Throughout “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” Edward and Mary periodically grapple with guilt, often trying to “reconcile themselves” to “sin.” In the beginning of the story, they have an easier time dismissing their immoral dealings. For instance, when they first start wondering how they might win the sack of gold, they’re able to slowly chip away at their reservations, eventually finding it relatively painless to go about lying and cheating their way to fortune. However, it’s harder to rationalize their moral failings when “there seems a chance that [these failings are] going to be found out.” As guilt rises to…