Murder by the Clock · Question
How does Murder by the Clock develop the theme of Guilt and Innocence?
Answer
Murder by the Clock by Rufus King develops Guilt and Innocence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The investigation revolves around determining who is guilty, but the characters' own admissions—like Mrs. Endicott's confession of intent to kill—complicate the notion of innocence, and the police themselves are unsure whether the true criminal is still at large.
Valcour's investigation into who caused Endicott's shock and Roberts's suspicious behavior point to questions of guilt and hidden knowledge.
Hollander's denial of guilt and Valcour's attempts to establish his culpability, while also considering Mrs. Endicott's potential involvement.
Valcour's questioning of Vickers and Roberts explores who might be guilty, with Roberts's hysterical behavior suggesting possible guilt or trauma.
Evidence in the book
- VIII: 11:28 p.m.—Mrs. Endicott Screams
Valcour's investigation into who caused Endicott's shock and Roberts's suspicious behavior point to questions of guilt and hidden knowledge.
- XVIII: 3:00 a.m.—Thin Haze of Dread
Hollander's denial of guilt and Valcour's attempts to establish his culpability, while also considering Mrs. Endicott's potential involvement.
- XIX: 3:15 a.m.—The Properties of Horror
Valcour's questioning of Vickers and Roberts explores who might be guilty, with Roberts's hysterical behavior suggesting possible guilt or trauma.
- XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
Roberts's contradictory statements and her admission of hiding a gun raise questions about her guilt and innocence.
- XXI: 3:51 a.m.—A Woman’s Slipper
Roberts's confession of intent to kill and her accusations against Mrs. Endicott blur the lines.
- XXIII: 4:29 a.m.—A Turn of the Screw
Mrs. Endicott's guilt is implied by her arrest, yet she maintains her innocence.
- XXIV: 4:41 a.m.—As the Colours of Dawn
Valcour's internal debate about Mrs. Endicott's guilt, despite the evidence, highlights the theme.
- XXVI: 5:25 a.m.—There Was a Sailor
Valcour grapples with the guilt of Endicott's actions versus the innocence of the servant girl, and the potential guilt of her husband.
