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Murder in the Maze · Theme

Deception and Appearance

How Murder in the Maze develops Deception and Appearance.

Characters often hide their true intentions and identities, as seen in the twins' physical resemblance and the murderer's use of the maze's privacy to commit crimes unseen, emphasizing the gap between outward appearance and inner reality.

Where it surfaces

  • IV: The Chief Constable

    Stenness internally reflects on his own hidden motives and altered plans, while Sir Clinton's ordinary appearance masks his keen perception.

  • The Evidence in the Case

    Stenness's selective disclosure and Ernest's distracted demeanor suggest hidden truths beneath surface statements.

  • VI: The Toxicologist

    Wendover's misleading appearance as a simple country gentleman contrasts with his sharp mind, and Sir Clinton's casual purchases mask his investigative intent.

  • VII: The Pot of Curare

    Arthur's hostility and suspicious behavior contrast with his later cooperation, hinting at hidden motives.

  • IX: The Burglary at Whistlefield

    Ernest's nervous behavior and his admission of going to bed instead of reporting the burglary raise questions about his true role in the events.

  • X: The Third Attack in the Maze

    The burglary involves disguised footprints with cardboard under shoes, and the burglar's motives remain hidden, reflecting themes of deception.

  • XI: The Squire's Theories

    Sir Clinton's secretive handling of the cigar-case and his hints about knowing the murderer underscore themes of hidden truths and misleading appearances.

  • The Fourth Attack

    The airgun is identified as Arthur's, raising questions about who truly wielded it and the hidden motives among the group.

  • The Dart

    Sir Clinton's deceptive bridge party, intended to lure the murderer, backfires when Sylvia is hit instead, underscoring the theme of appearances and hidden intentions.

  • The Forged Cheque

    Sir Clinton's hypothetical case explores how a secretary could forge a signature and destroy evidence, highlighting the theme of deception.

  • XV: The Secretary's Affairs

    Stenness's forgery and his outward appearance as a trustworthy secretary contrast with his secret actions, highlighting the theme of deception.

  • XVI: The Last Attack in the Maze

    Sir Clinton's coded phone call and his deliberate vagueness about the arrest demonstrate how appearances and hidden communications are used to manage the scandal and control the situation.

  • XVIII: The Truth of the Matter

    Ernest Shandon fakes an attack on himself to appear as a victim and divert suspicion.