The Circular Staircase · Question
How does The Circular Staircase develop the theme of The Supernatural and Rationality?
Answer
The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart develops The Supernatural and Rationality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Characters frequently attribute strange events to ghosts or supernatural forces, but the narrative consistently provides rational explanations, emphasizing the power of reason over superstition.
Thomas interprets the stopped clock and lamp as omens of death, while Rachel dismisses superstition.
Liddy's belief in a ghost and the mysterious pounding sounds create tension between superstitious fear and rational investigation.
Liddy's ghost hypothesis and the billiard cue as a possible ghostly weapon contrast with Halsey's rational examination for a secret door.
Evidence in the book
- III: Mr. John Bailey Appears
Thomas interprets the stopped clock and lamp as omens of death, while Rachel dismisses superstition.
- XV: Liddy Gives the Alarm
Liddy's belief in a ghost and the mysterious pounding sounds create tension between superstitious fear and rational investigation.
- XVI: In the Early Morning
Liddy's ghost hypothesis and the billiard cue as a possible ghostly weapon contrast with Halsey's rational examination for a secret door.
- XVIII: A Hole in the Wall
Liddy believes the hole is ghostly, while Rachel and Jamieson seek rational explanations, highlighting the tension between superstition and logic.
- XXV: A Visit from Louise
Eliza's belief in a 'burning eye' and the mysterious hole contrast with Rachel's attempts to find a natural explanation.
- XXX: When Churchyards Yawn
The chapter contrasts the eerie, gothic setting of a nighttime churchyard with the rational, investigative purpose of the exhumation.
