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The Borough Treasurer · Theme

Fate and Consequence

How The Borough Treasurer develops Fate and Consequence.

The past inevitably catches up with the characters; Kitely's chance arrival in Highmarket triggers a chain of events leading to murder, flight, and ruin, illustrating that past crimes have inescapable consequences.

Where it surfaces

  • III: Murder

    Cotherstone's wish for Kitely's death is immediately followed by the news of his murder, suggesting a grim chain of cause and effect.

  • XIV: The Sheet of Figures

    The calculations of interest over thirty years and Stoner's decision to investigate set in motion consequences tied to past actions.

  • XVI: The Lonely Moor

    Stoner's decision to blackmail leads directly to his fatal fall; Mallalieu's past crimes catch up with him.

  • The Scrap Book

    The past crimes of Mallows and Chidforth catch up with them decades later, leading to murder and impending disgrace.

  • XXII: The Hand in the Darkness

    Mallalieu's escape attempt is interrupted by a mysterious hand in the darkness, suggesting an inescapable fate.

  • No Further Evidence

    Mallalieu's escape seals his perceived guilt, while Cotherstone's calculated defense leads to his discharge.

  • The Virtues of Suspicion

    Mallalieu's fate hangs in the balance as he faces the consequences of his actions, with the threat of the gallows looming over every decision.

  • Without Thought of Consequence

    Mallalieu's impulsive shooting seals his fate, forcing him into a desperate flight with no thought of consequence.

  • The Barrister's Fee

    The characters have moved on from the tragedies; Brereton seeks to leave the past behind and start anew.