The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

Lincoln’s novel examines how tradition can pose an obstacle to progress. For much of the story, the Swifts are more interested in maintaining their family’s age-old customs and beliefs than evaluating whether these ideas and practices are beneficial. As the archivist, Aunt Inheritance is the character most closely bound to tradition because she makes preserving the Swifts’ history her life’s work. The rosy view of the family’s past that is held by her and many other Swifts whitewashes the violence and exploitation that their family has committed in the pursuit of wealth and prestige. As Atrocious points out, “The history of our Family, as Inheritance could tell you, is one of heroism, intrigue, adventure. But it’s also one of deceit, and theft, and plain old nastiness” (137). On a more personal level, Inheritance’s devotion to tradition interferes with progress because it makes Erf reluctant to tell their grandmother about their chosen name and nonbinary identity. Although Inheritance initially believes that holding onto the past is in the family’s best interest, her unquestioning adherence to tradition poses an obstacle to progress that would benefit her loved ones.

Candour’s relationship with tradition presents the antagonist as a monster of the Swifts’ own making. The family’s traditional view of themselves encourages them to be insular and selfish. For example, Inheritance maintains that society’s “rules don’t apply” to them because “Swifts aren’t normal people” (35). This mindset leads her to place Gumshoe on the case instead of contacting the police after Aunt Schadenfreude is attacked. Based on Swift tradition, this is the correct course of action because Gumshoe’s name means that he’s destined to be a detective. However, Inheritance’s decision only stymies progress and creates more danger. Ultimately, trying to handle the situation in the traditional way leads to Gumshoe’s and Pamplemousse’s deaths and gives Candour the opportunity to attempt to murder everyone gathered for the reunion. Candour embodies the worst of his family’s traditions through his obsession with names and wealth and his conviction in his own superiority. According to Lore and Law of the Family Swift, “Candour committed no crime” while exploiting, attacking, and killing people (315), showing how the Swifts’ traditions permit selfishness, greed, and hunger for power. Candour’s schemes to seize the family fortune and the rank of patriarch make it clear that the Swifts’ traditions no longer serve the greater good.

The novel’s hopeful ending illustrates the family’s changing understanding of tradition and their first steps toward progress. Fauna’s appointment marks a milestone in this theme, and she encourages the Swifts to “allow [them]selves, and one another, to change and grow” just as languages change and grow (329). Candour’s arrest also represents progress. As Felicity argues, “If we let [Candour] out into the world, how long will it be before he finds someone else to cheat, and manipulate, and hurt? They might not be Swifts, but they’ll be someone” (330). The family’s cooperation with the police represents a significant departure from their traditional attitude of superiority over “normal people.” The Swifts’ tentative steps toward progress help them be kinder toward themselves and others. In her exploration of the classic literary theme of tradition versus change, Lincoln advises the readers not to allow adherence to custom to stand in the way of progress.