Thorne, Unlikely/Unlikable Ally?

Published February 9, 2017 · Updated July 6, 2022

Good day,
I keep on pestering you with questions and theories.

This time is Thorne’s time.

He is obviously connected in some way to the dealings of the EIC and their planned acquisition of Nootka sound. We know that he had asked Atticus to have Horace Delaney killed (ep. 2), he was (obviously) expecting something from the inheritance (ep. 2), and had already reached an agreement with EIC, driving “a particularly hard bargain” (ep. 1) .

He (while being a terrible and flawed person) is clearly suffering from an inferiority complex towards James, possibly reinforced by the fact that he is not apparently able to have a child with Zilpha (while James did?). His “beta” status is confirmed by the fact that James does not kill him during the duel and also uncovers the fact that he is simply an expendable asset to the Company. In this sense, his beating Zilpha is a way for him to get back at James, as well as the exorcism, can be a last attempt to get out of James’ influence and power over his life.

The sudden realization of his condition could, however, also bring him toward James: to get back at EIC and maybe simply to feel an active player rather than a passive subject, he could provide (very valuable) support and information to James’ cause, and I don’t think James (who has been very open and upfront in affirming that everybody that he keeps around serves a purpose) would be above striking some kind of deal with him. That is if Zilpha does not kill him beforehand.

Have a good one and keep up the good work.
Stefano

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