Guilt and Retribution

Where it surfaces

• The Haunted Hotel

  The haunting appears to be tied to Lord Montbarry's death and the Countess's actions, suggesting a moral reckoning for past sins.

• V

  Lord Montbarry's declining health and Agnes's lingering pain hint at the emotional consequences of past betrayals.

• VI

  Mrs. Ferrari believes the guilty parties killed her husband to prevent exposure; the anonymous thousand-pound gift raises questions of conscience or bribery.

• VII

  Agnes feels responsible for Ferrari's disappearance because she allowed him to use her name, leading to his engagement by Lord Montbarry. She refuses further involvement, haunted by guilt.

• IX

  Mrs. Ferrari seeks retribution for her husband's murder, believing Lady Montbarry's guilt will be revealed in her face.

• XI

  Lady Montbarry expresses a firm belief that Agnes is the instrument of retribution for her past sins, and that she is doomed to face punishment.

• XVII

  Mrs. Norbury's dreams of her brother dying in various horrific ways suggest a lingering guilt or unresolved retribution connected to Lord Montbarry's death.

• XXIII

  The Countess speaks of a 'day of reckoning' and 'secrets of the dead,' implying that past misdeeds are now coming to light.

• XXIV

  The discovery of the head suggests a violent death, hinting at past wrongdoing and the impending need for justice.

• XXVIII

  Henry feels remorse for his earlier indifference toward his elder brother, and the play's narrative describes a murderous conspiracy and its aftermath.