I'm the King of the Castle

Plot summary

The book is set in a large house called Warings near the village of Derne. It was once a grand countryside mansion, but has since fallen into despair and decay. Joseph Hooper has inherited the house, and lives with his 10-year-old son Edmund Hooper. They have a cold, formal relationship which lacks any compassion. Joseph compares it to his relationship with his own Father, which had been very similar. Joseph announces that a housekeeper will be moving in, who will also bring her son who is of a similar age to Edmund. Mrs. Helena Kingshaw, and her son Charles Spicer Kingshaw arrive at Warings. The young boy, Edmund Hooper, becomes defensive of his house, and instantly takes a dislike to Kingshaw. He mocks his social class and his father, and in the ensuing fight Kingshaw punches Hooper. Kingshaw then attempts to escape Warings, but is attacked by a vicious crow. The crow is thought to symbolise Hooper, who is very protective of his territory.

Animal symbolism is used throughout the novel. Hooper proceeds to taunt and bully Kingshaw, who is the weak victim in their relationship. They venture to Hang Wood together, where Hooper's weaknesses become apparent during a thunderstorm and Kingshaw seems to retrieve some kind of power. However, it is apparent that Kingshaw does not have the capacity to be cruel. During their time in Hang Wood they become lost, and are forced to stay the night in a little clearing with a river and pool. During this time Hooper nearly dies as he falls and hits his head on a rock, which leaves him unconscious and bleeding, though he eventually regains consciousness. This pattern of cruelty continues throughout the book within the isolated setting of Warings. Both parents seem oblivious to their fights, and fail to understand their children's behaviour. From here on we notice that Hooper has the power at Warings, but as soon as they're outside Kingshaw has the upper hand.

The family decide to take a trip to Leydell Castle. Here, Kingshaw further exploits Hooper's fears as they climb the ancient monument. Hooper falls accidentally, and is badly injured. Even though Kingshaw had tried to save him, Hooper accuses Kingshaw of pushing him and is believed by the adults. Kingshaw is convinced that he has killed Hooper. As Hooper recovers, it appears that Kingshaw is becoming more independent, and he meets a local boy by the name of Fielding. Fielding appears confident and well-rounded, and takes Kingshaw to his farm where he witnesses the birth of a calf. This is in stark contrast to Warings, which is filled with death and morbidity, for example glass cabinets filled with moths are used to symbolise the decay of the Hooper dynasty. Fielding offers Kingshaw hope away from the manipulative clutches of Hooper. However, once Hooper returns to health, the regime of taunting resumes. Hooper's cruelty climaxes, and Kingshaw is devastated when he discovers that Helena and Joseph have agreed to marry, and that Hooper and Kingshaw will attend school together. The novel ends with Kingshaw committing suicide by drowning himself in the familiar stream in Hang Wood and Mrs. Kingshaw comforting Hooper who is described as feeling triumphant.