Introduction

Alias Grace, a novel by Margaret Atwood and later adapted into a gripping television series, delves into the true story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in 19th-century Canada, convicted of murdering her employer Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery. 

The Ending: A Masterful Deception

The ending of Alias Grace is a masterclass in subtlety and deception. Grace's eventual release from prison is achieved through a carefully orchestrated plan involving her old acquaintance Jeremiah, who reappears in her life as a hypnotist. This ending not only resolves Grace's fate but also unveils the cunning strategy she and Jeremiah employed to secure her freedom.

The Hypnotism Plot

The key to understanding the ending lies in the hypnotism scene. Jeremiah, under the guise of Dr. Jerome DuPont, suggests hypnotizing Grace to uncover the truth about the murders. During the hypnotism session, Grace appears to be possessed by the spirit of her deceased friend Mary Whitney. This "possession" leads to a dramatic revelation that Grace was not in control of her actions, and it was Mary's spirit that compelled her to commit the murders.

Grace and Jeremiah's Alliance

However, this hypnotism is far from genuine. It is a well-crafted performance by Grace and Jeremiah, designed to manipulate the audience and the medical professionals present. The signs are clear: when Grace first sees Jeremiah in the present, she faints but upon regaining consciousness, Jeremiah discreetly signals her to stay silent about their prior acquaintance. This suggests a premeditated plan between the two.

Deception as Survival

Grace's ability to convincingly feign possession by Mary's spirit underscores her intelligence and survival instinct. In an era when women had little power or voice, Grace uses the tools at her disposal—deception and performance—to navigate a hostile world. By presenting herself as a passive victim of supernatural forces, she shifts the narrative away from her culpability and towards a story that the male-dominated society finds more palatable and less threatening.

The Role of Jeremiah

Jeremiah's role is crucial in this deception. His earlier promise to Grace that he would return to help her is fulfilled through this hypnotism charade. His skills as a performer and his understanding of human psychology enable him to convincingly sell the idea of possession to the onlookers, thus ensuring Grace's exoneration.

Conclusion

Alias Grace ends with a clear but intricately woven resolution. Grace Marks secures her release from prison through a calculated act of deception, orchestrated with Jeremiah. This ending sheds light on the lengths to which marginalized individuals must go to assert their agency and secure their freedom in an unjust society. The series invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of truth and the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of justice and morality. Grace's story is a haunting reminder of the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and illusion.