Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
Set in the late 17th century
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
The tone and mood are neutral
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is Casimir Fleetwood
Major Conflict
The climax is when Fleetwood divorces his wife, Mary, on the grounds of unfaithfulness.
Climax
The climax comes when Fleetwood discovers that Gifford lied about his wife’s sexual affair with Kenrick. Fleetwood apologizes and writes his will to favour his wife, son and Kenrick. Later, Gifford is killed in a highway robbery.
Foreshadowing
His spoiled upbringing foreshadows Fleetwood's troubles in marriage.
Understatement
Gifford’s jealousy against his brother Kenrick is understated. For instance, Gifford goes to the extent of false accusing his brother of having a sexual affair with Mary.
Allusions
The story alludes to sibling rivalry and inheritance.
Imagery
The imagery of marriage shows readers that the union between Fleetwood and Mary is not based on intimacy. Fleetwood was brought up as a spoilt child, and he cannot deal with minor marital issues. Therefore, he mistreats and punishes his wife for minor mistakes.
Paradox
The main paradox is sibling rivalry, in which Gifford is determined to taint the image of his brother, Kenrick, so that he can be the sole inheritor of Fleetwood's estate. For instance, Gifford falsely accuses his brother of having an affair with Fleetwood's wife.
Parallelism
There is parallelism between Gifford’s behavior with daily life.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The estate is personified as noble.
