The Tithe-Proctor / The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two

Name: The Tithe-Proctor / The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two
Author: William Carleton

By William Carleton

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About This Book

The narrative portrays a rural district consumed by escalating resistance to tithes, centering on Matthew Purcel, a former pedlar turned landowner and tithe-proctor, his fortified house, and his well-educated family of two sons and two daughters. Episodes trace clashes between the proctor's household and local tenants, patrols and raids in the mountains, legal and extra-legal measures, and confrontations that culminate in violent encounters such as the Carrickshock incident. Scenes alternate between domestic description, parish politics, and scenes of mob justice to examine how economic pressure, pride, and law intersect to produce social unrest. The work sketches character, motive, and the consequences of institutional imposition in a fractured rural community.

About the Author

William Carleton

William Carleton was an Irish novelist and playwright, renowned for his vivid portrayals of rural Irish life in the 19th century. His works often explore themes of social class, culture, and the struggles of the Irish peasantry. Carleton's notable contributions include "The Black Prophet: A Tale of Irish Famine," which reflects the hardships faced during the Great Famine, and "Fardorougha, The Miser," a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and greed. His storytelling is characterized by rich character development and a deep understanding of the Irish landscape and its people.