# Appearance vs. Reality in The Middle of Things

> Theme guide for The Middle of Things by J. S. Fletcher.

Characters and situations often deceive, from the respectable solicitor Barrett leading a double life to the seemingly innocent Dr. Martincole involved in nefarious activities, highlighting the gap between outward respectability and hidden truth.

## Where it surfaces

- [I: Faced with Reality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/i-faced-with-reality): The story of Samuel Barrett, a respected solicitor who led a double life as a gambler and embezzler, highlights the theme of deceptive appearances, which is central to the novel's plot.
- [III: Who Was Mr. Ashton?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/iii-who-was-mr-ashton): Ashton appeared to be a wealthy, active man, but the circumstances of his death and the lack of knowledge about his past suggest a hidden reality.
- [XII: The Grey Mare Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xii-the-grey-mare-inn): Ashton appeared to be a quiet, domestic man but secretly frequented a tavern and carried a fortune in diamonds.
- [The Japanese Cabinet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xiii-the-japanese-cabinet): The seemingly ordinary Japanese cabinet is actually a heavy, locked container with a secret mechanism, contrasting its innocent appearance with its hidden purpose.
- [XX: Surprising Readiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xx-surprising-readiness): The claimant appears confident and high-bred, but his offer to settle for money and the recent nature of his injury suggest deception.
- [The Back Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xxvii-the-back-way): The shabby exterior of the district contrasts with the luxurious interior of the room, and Mrs. Killenhall's seemingly benign role masks a trap.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/themes/appearance_vs_reality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/themes