Saturday, September 14, 2013

In which chapter did Crispin steal from the manor house?

Though it drives much of the plot of Crispin: The Cross of Lead, the boy never actually stole from the manor house. After the death of Asta, Crispin's mother, the corrupt steward of the manor fears that Crispin will come to claim his inheritance.


This would be a big blow to Steward Aycliffe for two reasons. First, he has mistreated Crispin and the peasantry all his life. If Crispin were to come to claim the manor as his own, he might seek to punish or even fire Aycliffe as revenge! Second, Aycliffe is responsible for overseeing the manor and essentially has all power in controlling the estate. Crispin taking charge would likely mean that Aycliffe would lose the power he was afforded in the Lord's absence.


Though Crispin does not know that the Lord is his father until late in the book, Aycliffe fears he must already know or is close to finding out. To prevent Crispin from taking any action, he makes up the story that Crispin stole from the manor and declares him a Wolf's Head. Aycliffe makes this accusation in Chapter Six.

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