The Borough Treasurer · Question
How does The Borough Treasurer develop the theme of Crime and Punishment?
Answer
The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher develops Crime and Punishment across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative revolves around past crimes (embezzlement by Mallalieu and Cotherstone) and present crimes (blackmail, murder), exploring how characters are haunted by their misdeeds and the legal and moral consequences that follow.
Cotherstone and Mallalieu's past embezzlement and imprisonment are central to the chapter, driving the plot.
The chapter centers on the discovery of Kitely's murder, with Cotherstone's earlier murderous thoughts foreshadowing the crime.
The chapter centers on the discovery of Kitely's murder, the initial investigation, and the community's reaction to the violent crime.
Evidence in the book
- II: Crime—and Success
Cotherstone and Mallalieu's past embezzlement and imprisonment are central to the chapter, driving the plot.
- III: Murder
The chapter centers on the discovery of Kitely's murder, with Cotherstone's earlier murderous thoughts foreshadowing the crime.
- IV: The Pine Wood
The chapter centers on the discovery of Kitely's murder, the initial investigation, and the community's reaction to the violent crime.
- The Cord
The murder of Kitely and the investigation into the cord as evidence highlight the theme of crime and the search for justice.
- VI: The Mayor
The murder of Kitely and the immediate investigation highlight the themes of crime and the search for justice.
- VII: Night Work
The murder investigation is actively subverted by Mallalieu to ensure Cotherstone escapes punishment, while Harborough is pursued.
- XVII: The Medical Opinion
The chapter reveals that Stoner's death is a second murder, with medical evidence pointing to a deliberate blow, escalating the criminal stakes.
- At Bay
Cotherstone's confession to his past fraud and his accusation of Mallalieu for murder highlight the theme of crime and its consequences.
