To analyze the novel we need to first describe and analyze the main protagonist of the novel and his story from "riches to rags" and then again to riches, because that is essentially what the story is about. Our main character, Lord Glenthorn, lives in an utmost luxury with everything that he wishes for being at his disposal. He inherited a huge family fortune and various estates. But, our main character is anything but content and happy. He is plagued by a common illness that affects the wealthy, the disease ennui. These symptoms of this illness are indolence, disinterest and depression.
Lord Glenthorn doesn't find any satisfaction in anything he has. He is so plagued by this illness that he begins to think of taking his own life, which provides an effective insight into how serious this issue, this illness that he has actually is, rather than brushing it off as a lighthearted discontent of a spoiled rich person.
This character is seriously unhappy with his life, that is until he gets a life changing visit from his old nurse which turns his life upside down, which is the most fortunate thing that happens to him. What really shows how burdened he is with his place in the world and unhappy with his life, is how lightly he gives it all away to the rightful owner and how happy he is to leave everything behind. The main issue is that Lord Glenthorn never learned to appreciate his fortunes because they weren't a result of his own work, which is in contrast to the end when he is able to enjoy the results of his hardships.
The novel was written at the time of discontent of Irish with the British rule and the Irish Rebellion at the end of the eighteenth century is the historic background in the novel. This discontent is portrayed through the character of Lady Geraldine, an Irish woman who views his fellow Irish people's admiration towards the British with contempt and mocks it with any chance she gets. She is well-spoken and witty and despite her purpose being overshadowed by the romance of the novel, the message she portrays is clear.
The novel also shows a view of the social classes and the issues of the poor's inability to leave poverty. Despite McLeod's argument for education needing to be provided to everyone, Hardcastle, an Irish land-owner, argues that the poor shouldn't be educated because it's useless, they can never succeed and leave poverty. Despite being unfortunate, this difference between the rich and the poor is confirmed in the novel in the case of Christy and Glenthorn. It confirms that one doesn't have to be born in wealth, but one has to be educated and groomed for wealth. Glenthorn was born to a poor Irish nurse, but he was raised and taught to live in wealth, while Christy was a real son of a wealthy man, he was educated and raised to be a poor blacksmith.
Ennui is a novel that essentially portrays positive messages, but it is a work of its time and it witnesses to its tides.
