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Hogg’s oft-neglected novel was first published in 1824 and quickly
faded into obscurity, where it remained until the second half of the twentieth
century. Justified Sinner details the
life of Robert, likely an illegitimate child, rejected by his mother’s husband
and raised by Reverend Wringham, a radical autonomian Calvinist. He is
indoctrinated with the belief that he will attain heaven regardless of his
earthly actions, and sets out on a bloody life, destroying those he considers
unholy. He is egged on by a mysterious doppelgänger who goes by the name of
Gil-Martin and whose influence eventually becomes too much to bear.
We are presented with two unreliable narratives – that of the editor
who provides details he would not possibly know without being omnipresent, and
Robert’s own confession, which paints his story in a rather more sympathetic
light. He shows himself to feel regret at others taking the blame for his
wrongdoing and his initial reluctance to commit murder. He is also accused of
crimes he has no recollection of – whether this is a symptom of his fractured
mind or simply Gil-Martin acting in his place is never clarified, allowing the
reader to draw their own conclusions. Despite his failings, it is difficult not
to pity Robert as his world becomes increasingly claustrophobic, Gil-Martin an
unwelcome presence in his life.
Often cited as laying the foundations for popular tales such as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,
this is both an interesting dissection of one man’s psychology, and a
satire of Calvinism and the effects of extremist beliefs. The confused state of
Robert’s mind is reflected in the structure of the storytelling, making it a
challenging read. What initially feels almost a comedy quickly turns much
darker, and the refusal to give a solid answer to the many questions raised
ensures continued intrigue. This feels like the kind of book that would benefit
from a second reading, allowing time for the ideas to settle and develop.
Pick up a copy:
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