Money- Richard Barrick is a highway robber, purely out for money. He knocks on people’s door, demanding their money, and forces his way in to take whatever he can if they won’t comply. He is driven purely by a desire for money, as is his partner John Sullivan. Alexander White commits his crimes so he will have enough money to marry a woman he loves. These narratives seem somewhat connected to ones like Owen Syllavan and Isaac Frasier, but far different from any of the other narratives we have read thus far.
Guilt- Alexander White’s sentencing introduces a very modern concept of guilt or innocence, one very caught up in circumstance and motive. At his trial, the “court seemed much affected with his plea and the rehearsal of his story”, and later “were so tender of his case, that they proceeded to examine sundry witnesses” (247). Although White is eventually found guilty and sentenced to death, it is still interesting to note that his story garnered the sympathy of the court.
Salvation- Alexander white is extremely concerned with his own salvation, long after he has accepted that he will die and that he deserves to. Even upon his execution, he expressed a belief that he will be saved by God.