# Secrecy and Silence in Simon

> Theme guide for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

Simon Rattar's nickname 'Silent Simon' and his secretive behavior, along with the locked rooms and hidden papers, underscore a theme of withheld information and the power of silence in controlling narratives and protecting secrets.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Solitary Passenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/i-the-solitary-passenger): The passenger's elaborate efforts to travel alone, hide from ticket inspectors, and avoid being seen or recognized.
- [II: The Procurator Fiscal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/ii-the-procurator-fiscal): Rattar's insistence on keeping the prowler quiet and his own hidden knowledge reflect the theme of secrecy and the power of silence.
- [III: The Heir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/iii-the-heir): Rattar's silent, inscrutable demeanor and Malcolm's hidden debts underscore the theme of secrecy and the power of silence in their dealings.
- [IV: The Man from the West](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/iv-the-man-from-the-west): Cicely Farmond's secret visit to Rattar and Ned's promise to 'lie low' emphasize the theme of secrecy and the withholding of information.
- [V: The Third Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/v-the-third-visitor): Rattar's refusal to disclose information and the family's unspoken agreement to keep Cicely's origins hidden.
- [At Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/vi-at-night): Rattar's locked doors, warning notes, and secret nighttime visitor create an atmosphere of hidden activity and unspoken dread.
- [VII: The Drive Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/vii-the-drive-home): Lilian conceals her true feelings and manipulates the conversation, while Cicely hides her financial worries.
- [VIII: Sir Reginald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/viii-sir-reginald): Cicely and Malcolm both conceal their true whereabouts from each other and from Sir Reginald, hinting at hidden motives and secrets.
- [A Philosopher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/ix-a-philosopher): Bisset's speculative discussion about Ned's glass eye and its possible story hints at hidden truths and unspoken histories.
- [X: The Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/x-the-letter): Cicely's guarded response about when she last saw Simon Rattar and the hushed-up nature of George's crimes reflect themes of secrecy.
- [XI: News](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xi-news): The locked room, missing key, and the fact that no one in the house heard or saw anything highlight the secrecy surrounding the murder.
- [XIV: The Question of Motive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xiv-the-question-of-motive): Ned's confidential disclosure of Cicely's engagement and the clandestine nature of the relationship highlight themes of hidden information.
- [XV: Two Women](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xv-two-women): Lady Cromarty's hard eyes and unspoken motives, Sir Malcolm's locked confidence, and the pervasive unspoken tensions underscore the theme of hidden truths.
- [XVI: Rumour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xvi-rumour): The rumored secret engagement and Lady Cromarty's hidden suspicions underscore the theme of concealed truths and unspoken motives.
- [A Suggestion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xvii-a-suggestion): Simon Rattar advocates for avoiding a family scandal by not pursuing the case further, suggesting a preference for secrecy over full disclosure.
- [XIX: The Empty Compartment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xix-the-empty-compartment): Superintendent Sutherland decides to keep the incident to himself, highlighting the theme of withholding information.
- [XX: The Sporting Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xx-the-sporting-visitor): Carrington's discreet, sympathetic manner encourages locals to reveal intimate details about the murder case, highlighting how secrets are shared under the guise of trust.
- [Mr. Carrington's Walk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxi-mr-carrington-s-walk): Carrington conceals his true purpose and uses a false rumor to probe Cicely's knowledge, while Cicely withholds her connection to the family until pressed.
- [XXII: Mr. Carrington and the Fiscal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxii-mr-carrington-and-the-fiscal): Carrington and Rattar's guarded conversation, the hidden identity of the employer, and the deliberate withholding of information.
- [XXIII: Simon's Views](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxiii-simon-s-views): Rattar's reluctance to answer Carrington's questions and the secret engagement underscore the theme of hidden information.
- [Mr. Bisset's Assistant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxiv-mr-bisset-s-assistant): Carrington insists that Bisset keep his visit and theories confidential, and Lady Cromarty is asked not to disclose the insurance inquiry.
- [At Stanesland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxvi-at-stanesland): Ned's inheritance and his refusal to discuss its purpose are hinted at by Lilian, while Carrington's discreet inquiries and satisfied smile suggest hidden knowledge.
- [XXVII: Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxvii-flight): Cicely's secret flight and Ned's adoption of a false identity underscore the theme of hidden motives and unspoken fears.
- [The Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxviii-the-return): Carrington's employer is kept secret; Rattar's lies are exposed; Cicely's flight is based on hidden information.
- [Brother and Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxix-brother-and-sister): Lilian initially refuses to reveal who told her the rumor, and the chapter explores how secrets and silence enable harm.
- [XXX: A Marked Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxx-a-marked-man): Cicely's silence about Sir Malcolm's confession, Carrington's hidden identity, and the forged telegram all revolve around what is kept secret or revealed.
- [The Letter Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxi-the-letter-again): Cicely's unexplained disappearance and Rattar's evasiveness about the disputed conversation highlight the theme of hidden truths and deliberate silence.
- [XXXII: The Sympathetic Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxii-the-sympathetic-stranger): The possible break-in and lost ring are details that have been overlooked or suppressed, hinting at hidden truths.
- [The House of Mysteries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-house-of-mysteries): Mary's fear of her master and the hidden events in the house—burglary, shadowy figures, missing ring—underscore a culture of secrecy.
- [In the Garden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxv-in-the-garden): Carrington's covert observation and Rattar's secretive nighttime behavior highlight the theme of hidden actions and unspoken motives.
- [The Walking Stick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-walking-stick): Carrington's covert garden investigation and Mary's complicity in keeping his actions secret highlight the theme of hidden motives and silent complicity.
- [XXXVII: Bisset's Advice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxvii-bisset-s-advice): Simon Rattar's denial of his advice to Cicely exemplifies the theme of concealment and falsehood.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/themes/secrecy_and_silence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/simon_se/themes