Strong Poison · Chapter
XXII explained
Wimsey confronts Urquhart with his theory of arsenic immunity, revealing that Urquhart had been gradually immunizing himself with arsenic to poison Philip Boyes without being affected himself.
What happens
Wimsey confronts Urquhart with his theory of arsenic immunity, revealing that Urquhart had been gradually immunizing himself with arsenic to poison Philip Boyes without being affected himself. After a tense exchange, Urquhart is arrested by Parker and Bunter.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Urquhart's healthy complexion and sleek hair mask his arsenic habit, while Wimsey's trick with the poisoned sweetmeat exposes his guilt.
Poison and Arsenic as Metaphor
Arsenic is central to the plot, both as a literal poison and as a metaphor for the gradual corruption and immunity of the murderer.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Confronts Urquhart with the arsenic immunity theory and orchestrates his arrest.
- Mr. Norman Urquhart
The solicitor accused of poisoning Philip Boyes; is arrested after Wimsey's confrontation.
- Chief Inspector Parker
Assists in the arrest of Urquhart, handcuffing him after a scuffle.
- Bunter
Assists Parker in subduing Urquhart and is instructed to ring for a taxi.
Key passages
“Then how is it that you have this evening consumed, without apparent effect, a dose of arsenic sufficient to kill two or three ordinary people?”
Wimsey asks Urquhart why he shows no symptoms after eating a sweetmeat supposedly laced with a lethal amount of arsenic.
Wimsey uses this to expose Urquhart's arsenic immunity.
“I wouldn't use violence if I were you. Let the poisoner stick to his bottle. Besides, I am armed.”
Wimsey warns Urquhart not to attack him, noting that poisoners should rely on their poison and that he himself is carrying a weapon.
Highlights the tension and Wimsey's control of the situation.
“Mithridates he died old, says the poet. But I doubt it, Bunter. In this case I very much doubt it.”
Wimsey reflects on the legend of Mithridates, who built immunity to poison, but doubts Urquhart will meet the same fate.
Alludes to the theme of arsenic immunity and foreshadows Urquhart's arrest.