Castle Rackrent

The Editor who frames Thady’s narrative in the Preface and Epilogue presents himself as a rational figure who prioritizes empirical assessment of the facts above feeling. Arguably, the fictionalized Editor could be a mouthpiece for Edgeworth’s own opinions, as his tone is that of the authoritative expert. Where Thady is sentimental and prone to lapses in judgment, the Editor peppers his own diction with expressions like “perfect accuracy” and “specimen” to give his judgments credibility with an educated, English audience, who prioritize conclusions on evidence rather than by speculation (1;97). In reference to his intention to collect “the minute facts” of a situation, the Editor prioritizes detail over sweeping statements (2). Convinced that the Union of England and Ireland is imminent, the Editor also adopts a historian’s tone and frames the content and style of Thady’s speech as evidence of a historical era that will soon pass.

Thady Quirk, a steward who is ever loyal to the family Rackrent, takes pride in both the family’s ancient relationship to the Kings of Ireland and their former name, O’Shaughlin. Being one of many in a long list of descendants who have served the family, Thady feels that his fate and his heart are intricately bound with the Rackrents.