Divergent Psyche

Netflix original miniseries Alias Grace premiered on November 3, 2017.

#AliasGrace is based on the 1996 novel of the same name.

rottentomatoes: 99%

metacritic: 82

imdb: 8.1

emmys: 1 nomination

***Spoilers Ahead***




Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Margaret AtwoodAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Margaret Atwood

Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC TelevisionGrace Marks, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Sarah GadonGrace Marks, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Sarah GadonGrace Marks, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Sarah GadonGrace Marks

Grace Marks was an Irish-Canadian domestic professional who was convicted in 1843 for the murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear.


Grace Marks, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Sarah Gadon“I think of all the things that have been written about me… that I am an inhuman female demon, that I am an innocent victim of a blackguard, forced against my will and in danger of my own life, that I was too ignorant to know how to act and that to hang me would be judicial murder, that I am well and decently dressed, that I robbed a dead woman to appear so, that I am of a sullen disposition with a quarrelsome temper, that I have the appearance of a person rather above my humble station, that I am a good girl with a pliable nature and no harm is told of me, that I am cunning and devious, that I am soft in the head and little better than an idiot.  And I wonder, how can I be all these different things at once?” — Grace Marks

“I have been an inmate of the Kingston Penitentiary for 15 long years.  I was convicted of murder when I was a young girl, though at the time, I thought of myself as a grown woman.  Every day I am brought to the governor’s house.  They say I am here to do light housework.  Though mostly I am there to be an object of curiosity.  They stare without appearing to, Doctor, out from under their bonnets.  The reason they want to see me is that I am a celebrated murderess.  For that is what has been written down.  When I first saw it, I was surprised, because they say ‘celebrated singer’ and ‘celebrated poetess’ and ‘celebrated actress,’ but what is there to celebrate about a murder?  All the same, ‘murderess’ is a strong word to have attached to you.  It has a smell to it, that word, musky and oppressive, like dead flowers in a vase.  Sometimes at night, I whisper it over to myself: ‘murderess!  Murderess!  It rustles like a taffeta skirt across the floor.  ‘Murderer’ is merely brutal.  It’s like a hammer, or a lump of metal.  I’d rather be a murderess than a murderer, if those are the only choices.” — Grace Marks

“There was such excitement about you coming to Kingston, Dr. Jordan.  Those who wanted to see me pardoned believed that a report from you could set me free.  You were much better regarded than the other doctors who came to examine me over the years.  They thought you could find answers where others could not.” — Grace Marks

“I suppose you’re here to measure my head.  Are you American, the doctor they brought to write a report?  Do you have a bag with knives in it?  It’s too early to tell.  I’m not a dog.  It has such an odor of the outdoors.  An apple.  I beg your pardon, sir.  I don’t understand you.  Apple pie.  Well, I should hope you would, sir.  That’s what an apple is for.  A rotten one, I suppose.  Are you a preacher?  No.  I won’t go back there to the asylum.  Flesh and blood cannot stand it.  They took liberties, sir.  They don’t listen to reason there, sir.  You won’t believe me, sir.  Anyway, it’s all been decided, and what I say will not change anything.  You should ask the lawyers and judges and the newspaper men, they seem to know my story better than I do myself.  In any case, I’ve lost that part of my memory entirely.  They must have told you that.  Perhaps I’ll tell you lies.  There are those who said I am one.  Will they take me back to the asylum?  Or will they keep me in solitary confinement with nothing to eat but bread?” — Grace Marks

“The apple of the Tree of Knowledge is what you meant, Dr. Jordan.  Good and Evil.  Any child could guess it.  I thought, he wishes to go home and say to himself, ‘I stuck in my thumb and pulled out a plum, what a good boy am I.’  But I will not be anybody’s plum.” — Grace Marks

“I went to the pump, and on turning around, I saw Mcermott dragging Nancy along the yard leading from the back kitchen to the front kitchen.  He said, ‘better to get it done with.  Open the trap door and I’ll throw her down in the cellar.'” — Grace Marks

