Strong Poison · Chapter
XI explained
Wimsey examines the will of Cremorna Garden, which disinherits Philip Boyes due to a family feud, and discusses the suicide theory with Urquhart.
What happens
Wimsey examines the will of Cremorna Garden, which disinherits Philip Boyes due to a family feud, and discusses the suicide theory with Urquhart. He then visits Harriet in prison, where their conversation reveals Wimsey's jealousy and Harriet's doubts about trust. Later, Miss Murchison sends a note hinting at Urquhart's suspicious financial dealings.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Wimsey's jealousy and Harriet's fear of distrust highlight the complexities of love and the sacrifices required for a relationship.
Deception and Appearance
Urquhart's pleasant demeanor contrasts with Miss Murchison's hint of financial deception, and the will's vindictive wording reveals hidden family resentments.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Examines the will, discusses suicide theory, visits Harriet in prison, and receives Miss Murchison's note.
- Harriet Vane
Confronts Wimsey about his jealousy and expresses her loss of nerve and distrust.
- Mr. Norman Urquhart
Provides the will draft and explains the family history to Wimsey.
- Miss Murchison
Sends a note to Wimsey about her new job at Urquhart's office and hints at suspicious financial activities.
- Philip Boyes
Discussed in the context of the will and Wimsey's jealousy over Harriet's past relationship with him.
Key passages
“He took the view that property was property, however acquired, and said that if a lawyer refused to handle dirty money he would have to show half his clients the door.”
He believed that a lawyer should not judge the source of money, as most clients would be turned away if moral scrutiny were applied.
Reflects Urquhart's pragmatic and morally flexible approach to legal practice.
“I'm sorry; the fact is, I'm most damnably jealous of this fellow Boyes. I oughtn't to be, but I am.”
Wimsey admits to Harriet that he is irrationally jealous of Philip Boyes, despite knowing he should not feel that way.
Highlights Wimsey's emotional vulnerability and the central conflict in his relationship with Harriet.
“You would go on imagining things in spite of yourself. You couldn't give me a square deal. No man ever does.”
Harriet argues that Wimsey would never fully trust her, as no man can be fair in such matters.
Captures Harriet's deep-seated skepticism about male jealousy and trust.