# Obsession and Control in Murder by the Clock

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

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/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](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'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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxxi-8-37-p-m-five-years-later): Valcour sees Mrs. Hollander as a puppeteer controlling others, reflecting her obsessive need for control.

## Links

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