“If you really thought that of me, you should hold your dirty tongues, or one dark night I’ll have them out of your mouths, and I won’t need a knife, I’ll just take hold with my teeth and pull.  There are some that take pleasure in the distress of a fellow mortal, doctor, and most especially if they think that fellow mortal has committed a sin, which adds an extra relish.  As lively as a rooster with its neck fresh wrung.” — Grace Marks

“It’s difficult for me to begin talking.  I’ve not talked very much in 15 years.  I don’t know what you want me to say.  I have no wants of that kind.  It isn’t my place to want to say anything.  It’s for Lydia, the governor’s daughter.  It’s a log cabin quilt.  Every young woman should have one before marriage.  It means the home, and at the center there’s always a red square, which means the hearth fire.  This one’s for everyday, not as fancy as marriage quilts.  Well, according to my friend, there are three quilts every woman should make before her marriage: the Tree of Paradise, the Flower Basket and the Pandora’s Box.  Sometimes, in my days as a maid, I would hang them up to dry all in a row.  They’d look like flags hung out by an army as it goes to war.  Well, since that time, I’ve thought, why have women chosen to sew such flags and lay them on the tops of beds?  For they make the bed the most noticeable thing in a room.  And then I thought, it’s for a warning.  Because you may think a bed is a peaceful thing, sir.  To you it may mean rest and comfort and a good night’s sleep.  But it isn’t so for everyone.  There are many dangerous things that may take place in a bed.  It’s where we are born, that’s our first peril in life.  It’s where women give birth, which is often their last.  And it’s where the act takes place between men and women, sir, that I will not mention to you, but I suppose you know what it is.  Some call it love, others despair, or merely an indignity they must suffer through.  And finally beds are what we sleep in, and where we dream, and often where we die.  but I did not have these fancies about quilts until after I was in prison… where you have a lot of time to think, and no one to tell your thoughts to, and so you tell them to yourself.  Are you laughing at me, sir?  Of course I don’t think it’s a dangerous place every time you get into it, sir.  Only on of those occasions which I have mentioned.  Then I will take you at your word and hope such will be returned in the future.  It’s a beet.  A Sunday roast, I suppose.  Always best to peel beets after they come out of the oven and not before.  They can be very hard to clean.  Boiled beets don’t have the same flavor at all.  They’re a hard vegetable to clean a stain from.  I don’t know, sir.  Perhaps it would be a Job’s Tears, or a Tree of Paradise.  Or maybe an Old Maid’s Puzzle, because I am an old maid, wouldn’t you say, sir, and I’ve certainly been very puzzled.  Saying what you want brings bad luck, sir; then the good thing will never happen.  You should be careful wanting anything, as you may be punished for it.  This is what happened to Mary Whitney.  A friend.  It was a long time ago.  It isn’t important, really.  I have no reason not to be frank, sir.  A lady my conceal things, as she has her reputation to lose, but I am beyond that.  I can say anything, or if I don’t wish to, I needn’t say anything at all.  I’ve already been judged, sir.  Whatever you may think, it’s all the same.  Rightly or wrongly does not matter.  People want a guilty person.  If there has been a crime, they want to know who did it.  Hope of what, sir?  Now, why would they want to do that, sir?  A murderess is not an everyday thing.  I save my hopes for smaller matters, in hopes of having a better breakfast than I had today.  They said at the time they were making an example of me.  That’s why it was the death sentence and then the life sentence.  I don’t know what you mean, sir.  An odd choice of words, sir, I’m not a cat.  I beg your pardon, sir.  Of what, sir?  I was born, sir, like anyone else.  That is not really my confession.  It’s what lawyers told me to say, and the things made up by the newspapers.  The first time I set eyes on a newspaper man, I thought, ‘does your mother know you’re out?’  They wouldn’t know the truth if they fell over it.  Oh, yes.  It’s not a good likeness of me.  That was the name I gave when McDermott was running away with me.  Oh, no, sir.  Mary Whitney was once a particular friend of mine.  She was dead, sir, and I did not think she would mind if I used her name.  She sometimes lent me her clothing too.  She was always very kind to me.  And without her, it would have been a different story entirely.  What part of it, sir?” — Grace Marks

