The Dead Letter · Chapter
IX: The Spider and the Fly explained
Richard Redfield accompanies Mr.
What happens
Richard Redfield accompanies Mr. Burton to a gambling den disguised as a private residence, where he is shocked to discover James Argyll deeply engrossed in play. Later, Redfield wrestles with his own secret relief at finding James in such a place, recalling a prior incident where he startled James leaning over Mr. Argyll's desk. He confesses his suspicion that James might have taken the missing money, though he prefers to believe gambling was the motive. After a sleepless night, he breakfasts with Mr. Burton, who hints at hidden knowledge and causes Redfield to momentarily fear he himself is suspected of the murder. The chapter ends with Redfield returning to his room, haunted by the shadow from Henry's grave and the dream of the sewing-girl's escape.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Morality
The gambling den's respectable facade contrasts with the moral decay within; James Argyll's secret vice undermines his social standing.
Appearance vs. Reality
The house appears as a private residence but is a gambling saloon; Redfield's suspicion of James clashes with his outward respectability.
Grief and Resilience
Redfield is haunted by the shadow from Henry's grave and the dream of the sewing-girl's escape, struggling to find rest.
Characters to notice
- Richard Redfield
Narrator; struggles with secret relief at finding James Argyll gambling, recalls startling James at the desk, and fears Mr. Burton may suspect him of the murder.
- Mr. Burton
Leads Redfield to the gambling den; reveals he has been keeping something back; his manner alternately reassures and alarms Redfield.
- James Argyll
Found gambling at the saloon; his face transformed by excitement; Redfield recalls a suspicious incident of him leaning over the desk.
- Eleanor Argyll
Mentioned as the object of James's hopeless passion; Redfield is sensitive about her name being brought up.
- Bagley
Mentioned as being in the library of the gambling house; left there by Mr. Burton.
Key passages
“the bloated spider of Play weaves his glittering net, and sits on the watch for the gay and brilliant victims who flutter into its meshes.”
Gambling is like a fat spider that spins a shiny web and waits for bright, carefree people to get caught in it.
Metaphor for the predatory nature of the gambling den.
“I had experienced a sensation of relief—I might say of absolute gladness—a sensation entirely apart from my sorrow at finding him in such society, with such habits.”
I felt relieved, even glad, to see James gambling, separate from my sadness that he was in that place.
Redfield confesses his secret relief that James might be the thief.
“It was the thought that Mr. Burton, before whom more than any other person in this world, except my mother, I had been wiled to lay open my soul, could suspect me of any hidden part in that dark tragedy, which chilled me to the marrow.”
The idea that Mr. Burton, who knew my innermost thoughts, might think I was involved in the murder terrified me.
Redfield's fear of being suspected by his confidant.