Hand and Ring · Chapter
XXXVII: Under the Great Tree explained
Imogene Dare, after her shocking confession in court, seeks out Mr.
What happens
Imogene Dare, after her shocking confession in court, seeks out Mr. Orcutt. She reveals that she saw Craik Mansell leaving Mrs. Clemmens' house at the time of the murder through a telescope, a fact she had kept hidden. Orcutt, feeling betrayed and disgraced by her perjury, refuses to continue actively defending Mansell. He cruelly reveals that Mansell believes her confession, thinking she is the actual murderer. Imogene is left crushed and confused, while the detectives Byrd and Hickory watch her movements.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Innocence
The chapter explores the complex interplay of guilt and innocence, as Imogene's perjury and Mansell's belief in her guilt create a paradox where the truth is obscured by their actions.
Deception and Truth
Imogene's confession of perjury and Orcutt's revelation about Mansell's beliefs highlight the theme of deception, where lies are told to protect, but ultimately lead to greater confusion and pain.
Love and Obsession
Orcutt's jealous reaction to Imogene's confession reveals his obsessive love for her, which is now mingled with bitterness and a desire to hurt her.
Characters to notice
- Imogene Dare
Confesses her perjury to Mr. Orcutt, revealing she saw Mansell at the crime scene. She is desperate to save him and is devastated by Orcutt's refusal to help.
- Mr. Orcutt
Reacts with anger and jealousy to Imogene's confession. He refuses to actively defend Mansell and reveals that Mansell believes Imogene is the murderer.
- Mr. Byrd
Along with Hickory, follows Imogene to Orcutt's house, suspecting she is going to see him.
- Mr. Hickory
Accompanies Byrd in following Imogene, correctly deducing she is going to see Orcutt.
- Craik Mansell
Though not present, his actions and beliefs are central to the chapter. He has forsaken his defense and believes Imogene's confession.
Key passages
“I perjured myself to escape destroying Craik Mansell. I was scarcely the mistress of my own actions. I had suffered so much I was ready to do anything to save the man I had so relentlessly pushed to his doom. I forgot that God does not prosper a lie.”
Imogene admits she lied in court to save Mansell, driven by desperation and guilt, and acknowledges that her deception was a mistake.
Imogene explains her motive for perjury to Orcutt.
“Mr. Mansell has never been considered guilty by me.”
Orcutt states that he has always believed Mansell is innocent.
Orcutt reveals his true belief about Mansell's guilt.
“He thinks you are what you proclaimed yourself to be this day, the actual assailant and murderer of Mrs. Clemmens.”
Orcutt tells Imogene that Mansell believes her confession and thinks she is the killer.
Orcutt reveals Mansell's belief in Imogene's guilt.