“What it says at the beginning of my confession is true enough.  I did indeed come from the north of Ireland, though I thought it was very unjust when they wrote down that ‘both of the accused were from Ireland by their own admission.’  That made it sound like a crime, and I don’t know being from Ireland is a crime, thought I’ve seen it treated as such.  But our family was Protestants, and that is different.  We left Ireland with little warning,  My father was English and while in Ireland he got into the company of some Orangemen of bad reputation, and there was a house burnt down of a Protestant gentleman that had taken the side of the Catholics… …and another one found with his head bashed in.  We left rather quickly.  I will confess to a wicked thought.  When I had the young ones all lined up, I thought, I might just push one or two of them over, and then there would not be so many to feed, nor so many clothes to wash.  I thought maybe I could spare them this life with this man.  But it was just a thought, put into my head by the Devil, no doubt.  Or more likely by my father, for at that age I was still trying to please him.  And so it turned out.  My father spent most of the voyage passed out from drink.  Through the storms and sickness, we barely knew where he was.  Which was just as well.  There was more than enough suffering without him.  I thought of Jonah in the belly of the whale, but at least he only had to stay there three days, and we had eight weeks ahead of us.  And he was in the belly all by himself and did not have to listen to the moaning of others.  I did not mean to offend your sensibilities, sir.  The ship was, after all, only a slum in motion, though without the gin shops.  And I hear they have better ships now.  Perhaps you’d like to open a window.  The passengers were Catholics and Protestant mixed.  In health, they would have squabbled and fought, as there is no love lost.  A sea voyage may be God’s reminder to us that we are all flesh, and all flesh is weak.  You see what queer ideas a person can get?  But I was only a young girl at the time, and very ignorant.” — Grace Marks

“Michael, Claire.  Mother, why do you say that?  No one seems to object while they’re on water.  Can we carry her up on deck for the air?  I have never heard of a custom like that.  Each of you, kiss mother goodbye.  My Auntie Pauline gave it to us just before we left. She’s trapped because we couldn’t open a window, just like you said.  Now she’ll be caught down here forever and ever, sailing back and forth across this hideous dark ocean.” — Grace Marks

“We arrived in Toronto and the people appeared to be very mixed as to the kinds of them, with skins of all hues, which was very new to me; and you could never tell what speech you were going to hear.  Altogether, it was just like the Tower of Babel.  Unfortunately, it soon became clear that my father’s character would not improve without my mother there to temper it.  I did not want to be led into sin of that kind, though I was afraid that the fiery red anger in my heart would drive me to it.  I told them I would come back for them.  And at the time, I meant it.  Forgive me, sir, I’m a little tired.  Well, sir, that will bring me to a happier part of my story.  And you will see why it was her name I used.” — Grace Marks

“Who will look after the little ones?  Katey?” — Grace Marks

“Our landlady secured me employment at a fine house in Toronto.  She had a very fierce look when she said this.  I’m sorry, doctor.  Are we not done?” — Grace Marks

“Hello.  What rebellion?  I don’t know anything about politics so I wouldn’t mention it in any case.  Are you a radical?  My wages go directly to my father.  But what about the children?  How will they survive?  I’m afraid of him.” — Grace Marks

“I went to the pump, and on turning around, I saw McDermott dragging Nancy along the yard, leading from the back kitchen to the front kitchen.  This was about seven o’clock.  I said to McDermott, ‘I didn’t think you were going to do it that minute.’  He said it was better to get it done with… in the courtroom, and in the asylum, every word that came out of my mouth was as if it was burnt into the paper they were writing it on.  He said, ‘open the trap door and I’ll throw her down in the cellar.’  And once I said a thing, I knew I could never get the words back, once they were the wrong words… I gave him a piece of white cloth and followed him to the trap door… ’cause whatever I said would be twisted around, even if it was the plain truth in the first place.  But now I feel as if everything I say is right.  As long as I say something, anything at all, you smile and write it down.  When you write, I feel as if you are drawing on me, drawing on my skin with the feather end of an old-fashioned goose pen.  As if hundreds of butterflies have settled all over my face and are softly opening and closing their wings.  But underneath that is another feeling, a feeling of being wide-eyed awake and watchful.  It’s like being wakened suddenly in the middle of the night, by a hand over your face, and you sit up with your heart going fast, and no one is there.  And underneath that is another feeling still… a feeling of being torn open, not like a body of flesh, it is not painful as such, but like a peach.  And not even torn open but too ripe and splitting of its own accord.  And inside the peach there’s a stone.” — Grace MarksAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

