The Big Bow Mystery · Theme
Justice and Injustice
How The Big Bow Mystery develops Justice and Injustice.
The book critiques the legal system through the wrongful arrest and near-execution of Tom Mortlake, highlighting how public opinion, class bias, and flawed evidence can lead to a miscarriage of justice.
Where it surfaces
- VIII
Mortlake's arrest at the ceremony raises questions about the justice of the accusation, especially given the earlier open verdict and the ongoing mystery.
- The Riot at the Unveiling
Wimp's arrest of Mortlake is perceived as unjust by the crowd, leading to a riot and Mortlake's escape.
- The Trial of Tom Mortlake
The trial process and the guilty verdict raise questions about the fairness of circumstantial evidence and the possibility of a wrongful conviction.
- Chapter XI
The chapter explores the tension between legal verdicts and public sentiment, as well as the Home Secretary's rigid adherence to the law despite widespread calls for clemency.
- XII
The chapter highlights the injustice of Mortlake's wrongful conviction and Grodman's moral dilemma in allowing an innocent man to suffer.