# How does Murder in the Maze develop the theme of Fear and Cowardice?

> Murder in the Maze by J. J. Connington

## Answer

Murder in the Maze by J. J. Connington develops Fear and Cowardice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Ernest Shandon's repeated panic and cowardice in the face of danger contrast with Vera Forrest's composure, illustrating how fear affects behavior and judgment under threat.

Vera's terror as she realizes the murderer may still be in the maze, and her struggle to overcome panic.

The maids' hysterical reactions and Vera's struggle to maintain composure highlight the fear and panic that grip the household in the wake of the murders.

Ernest Shandon's extreme fear and cowardice are highlighted; he is described as 'blue with funk' and in a state of nervous collapse, fleeing from an attack.

## Evidence

- [ii-the-affair-in-the-maze](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/ii-the-affair-in-the-maze.md): Vera's terror as she realizes the murderer may still be in the maze, and her struggle to overcome panic.
- [iii-the-immediate-results](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/iii-the-immediate-results.md): The maids' hysterical reactions and Vera's struggle to maintain composure highlight the fear and panic that grip the household in the wake of the murders.
- [x-the-third-attack-in-the-maze](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/x-the-third-attack-in-the-maze.md): Ernest Shandon's extreme fear and cowardice are highlighted; he is described as 'blue with funk' and in a state of nervous collapse, fleeing from an attack.
- [xi-the-squire-s-theories](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xi-the-squire-s-theories.md): Ernest Shandon's panic is contrasted with Vera Forrest's composure, highlighting different responses to fear.
- [xii-the-fourth-attack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xii-the-fourth-attack.md): Ernest Shandon's refusal to go outside and his trembling demeanor starkly contrast with Wendover's determined pursuit.
- [xiii-the-dart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xiii-the-dart.md): Wendover's irrational fear of a random, inhuman killer and his struggle to impose rational motives on the violence highlight the theme of fear and the limits of courage.
- [xvi-the-last-attack-in-the-maze](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xvi-the-last-attack-in-the-maze.md): Ernest Shandon's refusal to go to the Maze at night, his heavy drinking, and his rationalization of his fear contrast sharply with Arthur's reckless bravado, highlighting the theme of cowardice versus courage.
- [xvii-the-siege-in-the-maze](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xvii-the-siege-in-the-maze.md): Ernest's cowardice is revealed as a sham; his callousness and desperation are highlighted as he is hunted in the Maze.

## Links

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