49 pages • 1 hour read
Graeme Macrae BurnetA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Preface-Statements
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 15-37
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 37-59
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 59-83
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 83-96
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 96-112
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 112-126
The Account of Roderick Macrae, Pages 126-133 and Medical Reports
Extract from Travels in the Border-Lands of Lunacy by J. Bruce Thomson
The Trial, First and Second Day
The Trial, Third Day-Epilogue
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Roderick’s account contains several moments that obscure or bend the truth to present a favorable narrative. Where can we identify some of those breaks, and are there any commonalities in terms of where those breaks occur?
Did Roderick receive a fair trial? In assessing this question, consider the evidence as it’s presented, whether you believe there is any additional evidence that should have been considered, the motivations of the witnesses, and any prejudices that may have swayed the jury.
What is Roderick’s motivation? Does reality align with the theory put forth by Thomson, the account provided by Roderick himself, or somewhere in between?