# Justice and Injustice in The Rasp

> Theme guide for The Rasp by Philip MacDonald.

The book explores the tension between circumstantial evidence and true guilt, as the protagonist Anthony Gethryn works to prove the innocence of Archibald Deacon, who is wrongly accused of murder based on fingerprints and motive.

## Where it surfaces

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/epigraph): The rhyme's inquiry into who killed Cock Robin sets up the central question of justice and accountability in the story.
- [Tolling the Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/i-tolling-the-bell): The public demand for swift justice is emphasized in Hastings's editorial, calling for the murderer to be found and punished with the utmost rigour of the law.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/ii): The Owl's editorial demands swift justice for the murderer, reflecting public pressure for retribution.
- [X: Birds of the Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/x-birds-of-the-air): The arrest of Deacon based on circumstantial evidence and public opinion highlights the theme of potential miscarriage of justice.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/i): The arrest of Deacon based on circumstantial evidence and a coroner's verdict highlights the tension between legal procedure and true justice.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/i): The chapter explores the tension between public prejudice against Deacon and the pursuit of a fair investigation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/themes/justice_and_injustice
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rasp_se/themes