The Man in the Queue · Theme
Appearance vs. Reality
How The Man in the Queue develops Appearance vs. Reality.
Characters and clues often deceive: the dead man looks prosperous but is nearly penniless; Ray Marcable appears charming but is 'hard as flint'; Lamont seems guilty but is innocent; and the seemingly solid evidence of left-handedness and a scar leads to a false conclusion.
Where it surfaces
- I: Murder
The festive queue and anticipation of entertainment are shattered by the sudden reality of murder, contrasting the cheerful surface with hidden violence.
- II: Inspector Grant
Grant's dapper appearance belies his sharp investigative mind; the victim's prosperous look contrasts with the violent manner of his death.
- III: Danny Miller
The inquest witnesses present a 'pretty comedy' while describing grim events. Danny Miller's poker face and nonchalant demeanor mask his criminal nature and his recognition of the victim.
- V: Danny Again
The dead man's tie and his apparent interest in music suggest a refined nature, conflicting with the gang theory Grant had considered.
- VI: The Levantine
The Levantine's composed walk after the chase contrasts with his earlier panic, and Grant's casual demeanor hides his detective work.
- Mrs. Everett
Mrs. Everett presents a calm, orthodox exterior while secretly preparing supplies and money for a covert journey; Sorrell and Lamont appear as harmless young men.
- IX: Grant Gets More Information Than He Expected
Grant initially trusts Mrs. Everett based on her demeanor and fingerprints, but later evidence reveals her deception, underscoring the gap between surface and truth.
- XI: Carninnish
The peaceful fishing scene masks Grant's intense surveillance and the impending confrontation with a murder suspect.
- Capture
Lamont's charming demeanor at tea contrasts with his violent crime and escape; Miss Dinmont's initial trust is shattered.
- XIII: Marking Time
Grant's discomfort contrasts with the apparent resolution of the case, and Lamont's calm demeanor belies his guilt.
- XIV: The Statement
Lamont's statement is described as 'extraordinarily plausible' yet fundamentally improbable, underscoring the gap between how things seem and what may be true.
- XV: The Brooch
Grant's growing doubt contrasts with Barker's confidence in the case; the surface evidence points to Lamont, but Grant senses something deeper.
- XVI: Miss Dinmont Assists
Grant considers that Mrs. Ratcliffe's innocent appearance may be deceptive; Miss Dinmont's composed exterior at court belies her deeper concerns.
- Solution
The strong police case against Lamont appears conclusive, but Grant senses a hidden truth, and Mrs. Wallis's confession seems plausible yet lacks proof, blurring the line between guilt and innocence.
- Conclusion
The brooch's monogram is misread as M.R. instead of R.M., leading investigators astray; Sorrell's facade of going to America hides his true intentions.