“Those who have been in trouble are alert to it in others, sir.” — Grace Marks

“Because a girl should not ever let her guard down, Mary taught me that.  So did the world, I suppose.” — Grace Marks

“That was the happiest Christmas I’d ever spent, either before or after.  Mr. George stayed at home after Christmas.  He’d caught a chill.  By the time he was better, it was February, and he’d missed so much of the college term, he said he would stay until the next one.  And so there he was, being fussed over by all, and with time on his hands and not much to do, which is  bad situation for a man full of spirits.  I’m afraid he was very much indulged, not least by himself.  For if the world treats you well, sir, you come to believe you’re deserving of it.” — Grace Marks

“Mary, you’re the truest friend I have.  I’ll do anything for you.  What can I do?” — Grace Marks

“You must try one last time to speak with the man in question.  Appeal to his better nature.  He cannot turn you away if he has any decency at all.” — Grace Marks

“It was the doctor that killed her with his knife, him and the gentleman between them.  For it is not always the one who strikes that is the actual murderer.  Mary was done to death by that unknown gentleman, as surely as if he’d taken the knife and plunged it into her body himself.” — Grace Marks

“Lock or no lock, sooner or later he’d find a way of getting in.  Once you’re found with a man, you are the guilty one, no matter how they get in.  As Mary used to say, some masters think you owe them service 24 hours a day and should do the main work flat on your back.  As I’ve said, sir, she had a very forward way of speaking.” — Grace MarksAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

“Yes, sir.  More or less quietly.  I beg your pardon, sir?  The usual, sir. I performed my duties.  You were not making a joke.  You really don’t know.  Men such as yourself do not have to clean up the messes you make, but we have to clean up our own messes and yours into the bargain.  In that way, you are like children.  You do not have to think ahead or worry about the consequences of what you do.  But it is not your fault.  It is only how you are brought up.” — Grace Marks

“Yes, sir.  The Devil finds work for idle hands to do.” — Grace Marks

“Is forgiveness not ordained in the Bible?” — Grace Marks

“But the sun cannot be stopped in its path except by God, and he has done that only once and will not do it again until the end of the world.” — Grace MarksAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

“God is everywhere, and cannot be caged in as men can.” — Grace Marks

“Just because a thing has been written down, sir, does not mean it’s God’s truth.” — Grace Marks

“I remember looking up at you after I told this story, Dr. Jordan.  And I remember that it did my heart good to feel I could bring some pleasure into a fellow being’s life.” — Grace MarksAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

“It is remarkable, I have since thought, how once a man has a few coins, no matter how he came by them, he thinks right away he is entitled to them, and to whatever they can buy, and fancies himself cock of the walk.” — Grace MarksAlias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television

Guardian.



Dr. Simon Jordan, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Edward HolcroftDr. Simon Jordan

“Good morning, Grace.  I understand you’re afraid of doctors.  I must tell you right away that I myself am a doctor.  My name is Dr. Jordan.  Dr. Simon Jordan.  I would not dream of it.  Yes.  No.  I’m not the usual kind of doctor.  I do no cutting open.  Are you afraid of me, Grace?  This is for you.  No, Grace, I can see you’re not a dog.  What is it, Grace?  Can you tell me what it is?  And what does an apple remind you of?  I think you understand me well enough.  Ah.  Something you eat.  And is there any kind of apple you should not eat?  No.  I’m not a preacher.  I am a doctor that works not with bodies, but with the mind.  Diseases of the mind and the brain, and the nerves.  And that is what I am here for.  To listen to reason.  But if I am to listen to you, you will have to talk to me.  I would like to help you, Grace.  If you will try to talk, I will try to listen.  My interest is purely scientific.  It is only the murders that should concern us.  Perhaps you will.  Perhaps you will tell them without meaning to, perhaps you will tell them deliberately.  Perhaps you are a liar.  That is a chance we’ll have to take.  You have my word that as long as you continue to talk with me and do not become violent, you will remain as you were.  I have the governor’s promise.  Till tomorrow then.” — Dr. Simon Jordan

