# Appearance vs. Reality in Murder by the Clock

> Theme guide for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

The narrative constantly blurs the line between what seems to be true and what is actually happening, from Mrs. Endicott's staged alibi to the false assumption that Endicott is dead when he is merely in a cataleptic state.

## Where it surfaces

- [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): Mrs. Endicott's outward composure masks her inner turmoil, and the luxurious setting contrasts with the underlying tension.
- [III: 9:45 p.m.—Guards Are Stationed at the Doors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/iii-9-45-p-m-guards-are-stationed-at-the-doors): Dr. Worth's polished exterior contrasts with the underlying tension and suspicion surrounding Endicott's death.
- [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): Mrs. Endicott's beauty and composure contrast with her inner turmoil and the dark undercurrents of her marriage.
- [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): Mrs. Endicott presents a composed front while hinting at a darker reality. The discussion of Marge Myles also highlights how public perception can mask a person's true nature.
- [VI: 10:32 p.m.—Pictures in Dust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/vi-10-32-p-m-pictures-in-dust): The central question of whether Endicott is truly dead or in a cataleptic state blurs the line between appearance and reality.
- [VII: 11:01 p.m.—Banked Fires](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/vii-11-01-p-m-banked-fires): Mrs. Siddons's calm exterior contrasts with her intense hatred for Endicott, and the 'banked fires' metaphor suggests hidden passions.
- [IX: 11:55 p.m.—Queer Deeps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/ix-11-55-p-m-queer-deeps): Roberts's composed, indifferent exterior masks a deep, unexplained emotional turmoil, as seen in her sudden slap and her cryptic talk of 'sharing torture' and the dead.
- [XIII: 2:01 a.m.—Glittering Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xiii-2-01-a-m-glittering-eyes): Hollander appears as a helpful friend, but his glittering eyes suggest hidden motives.
- [XIV: 2:01 a.m.—An Empty Sheath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xiv-2-01-a-m-an-empty-sheath): Mr. Smith presents himself as a Southern gentleman, but Valcour knows his criminal past; the missing stiletto suggests hidden truths.
- [XVII: 2:40 a.m.—The Angle of Death’s Path](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xvii-2-40-a-m-the-angle-of-death-s-path): The apparent attack by Hollander with a knife is revealed to be a cover for the real murder by gunshot, challenging initial perceptions.
- [XXIII: 4:29 a.m.—A Turn of the Screw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxiii-4-29-a-m-a-turn-of-the-screw): Mrs. Endicott's innocent demeanor contrasts with the evidence against her.
- [XXIV: 4:41 a.m.—As the Colours of Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxiv-4-41-a-m-as-the-colours-of-dawn): The letters from women and the hat in the cupboard suggest hidden truths beneath surface appearances.
- [XXV: 5:01 a.m.—Lunatic Vistas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxv-5-01-a-m-lunatic-vistas): The forensic report suggests a blonde, but both Mrs. Endicott and Hollander fit the description, blurring the line between appearance and guilt. Madame Velasquez's claims about Marge's death are also based on appearance, not fact.
- [XXVII: 5:46 a.m.—Mrs. Endicott Cannot Be Found](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxvii-5-46-a-m-mrs-endicott-cannot-be-found): Mrs. Endicott's disappearance challenges the assumption that she is safely in her room, and the letter from Marge reveals hidden connections.
- [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): Mrs. Endicott presents a composed facade while concealing her manipulative actions and suicidal intent.
- [XXX: 7:11 a.m.—The Criminal and Weapon of the Crime](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxx-7-11-a-m-the-criminal-and-weapon-of-the-crime): Marge Myles appears as a flamboyant woman but is actually the murderer, hiding in a chest, and the gun is concealed in a paper bag.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/themes/appearance_vs_reality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/themes