The Borough Treasurer · Question
How does The Borough Treasurer develop the theme of Justice and Innocence?
Answer
The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher develops Justice and Innocence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The wrongful accusation of Harborough for Kitely's murder raises questions about legal justice versus actual innocence, with the barrister Brereton working to prove Harborough's innocence against circumstantial evidence.
Brereton's argument that the evidence is too obvious indicates a concern for true justice versus circumstantial guilt.
Harborough's insistence on his innocence and the tension between legal presumption of innocence and circumstantial evidence.
Harborough's refusal to provide an alibi and his insistence that the truth will come out highlight the tension between legal procedure and actual innocence.
Evidence in the book
- VI: The Mayor
Brereton's argument that the evidence is too obvious indicates a concern for true justice versus circumstantial guilt.
- VIII: Retained for the Defence
Harborough's insistence on his innocence and the tension between legal presumption of innocence and circumstantial evidence.
- Antecedents
Harborough's refusal to provide an alibi and his insistence that the truth will come out highlight the tension between legal procedure and actual innocence.
- X: The Hole in the Thatch
Brereton works to prove Harborough's innocence while exploring alternative suspects.
- XIII: The Anonymous Letter
Brereton's determination to prove Harborough's innocence and the anonymous sender's insistence on finding the real murderer highlight the pursuit of justice.
- XV: One Thing Leads to Another
Myler urges Stoner to pursue justice through legal channels rather than personal gain.
- The Scrap Book
Brereton is torn between his duty to defend an innocent man (Harborough) and the painful consequences of exposing the guilty.
- XIX: A Tall Man in Grey Clothes
The search for the tall man in grey clothes and Mrs. Hamthwaite's testimony aim to uncover the truth and potentially prove Harborough's innocence.
