Castle Rackrent

Discuss Thady’s style of narration. What narrative techniques does he employ to tell the Rackrents’ story?

What is the role of women in the Rackrent family’s decline?

What do you consider to be the Editor’s role in framing and embellishing Thady’s text? 

How does Edgeworth pander to and subvert the stereotype of the erratic, emotional Irishman?

Discuss Edgeworth’s evocation of the motifs of decadence and dying in Castle Rackrent.

Discuss the relationship of people and place in Castle Rackrent. 

To what extent do you think that Edgeworth’s position as a marginalized female writer gave her insight into the psyche of the colonized Irish?

How is the motif and symbolism of alcohol applied in Castle Rackrent?