# How does Murder by the Clock develop the theme of Marriage and Deception?

> Murder by the Clock by Rufus King

## Answer

Murder by the Clock by Rufus King develops Marriage and Deception across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The Endicotts' marriage is built on lies, manipulation, and unspoken resentments, with Mrs. Endicott admitting she and her husband never had a direct question or answer between them, and her using forgery to control his affections.

The chapter hints at marital discord, with Herbert's affair and Mrs. Endicott's hidden concerns about their relationship.

Mrs. Endicott and her husband maintain a relationship built on lies and unspoken truths, as she admits to wishing to kill him while loving him.

The conversation reveals a marriage filled with emotional distance and deception, from Herbert's mocking goodbye to Mrs. Endicott's secret tea appointment and her veiled accusations.

## Evidence

- [i-8-37-p-m-spring-3100](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/i-8-37-p-m-spring-3100.md): The chapter hints at marital discord, with Herbert's affair and Mrs. Endicott's hidden concerns about their relationship.
- [iv-10-02-p-m-pale-flares-the-darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/iv-10-02-p-m-pale-flares-the-darkness.md): Mrs. Endicott and her husband maintain a relationship built on lies and unspoken truths, as she admits to wishing to kill him while loving him.
- [v-10-17-p-m-living-or-dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/v-10-17-p-m-living-or-dead.md): The conversation reveals a marriage filled with emotional distance and deception, from Herbert's mocking goodbye to Mrs. Endicott's secret tea appointment and her veiled accusations.
- [xxviii-6-00-a-m-mist-drifting-through-mist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxviii-6-00-a-m-mist-drifting-through-mist.md): Mrs. Endicott's marriage is built on lies, including her forgery to turn Herbert against Marge.

## Links

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