“I believe in pursuing the patient’s sublimated dreams and memories.  It is important to build trust and this does not happen in one sitting.  I have some questions about the trial itself.  Grace said at the time of her arrest that she didn’t know where Nancy was.  But at the trial itself… …she claimed to have seen McDermott dragging Nancy by the hair and tossing her down the stairs.  Anyone might say that.  Also we have McDermott’s statement, made just before he was hanged.  He claimed that Grace strangled Nancy with her own kerchief.  To turn devil’s advocate… …just because a man is known to lie, it does not always follow that he does so.  Is this type of inquiry bothering you?  Yes, I appreciate that.  It would be helpful if I could meet with Grace in a setting that implied more trust.  You mentioned she’d been doing housework for the governor of the penitentiary.  How did this come about?  Would it be possible to persuade them to allow her back into the house?  I could meet with her there.  So I’ll meet Grace tomorrow at the governor’s house?  Very satisfactory.  Thank you for all your effort, Reverend.  Mrs. Humphrey.  How very kind of you.  good night, Reverend.” — Dr. Simon Jordan

“It’s what you want to say to yourself that’s of interest to me.  Tell me about the quilt you’re making.  What are the marriage quilts?  What else does that make you think of, Grace?  So, Grace, you consider a bed to be a dangerous place?  No.  Have I offended you somehow?  I did not intend to.  Of course.  Can you tell me what this is, Grace?  Does it remind you of anything?  If you could make a quilt for yourself, which pattern would you make?  You must have thought about what pattern you would make, having spent so many years making them for others.  Who’s Mary Whitney?  And how did you know her?  Grace, you may be frank with me.  You don’t care about my good opinion of you, Grace?  Judged rightly, Grace?  Then you’ve given up hope?  Well, hope of being set free.  But what does an example do afterwards?  The story is over.  How do you fill in the rest of your time?  Do you feel you’ve been treated unjustly?  Well, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.  I remember, nor are you a dog.  Let us begin at the beginning.  The beginning of your life.  I have your confession here.  Let me read what you said in it.  Grace, who is Mary Whitney?  It is written underneath your portrait at the front of your confession.  ‘Grace Marks, alias Mary Whitney.’  And Mary Whitney?  You gave any name that came into your head?  Will you tell me your story, Grace?  The real one is not in your confession, as you say.  Will you tell me?  From the beginning.  Can you continue, Grace?  What happened when you arrived?  Yes.  No wonder.  We’ll begin again tomorrow.  Before I go, could you tell me a little more about Mary Whitney?  You mentioned her earlier.  No, we’re fine.  Thank you.  We’re in the middle of… um… yes, yes, of course.  That was quite a lot for one day.  Shall we begin again tomorrow?” — Dr. Simon Jordan


Reverend Verringer, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, David CronenbergReverend Verringer

“What did you discover today when you examined Grace?  Mm.  There are a great number of us, especially those of us on the committee to pardon Grace Marks, who are anxious to see Grace released as soon as possible.  She has languished too long in prison for one so young and vulnerable at the time of her conviction.  When can our committee expect to see your report?  Did she?  I don’t recall.  She did say she was sorry that Nancy was dead.  I suppose.  The man had already told several different stories and was a notorious liar into the bargain.  Hm.  Not at all, Dr. Jordan.  But we are hoping you will write a report favorable to grace Marks.  That is why we have brought you here.  So when can we see your report?  Her behavior in prison was exemplary and the governor’s wife allowed her to spend her days there.  But recently she did have a fit there, which terrified the family.  I shall try.  She has a liking for Grace, and no doubt she enjoys the curiosity that Grace arouses in the ladies of the spiritualist circle.  I’m sure I can arrange it.  And how are your accommodations?  We feel certain it will be worth our while.  I’ll see you tomorrow.  good night, Dr. Jordan.” — Reverend Verringer


