Uncle Silas (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
- First Published: 1864
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Gothic
- Time of Work: Nineteenth century
- Setting: England
- Genres: Long fiction, Mystery and detective literature, Gothic fiction
- Subjects: Escapes, Nineteenth century, Betrayal, Child abuse, Emotions, England or English people, Wills, Inheritance or succession, Horror
- Locales: Derbyshire, England
Characters Discussed
Austin Ruthyn, a wealthy recluse and widower. He is a Swedenborgian who devotes his time to scientific and literary studies. When he dies, his will appoints several men as trustees for his estate and places his daughter Maud under the guardianship of his brother Silas.
Maud Ruthyn, a wealthy heiress. She goes to live with her uncle Silas, believing she is to vindicate her uncle’s good name. She is disturbed by her uncle’s idiosyncrasies but even more by the attentions of her coarse cousin, who wishes to marry her. She is tricked into being made a...
[The entire page is 764 words long]
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