Murder by the Clock · Question
How does Murder by the Clock develop the theme of Obsession and Control?
Answer
Murder by the Clock by Rufus King develops Obsession and Control across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Mrs. Endicott's obsessive need to control her husband and her own fate drives her actions, including her willingness to fake a suicide attempt and her cold, calculated responses to the investigation, while Roberts's obsessive hatred of Mrs. Endicott mirrors this theme.
Mrs. Endicott's intense focus on her husband's whereabouts and her fear of Marge Myles suggest a need for control over the situation.
Valcour's meticulous instructions and the guarded room reflect a need to control every variable in the face of potential danger.
Valcour meticulously controls the narrative and the environment, directing Hollander's movements and concealing his own actions.
Evidence in the book
- I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100
Mrs. Endicott's intense focus on her husband's whereabouts and her fear of Marge Myles suggest a need for control over the situation.
- X: 12:06 a.m.—The Stillness of a Grave
Valcour's meticulous instructions and the guarded room reflect a need to control every variable in the face of potential danger.
- XI: 12:15 a.m.—To Watch by Night
Valcour meticulously controls the narrative and the environment, directing Hollander's movements and concealing his own actions.
- XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck
Madame Velasquez's controlling relationship with Marge, and her attempts to manipulate the situation, reflect themes of obsession and control.
- XIII: 2:01 a.m.—Glittering Eyes
Hollander's intense focus on Endicott hints at an obsessive need to control the situation.
- XVI: 2:13 a.m.—Time Versus Death
Hollander's relentless pursuit of Endicott, even while Endicott is incapacitated, demonstrates his obsessive need to silence him.
- XVIII: 3:00 a.m.—Thin Haze of Dread
Hollander's obsessive love for Mrs. Endicott and his controlling actions, including stealing her keys and planning to kill her husband.
- XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
Roberts describes Mrs. Endicott's possessive control over Endicott as a 'tame tiger,' highlighting the dynamic of power and submission.
