Murder by the Clock · Theme
Obsession and Control
How Murder by the Clock develops Obsession and Control.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.
- XXI: 3:51 a.m.—A Woman’s Slipper
Roberts's intense hatred and near-violence toward Mrs. Endicott.
- XXII: 4:14 a.m.—Tap—Tap—Tap
Valcour's methodical tapping and psychological manipulation reflect his obsessive pursuit of truth and control over the situation.
- XXV: 5:01 a.m.—Lunatic Vistas
Madame Velasquez's obsession with controlling Marge through blackmail is revealed, as she laments losing her source of income and insists on finding proof of Marge's death.
- XXVI: 5:25 a.m.—There Was a Sailor
Mrs. Siddons's obsession with Endicott's perceived wickedness and her satisfaction in his death are highlighted.
- XXVII: 5:46 a.m.—Mrs. Endicott Cannot Be Found
Valcour's relentless pursuit of the truth and the hidden letter suggest obsessive attention to details.
- XXVIII: 6:00 a.m.—Mist Drifting Through Mist
Mrs. Endicott's need to control her husband's affections leads to extreme measures, including forgery.
- XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage
Mrs. Endicott's obsession with death and the afterlife is noted, and Valcour's theory suggests Endicott's sadistic control over Marge Myles.
- XXX: 7:11 a.m.—The Criminal and Weapon of the Crime
Marge Myles's desire for power and control is evident as she relishes the sense of power over Valcour's life.
- XXXI: 8:37 p.m.—Five Years Later
Valcour sees Mrs. Hollander as a puppeteer controlling others, reflecting her obsessive need for control.
