The Avenger · Chapter
The Widow explained
Michael Brixan discovers a guillotine, referred to as 'The Widow,' in a cave, where Sampson Longvale reveals his morbid fascination with the device.
What happens
Michael Brixan discovers a guillotine, referred to as 'The Widow,' in a cave, where Sampson Longvale reveals his morbid fascination with the device. Sir Gregory Penne is terrified, pleading for his life. Meanwhile, Jack Knebworth and Inspector Lyle search Longvale's house, finding evidence of Brixan's gun and a hidden car, leading them to a trapdoor beneath a pulley, suggesting Brixan is in grave danger.
Themes in this chapter
The Macabre and Grotesque
The vivid description of the bloodred guillotine and Longvale's loving, pathetic attachment to it evoke a macabre and grotesque atmosphere.
Obsession and Madness
Longvale's obsessive love for the guillotine, calling it 'The Widow' and treating it as a bride, illustrates his madness.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Observes the guillotine in the cave with fascination; later implied to be in the Dower House, possibly in danger.
- Sampson Longvale
Revealed as the owner of the guillotine, which he calls 'The Widow'; displays a loving, pathetic attitude toward it.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Terrified and pleading for his life as Longvale threatens him with the guillotine.
- Jack Knebworth
Leads the search for Brixan, discovers the hidden car and the trapdoor, realizing Brixan is in the Headhunter's hands.
- Detective Inspector Lyle
Leads the police search of Longvale's house, finds the hook and pulley, and opens the trapdoor.
Key passages
“A guillotine! Standing in the middle of the cave, its high framework lifted starkly. It was painted bloodred, and its very simplicity had a horror of its own.”
A guillotine stood in the cave, its tall frame painted bloodred, its stark simplicity horrifying.
Describes the shocking discovery of the guillotine.
““ ‘The Widow’!” said Longvale humorously. He touched the frame lovingly.”
Longvale called the guillotine 'The Widow' and touched it with affection.
Reveals Longvale's disturbing attachment to the execution device.
““Not me, not me!” squealed Penne, wriggling back against the wall, his face ashen, his mouth working convulsively.”
Penne screamed in terror, pressing against the wall, his face pale and his mouth twitching.
Shows Penne's extreme fear of being executed.