# I: A Startling Coincidence explained — Hand and Ring

> Chapter companion for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

In the town of Sibley, court has adjourned and Judge Evans, District Attorney Ferris, Mr. Lord, and Mr. Orcutt discuss crime and criminals. A mysterious humpbacked stranger interjects with a theory on how to commit the perfect murder, using a hypothetical scenario of an old woman killed in her home. Moments later, Mr. Orcutt, who had gone to his usual dinner at the Widow Clemmens' cottage, rushes back to announce that she has been found attacked, mirroring the stranger's tale. The group rushes to the scene, discovering the widow alive but gravely injured. Ferris immediately suspects the stranger and sends Byrd to find the constable.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Coincidence

The stranger's hypothetical scenario is eerily realized moments later, prompting Ferris to declare 'I don't believe in coincidences.'

### Deception and Truth

The stranger's learned discourse on crime may be a cover for his own involvement, and the truth of the attack is yet unknown.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Byrd

A young man present at the courthouse discussion; he is sent by Ferris to find the constable and detain the humpbacked stranger.

### Mr. Orcutt

A criminal lawyer who regularly dines with the Widow Clemmens; he discovers her injured and raises the alarm.

### Mr. Ferris

District Attorney who dismisses the stranger's theory but immediately suspects him after the attack.

### Mr. Lord

A lawyer participating in the discussion; he points out the unlocked door and notes the coincidence.

### Judge Evans

Judge who comments on the stranger's appearance and later solemnly remarks on the hidden truth of the crime.

### Mrs. Clemmens

The widow found attacked in her home; she is alive but severely injured.

## Key lines

> By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.

The epigraph from Macbeth hints at the impending evil and the supernatural foreshadowing of the crime.

_Sets a ominous tone for the chapter._

> I don't believe in coincidences.

Ferris expresses skepticism about the stranger's theory matching the actual event, suspecting a connection.

_Highlights the theme of fate versus design._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/i-a-startling-coincidence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters