# George Harrison to Paul Harrison explained — The Documents in the Case

> Chapter companion for The Documents in the Case by Dorothy L. Sayers.

## What happens

George Harrison writes to his son Paul, approving his decision to dismiss Matthews, and describes his return home to find Margaret and Lathom have prepared a surprise: a portrait of Margaret by Lathom. George expresses mixed feelings about the portrait and refuses to allow it to be exhibited at the Academy, though he agrees to hang it in the drawing-room. He also mentions that Miss Milsom has persuaded Lathom to paint her portrait, though George suspects Lathom is not serious about it. George ends by mentioning his own work on a book of watercolours of plants and fungi.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Creativity

The chapter discusses Lathom's portrait of Margaret and the differing views on artistic merit and exhibition.

### Marriage and Gender Roles

George's control over Margaret's portrait and his decision to veto its exhibition reflect traditional gender dynamics within marriage.

## Character check-ins

### George Harrison

Writes to Paul, approving his decision about Matthews and describing his return home and the portrait surprise.

### Paul Harrison

Recipient of the letter; George approves his handling of the Matthews situation.

### Margaret Harrison

Has been sitting for Lathom for her portrait; excited about the idea of exhibiting it at the Academy.

### Harwood Lathom

Painted Margaret's portrait and agreed to paint Miss Milsom's, though George suspects he is not serious.

### Agatha Milsom

Has persuaded Lathom to paint her portrait, much to George's amusement.

## Key lines

> You took exactly the course I should have advised myself in the matter of the man Matthews. In such a case, consideration is out of place.

You did the right thing with Matthews; sympathy has no place when duty to the firm is at stake.

_George approves Paul's decision, emphasizing duty over personal feelings._

> While I cannot say I think it does her justice, there is no doubt that it is a handsome piece of coloratura, and the kind of thing to attract attention at the present time.

The portrait isn't flattering, but it's striking and likely to draw notice.

_George's mixed assessment of Lathom's portrait of Margaret._

> I did not feel called upon to interfere, since he is obviously only 'pulling her leg,' and there is not the remotest chance of the portrait’s being exhibited; for, as you know, the lady is scarcely the Venus of Milo!

I didn't stop him because he's clearly joking, and there's no way the portrait will be shown—she's not exactly beautiful.

_George's dismissive and mocking view of Miss Milsom's portrait request._

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