Murder by the Clock · Theme
Guilt and Innocence
How Murder by the Clock develops Guilt and Innocence.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.
- XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage
Valcour lays out a case against Marge Myles and Mrs. Endicott, exploring the question of who is truly guilty of the murder.
- XXXI: 8:37 p.m.—Five Years Later
Valcour's reflections reveal his belief that Mrs. Hollander escaped justice, highlighting the theme of guilt unpunished.