustrate moral corruption and social injustice.

The political turmoil and the presence of 'dissolute and desperate adventurers' in Dublin reflect corruption and injustice in the aftermath of war.

## Evidence

- [passage-in-the-secret-history-of-an-irish-countess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/passage-in-the-secret-history-of-an-irish-countess.md): Sir Arthur's manipulation of the legal system, his plot to murder his niece, and the Frenchwoman's confession implicating him.
- [the-bridal-of-carrigvarah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/the-bridal-of-carrigvarah.md): Edward Dwyer's transformation into an informer and his exploitation of the O'Maras illustrate moral corruption and social injustice.
- [an-adventure-of-hardress-fitzgerald-a-royalist-captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/an-adventure-of-hardress-fitzgerald-a-royalist-captain.md): The political turmoil and the presence of 'dissolute and desperate adventurers' in Dublin reflect corruption and injustice in the aftermath of war.
- [borrhomeo-the-astrologer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/borrhomeo-the-astrologer.md): Borrhomeo's willingness to spread plague for personal gain highlights moral corruption, though he is ultimately arrested and punished.
- [i-aunt-margaret-at-home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/i-aunt-margaret-at-home.md): Aunt Margaret's suspicion of a conspiracy among men to rob her, and her frustration with the tailor's evasiveness, highlight themes of injustice and moral decay in business dealings.
- [i-peg-o-neill-pays-the-captain-s-debts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/i-peg-o-neill-pays-the-captain-s-debts.md): Captain Walshawe's abusive treatment of his wife and servant, and his financial irresponsibility.
- [iv-in-the-parlour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/iv-in-the-parlour.md): The missing leases and the suspicion of the attorney's theft highlight themes of fraud and dishonesty in estate matters.
- [madam-crowl-s-ghost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/madam-crowl-s-ghost.md): The hidden murder and cover-up of the boy's death reflect corruption and injustice within the household.

## Links

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