# Statement of John Munting explained — The Documents in the Case

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

## What happens

John Munting reflects on the emotional toll of the Lathom affair, describing his anxiety and avoidance. He attends a dinner with scientists, including Professor Hoskyns and Dr. Waters, where the Harrison case is discussed. Dr. Waters suspects the muscarine used in the murder was synthetic, and they visit Sir James Lubbock to test the sample with a polariscope, revealing a potential breakthrough in the case.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. Religion

Munting's internal conflict between scientific proof and moral avoidance, highlighted by his allusion to Haydn's Creation.

### Repression and Psychoanalysis

Munting's psychological struggle to repress the truth about Lathom, showing symptoms of anxiety and avoidance.

## Character check-ins

### John Munting

Narrates his emotional distress and involvement in the investigation.

### Elizabeth Drake

Munting's wife, who supports him and helps avoid the topic.

### Harwood Lathom

Subject of Munting's anxiety; his actions weigh heavily on Munting.

### Dr. Waters

Initiates the polariscope test, suspecting synthetic muscarine.

### Sir James Lubbock

Conducts the polariscope examination of the muscarine samples.

### Professor Hoskyns

Attends the dinner; a celebrated physicist.

## Key lines

> My nerves went back on me about the time of our visit to St. Anthony’s.

My anxiety became overwhelming after our trip to St. Anthony's.

_Munting admits his psychological breakdown._

> It was like writing one of those horrible letters which call for a decisive answer one way or another.

It felt like sending a letter that demands a clear response, but I dreaded the reply.

_Munting compares his uncertainty to awaiting a fateful letter._

> We lived for a whole week on fish once, so sensitive did our minds become.

Our minds were so sensitive that we ate only fish for a week to avoid any mushroom-related thoughts.

_The couple's avoidance of mushrooms reflects their trauma._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_documents_in_the_case_se/chapters