# XXII explained — Strong Poison

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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