Mr. Mulliner Stories · Theme
Appearance vs. Reality
How Mr. Mulliner Stories develops Appearance vs. Reality.
Characters frequently misjudge others based on surface impressions—such as a doctor mistaken for a fisherman, or a meek curate who becomes assertive—revealing the gap between how people seem and who they truly are.
Where it surfaces
- The Story of William
Franklyn's exaggerated stories of bravery contrast with William's genuine but unglamorous steadiness; William's drunken hallucinations are mistaken for courage during the earthquake.
- The Romance of a Bulb-Squeezer
Clarence's professional duty to photograph beautiful women contrasts with his personal disdain for them, and the masked visitor's claim of being handsome is undercut by his need for secrecy.
- Honeysuckle Cottage
The cottage appears to be a peaceful country home but is actually a haunted place exerting a malign influence; James's gruff exterior hides his growing romantic feelings.