Abuse of Power

In The Mystery Guest, abuse of power is a major theme that Nita Prose explores through the lopsided relationship between Gran and the people she works for. In the "Before" chapters, Prose takes the reader through Molly's memories of accompanying her grandmother to her job as a maid at the Grimthorpe mansion. Having been pulled out of school by Gran, Molly divides her own time at the mansion polishing silver and reading Great Expectations in the upstairs library that adjoins Grimthorpe's study. While in the house, Molly witnesses firsthand the demeaning language Mrs. Grimthorpe uses to address her staff and, by extension, Molly. Even though Gran warns Molly that Mrs. Grimthorpe "demands loyal subservience at all times" (50), it is nonetheless alarming to hear the condescension in her tone when she says, upon meeting Molly, "The maid seeking childcare from her employers. Ridiculous in every...