The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
IV: I Am Placed Under a Popish Priest and Bred to That Religion—Viscountess Castlewood explained
Henry Esmond recounts his early years at Castlewood under the tutelage of Father Holt, a Jesuit priest who gains his absolute devotion.
What happens
Henry Esmond recounts his early years at Castlewood under the tutelage of Father Holt, a Jesuit priest who gains his absolute devotion. After Holt departs with Lord and Lady Castlewood for London, Harry is left largely alone in the great house, finding solace in books and the solitude. He describes the tense household dynamics between Lord and Lady Castlewood, his harsh treatment by Lady Castlewood, and his growing fondness for Lord Castlewood when away from her. The chapter also touches on the political turmoil of the time, including a mob incident during the trial of the seven bishops, and Harry's first encounter with Colonel Esmond of Walcote.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Morality
Father Holt's influence over Harry and the boy's near-conversion to Catholicism, contrasted with the anti-Papist mob and the Protestant household.
Family and Kinship
The strained marriage of Lord and Lady Castlewood, Harry's ambiguous place in the household, and the distant relation with Colonel Esmond.
Politics and Loyalty
The political turmoil of the Glorious Revolution, the mob's cries against 'Jezebel' and Popery, and the Esmond family's Tory and Jacobite leanings.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
The young page, deeply devoted to Father Holt, left alone at Castlewood after the family goes to London, and subjected to Lady Castlewood's harsh treatment.
- Father Holt
The Jesuit priest who gains mastery over Harry's intellect and affections, and is the only person who can control Lady Castlewood.
- Lady Castlewood
The Viscountess, prone to quarrels with her husband, harsh to her page, and bold in the face of a mob, but subject to Father Holt's authority.
- Lord Castlewood (Francis)
The Viscount, who treats Harry kindly in private but harshly in his wife's presence, and is amused by the mob's taunts.
- Tom Tusher
The local clergyman who teaches Harry when at home, and is devoted to playing cards with Lady Castlewood.
- Mrs. Tusher
The parson's wife, who flatters and coaxes Lady Castlewood.
- Mrs. Worksop
The housekeeper at Castlewood, a Protestant Tory who tells Harry stories about the political upheaval.
- Thomas Esmond
Colonel Esmond of Walcote, who separates Harry from a boy who called him a bastard at the Hexton Assizes.
Key passages
“By love, by a brightness of wit and good-humor that charmed all, by an authority which he knew how to assume, by a mystery and silence about him which increased the child's reverence for him, he won Harry's absolute fealty”
Father Holt used his charm, intelligence, and mysterious demeanor to earn Harry's complete loyalty.
Describes Holt's method of gaining influence over the boy.
“The poor boy trembled before his mistress, who called him by a hundred ugly names, who made nothing of boxing his ears, and tilting the silver basin in his face which it was his business to present to her after dinner.”
Lady Castlewood frequently abused Harry verbally and physically, making his childhood miserable.
Illustrates the harsh treatment Harry endured from Lady Castlewood.
“A kingdom was changing hands whilst my lord and lady were away. King James was flying, the Dutchmen were coming; awful stories about them and the Prince of Orange used old Mrs. Worksop to tell to the idle little page.”
While the family was in London, the Glorious Revolution was unfolding, and the housekeeper told Harry frightening tales about the Dutch and William of Orange.
Shows the political upheaval from Harry's perspective.
