# Corruption and Injustice in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): 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): The hidden murder and cover-up of the boy's death reflect corruption and injustice within the household.
- [I: The Judge’s House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/themes/corruption_and_injustice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/themes