Mary Whitney, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Rebecca LiddiardMary Whitney

“Who shall we marry?” — Mary Whitney

“You must be Grace, the new girl.  I’m Mary.  You shouldn’t stand here.  I’ll take you in the servants’ entrance.  You must have had a very long journey.  You won’t see much of Mr. Alderman Parkinson.  When you do, you might be blinded.  He has so many gold pins and snuff boxes and gold watch chains, you could get five necklaces if he were melted down, with the earnings to match.  Serve cheese biscuits warm.  That’s Mrs. Parkinson.  She ought to be alderman herself, she is a better man.  This is the parlor.  They have two sons.  They’re both away in the States at college, which is just as well.  Mrs. Honey, cook.  This is Grace Marks.  Now, I’ll show you to your bed, which is the same as mine.  Agnes, Effie, this is Grace Marks.  Effie is quite melancholic.  Her young man was transported to Australia for being in the rebellion and he died there.  She tried to hang herself with her apron strings and they broke, and they found her out of her mind and she had to be put away.  What rebellion?  You must have just arrived.  It was against the gentry who run everything here and keep all of the land and money for themselves.  Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie, he led the rebellion but it failed, so he escaped in women’s clothing over the lake and into the States.  He could have been betrayed many times, but he wasn’t, because he was a fine man who stood up for the ordinary farmers.  Anyway, it’s best not to mention politics.  Except amongst friends.  You’re not to tell the Parkinsons.  They’ve heard a different story from me.  But my father lost his farm.  The government troops burnt the log cabin that he built while fighting off bears.  And then he died while hiding in the winter woods, and my mother died of grief.  But our time will come, we will be revenged.” — Mary Whitney

“You must take the peel off in one long piece and then without looking behind you, you must throw it over your left shoulder.  And it will spell the initial of the man you will marry.  You’re never too young to think of a husband.  When I’ve saved up enough of my wages, I’m going to marry a nice young farmer whose land is already cleared and a good house built.  I even know what kind of hens and cow we will have.  I want red and white Leghorns and a Jersey cow for the cream and cheese.  There’s nothing better.  And a cat named Tabby and a dog named Rex.  All right.  Who shall we marry?  Yes.  There.  Look.  A ‘j.’  Grace!  You will marry Jeremiah.  He’s the peddler who’s coming tomorrow.  He’s handsome, but you’ll have to tramp around the countryside and you won’t have any house but the pack you carry on your back.  Oh, Grace, I’m just having fun with you!  I’ll try another.  It’s just a foolish old wives’ tale.” — Mary Whitney

“Grace, when you get your wages, you must hide them.  Made a pocket in the mattress here.  Didn’t you say your father was a drunk?  You can’t give him your wages.  It won’t benefit your brothers and sisters.  He’ll just drink it away.  He won’t get at you here, and if he tries, I’ll speak with Jim in the stables.  He’s a large man with friends.  You may be very young and as ignorant as an egg, but you’re as bright as a new penny, Grace Marks.  And the difference between the ignorant and stupid is that ignorant can learn.  I think we’re gonna get along just fine together.  In the morning I’ll have Miss Honey advance you your wages so we can get you a proper dress.” — Mary Whitney

“You will be a beauty, Grace.  Soon you’ll start to turn men’s heads.  The worst will be the gentlemen.  Because they think they’re entitled to anything they want.  They’ll start promising you things, they’ll say, ‘I’ll do whatever you want,’ but you must be very careful and never do anything for them unless they have performed what they have promised.  And if there’s a ring, a parson must go with it. Because men are liars by nature, Grace.  They’ll say anything to get what they want out of you then think better of it and be off on the next boat.  You’re a good girl, Grace Marks.” — Mary Whitney

