Corruption and Injustice

Where it surfaces

• Passage in the Secret History of an Irish Countess

  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

  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

  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

  Borrhomeo's willingness to spread plague for personal gain highlights moral corruption, though he is ultimately arrested and punished.

• I: Aunt Margaret at Home

  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

  Captain Walshawe's abusive treatment of his wife and servant, and his financial irresponsibility.

• IV: In the Parlour

  The missing leases and the suspicion of the attorney's theft highlight themes of fraud and dishonesty in estate matters.

• Madam Crowl's Ghost

  The hidden murder and cover-up of the boy's death reflect corruption and injustice within the household.

• I: The Judge’s House

  Judge Harbottle is portrayed as a wicked, unscrupulous judge who manipulated cases through cajolery, violence, and bamboozling, showing a deep corruption within the justice system.

• II: Mr. Peters

  The chapter introduces a secret tribunal formed to judge corrupt judges, directly addressing themes of judicial corruption and the pursuit of justice outside official channels.

• III: Lewis Pyneweck

  Judge Harbottle abuses his judicial power, planning to hang Pyneweck out of personal spite rather than justice, and shows no remorse for past wrongs.