Alias Grace Study Guide

Alias Grace

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Alias Grace is a 1996 work of historical fiction by Margaret Atwood based on the 1843 murders of Nancy Montgomery and Thomas Kinnear in Canada, for which servants James McDermott and Grace Marks were convicted (McDermott executed, Marks sentenced to life in prison). The novel follows Simon Jordan, a doctor who becomes interested in the case and attempts to understand how subdued Marks could have committed such a murder. The story is told from multiple points of view, employing a narration that mixes internal and external dialogue.

Grace Marks the notorious murderess was, in fact, a model prisoner and was eventually pardoned. In the novel, she maintains a carefully respectful demeanor. She is more intelligent and observant than she lets on. While she very much resents being made a spectacle as the famed murderess, she is grateful for the effort being made to have her pardoned.

Thomas Kinnear was a wealthy Ontario farmer who was murdered in his home.

Nancy Montgomery , Thomas Kinnear’s mistress and housekeeper, was murdered.

James McDermott was convicted of the murder of Thomas Kinnear and executed. He was employed as a stableman and handyman at Kinnear’s. He was reputed to be a rough character, a rebellious Irishman, resentful of the English. In the novel, being told to answer to Kinnear’s housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery, infuriated McDermott.

Simon Jordon, M.D. , is a fictional character, a well-traveled and educated young physician who intends to make his career in mental health, planning to open a private asylum someday.

Mary Whitney is a fictional character, a maid, and friend of Grace Marks. Mary believes in herself and in Canada as a place that a hard working girl can earn her way. She plans to save her wages for a dowry so she can marry a farmer and be mistress of her own home.

Jeremiah Pontelli is a fictional character. Jeremiah the peddler, alias Geraldo Ponti, magician, alias Dr. Jerome Du Pont,“Neuro-Hypnotist,” first met Grace when she was a new housemaid and he was peddling house to house in Toronto. When he called at the Kinnear house, he told her he feared she might be in danger there.

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