“He promised to marry me.  And he gave me a ring, and for once I wanted to believe him.  I thought he wasn’t like other men.  Bot now he’s gone back on his promise and he would not even speak with me.  I don’t know what to do.  I cannot say.  But as soon as anyone knows what sort of trouble I’m in, I’ll be turned away.  And then what will become of me?  I’ll have to go to the streets and become a sailer’s drab to feed myself and the baby.  That kind of life will be the end of me soon.  Come.  Let’s go to bed and make fun of people.” — Mary Whitney

“He gave me five dollars.  Five dollars!  This is what his child is worth to him.  I said I would not catch him this way.  He said he doubted the child is even his since I’ve been so obliging with him, and if I threaten him with a scandal, he’ll deny it and ruin whatever reputation I have left.  He said if I wanted a quick end to my troubles, I should just go and drown myself.  I loved him.  I… I truly loved him.  I don’t any longer.” — Mary Whitney

“There’s a doctor here who helps whores when they need it.  You shouldn’t ask.  Are you sure, Grace?  About lending me your savings?  Soon I may be dead.  But you’ll still be alive.  I must.  Don’t carry on, Grace.  Go, Grace.  Grace, go!  He took a knife to me and he cut something inside.  He said there will be pain and bleeding, but after that all will be right again.  Grace, you must go back to work or we will be noticed.  Say that I have just gone to fetch something.  Grace, you must.  I cannot be found out.”

“No, Grace, you must not.  It will be the end of me if you do.  Grace.  I am angry.  I am so very angry.  Grace, tell me story.  Tell me one of those, then.  Tell me about William Lyon Mackenzie’s escape.  Because we didn’t lose, we just haven’t won yet.  Say the speech that I taught you.  ‘The law says that we shall not be taxed without our consent by the men of our choice, but a wicked and tyrannical government has trampled upon that law, divided the plunder, and declared that, regardless of justice, they will continue to roll in their splendid carriages and riot in their palaces at our expense, that we are poor, spiritless, ignorant peasants, who were born to toil for our betters.  But the peasants are beginning to open their eyes and feel their strength.'” — Mary Whitney


James McDermott, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Kerr LoganJames McDermott

“Grace Marks made me do it!  She’s a whore.  Murderer!  Hang her!” — James McDermott

“Nancy plans to turn me away before the month is up and to withhold my wages.  If she treats me this way, she’ll treat you the same.  We need to join together and demand our rights.  I hate all Englishman.  It’s the same thing.  They’re all thieves, whores, stealers of land.  They grind down the poor wherever they go.  They deserve to be knocked on the head and thrown down a cellar, both of them.  And I’m the man for the job.” — James McDermott

Nancy Montgomery, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Anna PaquinNancy Montgomery

“Lovely to meet you, Grace.  I must be going.  I need to get to the dry goods auction before Clarkson’s store closes.  Will you look at the pretty muslin I got last time.  No, I did not take the coach into town.  My master drove me in.  Do you know where Richmond Hill is?  Up Yonge Street past Hogg’s Hollow?  I’m in want of another servant to help me with the work.  Mr. Kinnear, my master, is a gentleman of a fine Scottish family.  He’s not married, so there’s no mistress of the household to carp and criticize.  Would you be interested in the position?  I’m lonely for female company and I don’t like being a single woman alone with a gentleman, as people will talk.  Mr. Kinnear is a liberal master and he shows it when he’s pleased.  You’ll be making a good bargain and stepping up in the world.  What are your wages at present?  I will pay you three dollars a month.  Wonderful.  Here’s some money for you to take the coach to Richmond Hill tomorrow.  I myself will meet you by the inn.  I’m sorry to steal your best help, Sally.  You just said such glowing things about my new girl.”

Thomas Kinnear, Alias Grace, Netflix, CBC Television, Paul Gross Thomas Kinnear

“Would your name be Grace Marks?  Is this man a friend of yours?  The lady does not desire your company.  I am Thomas Kinnear, your new employer.  I’ve come to fetch you.  You’ve not been in town five minutes and you’ve managed to attract gentlemen admirers.  Not gentlemen or not admirers?  This is Charley.  So, up you go, Grace.  We can hardly have you riding in the back like a piece of luggage.”



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