# VI explained — Strong Poison

> Chapter companion for Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers.

## What happens

Wimsey visits the Rev. Arthur Boyes, father of Philip Boyes, to gather information about his son's death and possible motives. He learns that Philip had changed his will to leave his copyrights to Mr. Vaughan instead of Harriet Vane, and that there was no significant money or insurance involved. Wimsey then visits the publisher Mr. Cole, who reveals that Philip's books are selling well due to the murder publicity, and then sees Harriet's agent Mr. Challoner, who discusses the boom in her book sales.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Wimsey's investigation uncovers the gap between Philip Boyes' public persona and his private financial and relational realities, including the changed will and the lack of significant motive.

### Class and Snobbery

The contrast between the impoverished vicarage, the publishing world's commercialism, and Wimsey's aristocratic ease highlights class distinctions.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Peter Wimsey

Visits the Rev. Arthur Boyes to investigate Philip Boyes' death, then calls on the publisher Mr. Cole and Harriet's agent Mr. Challoner.

### Philip Boyes

Discussed in detail; his will, finances, and the posthumous boom in his book sales are examined.

### Harriet Vane

Mentioned as the accused; her agent reports a surge in her book sales due to the trial.

### Mr. Ryland Vaughan

Identified as the beneficiary of Philip Boyes' will, receiving the copyrights.

## Key lines

> The Rev. Arthur Boyes was at home, and would be happy to see Lord Peter Wimsey. The clergyman was a tall, faded man, with lines of worry deeply engraved upon his face, and mild blue eyes a little bewildered by the disappointing difficulty of things in general.

Wimsey meets Philip Boyes' father, a weary and troubled clergyman, who receives him politely.

_Describes the vicar's appearance and demeanor._

> He left them to his friend Mr. Vaughan.

Philip Boyes' will leaves his copyrights to Mr. Vaughan, not to Harriet Vane.

_Key revelation about the will's beneficiary._

> Every copy was sold out a week after the result of the exhumation became known, two large editions of his last book were disposed of before the trial came on

Philip Boyes' books sold out quickly after the exhumation news, and new editions were rushed before the trial.

_Publisher Mr. Cole explains the commercial impact of the murder case._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/strong_poison_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/strong_poison_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/strong_poison_se/chapters