# VII explained — The Big Bow Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill.

## What happens

Wimp invites Grodman to Christmas dinner, where they engage in a tense, deceptive conversation about Denzil Cantercot and the Constant murder. Grodman feigns ignorance while revealing an alibi for Denzil, unsettling Wimp. Later, Wimp encounters Mrs. Drabdump at Arthur Constant's grave on a rainy Bank Holiday.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Grodman and Wimp maintain a facade of cordiality while secretly plotting against each other; Grodman's false alibi for Denzil masks his true intentions.

### Humor and the Grotesque

The Christmas dinner scene is laced with dark humor, including the grandmother-in-law's delusions and the ironic discussion of murder on a festive day.

## Character check-ins

### George Grodman

Dines with Wimp at Christmas, feigning naivety about Denzil Cantercot while secretly manipulating Wimp.

### Edward Wimp

Hosts Christmas dinner, attempts to pump Grodman for information, and later visits Constant's grave where he finds Mrs. Drabdump.

### Denzil Cantercot

Discussed at dinner; Grodman falsely claims Denzil has an alibi. Later seen at Crowl's house arguing about beauty.

### Tom Mortlake

Visits Crowl's house briefly, testily denies knowledge of Constant's murder, and leaves in a bad mood.

### Mrs. Drabdump

Found by Wimp at Arthur Constant's grave on Bank Holiday, soaked by rain, claiming she always makes an excursion on holidays.

### Peter Crowl

Hosts Denzil in his room, argues about beauty and nature, and is unhappy about his wife's mood and the rainy holiday.

## Key lines

> Don’t let us talk shop on Christmas Day,” he said, smiling at Grodman. “Besides, murder isn’t a very appropriate subject.”

Wimp suggests they avoid discussing work and murder during the Christmas celebration.

_Highlights the ironic contrast between the festive setting and the grim topic of murder._

> How lucky for Denzil! that he can prove an alibi in this Constant affair.

Grodman remarks that Denzil is fortunate to have an alibi for the Constant murder.

_Grodman fabricates the alibi to unsettle Wimp, revealing his manipulative nature._

> It’s set wet, it’ll rain right into the new year,” she announced. “And they say a bad beginnin’ makes a worse endin’.

Mrs. Drabdump predicts continued rain and a poor start to the new year.

_Her superstitious remark underscores the gloomy atmosphere and her character's folk wisdom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_bow_mystery_se/chapters