The Drunkard

by Guy Thorne

"The Drunkard" by Guy Thorne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of alcoholism and its impacts on individuals and society, primarily through the character of Dr. Morton Sims, who is deeply involved in the study of inebriety and its psychological effects. It portrays the stark realities of life intertwined with the nuances of human behavior, reflecting on the tragic consequences of addiction. The opening of the novel sets an atmospheric tone, beginning with a prologue that introduces Dr. Morton Sims in his London home, contemplating a murder case that is connected to his research on alcoholism. The scene quickly shifts to his dining room, where he prepares to welcome his sister and a friend, Mrs. Daly, discussing their roles in the temperance movement. The narrative captures Sims’ complex emotional landscape as he receives an urgent letter about a convicted murderer, Hancock, who is to be executed the next morning. The chapter closes with Sims revealing his precarious balance of professional duty and personal morality as he prepares to visit Hancock, suggesting a deeper exploration of the themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological underpinnings of addiction in the chapters that follow.