The Tithe-Proctor The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two

"The Tithe-Proctor" by William Carleton spotlights the strained relationship between the Irish farmers and people in positions of power. It mainly follows Matthew Purcel, who is a tithe proctor and collects money from renters, against a backdrop of social injustice and the Irish political environment. Opening with a preface describing the impact of the tithe system, the story introduces the Boland family's grim experience as victims of the violent retaliation to tithe collectors. Set in Esker Dearg, the chapel forms the center of the local community, where anti-tithe bitterness grows as tensions rise; the Purcel family face increasing hostility and potential violence, highlighting the escalating conflict and questioning the existing power dynamics.