# XIX: Sherry and Paralysis explained — The Greene Murder Case

> Chapter companion for The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine.

## What happens

Vance, Markham, and Heath return to Mrs. Greene's room to find her sleeping, then go downstairs. Ada Greene reveals she saw her mother walking near the library door late at night, holding a key, despite her supposed paralysis. Later, Vance questions Doctor Von Blon about Mrs. Greene's condition, referencing medical texts on hysteria and somnambulism, and suggests obtaining an expert report from Doctor Felix Oppenheimer. Von Blon agrees but Vance senses a deeper intrigue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Psychological Motivation and Insanity

Ada's sighting of her mother walking and the discussion of hysteria, somnambulism, and dual personality underscore psychological themes.

### Secrecy and Hidden Truth

Ada's secret revelation and Vance's sense of a 'black terrible intrigue' highlight hidden motives and deception.

### Family Dysfunction and Decay

The Greene family's dark secrets, including the mother's possible deception, reflect familial decay.

## Character check-ins

### Philo Vance

Leads the investigation, questions Ada and Von Blon, and arranges for an expert medical report.

### John F.-X. Markham

Present during Ada's revelation and the conversation with Von Blon; expresses perplexity about Mrs. Greene's condition.

### Ada Greene

Reveals she saw her mother walking near the library door late at night, holding a key, despite her paralysis.

### Ernest Heath

Present during the events; gives the key to Nurse O'Brien and is shocked by Ada's revelation.

### Doctor Von Blon

Defends his diagnosis of Mrs. Greene's paralysis; discusses medical texts and agrees to arrange an expert report.

### Sproot

Mentioned as not having lit the lamps, contributing to the gloomy atmosphere.

### Mrs. Tobias Greene

Allegedly seen walking by Ada, contradicting her paralysis; the subject of the medical discussion.

## Key lines

> It was mother! … And she was walking!

Ada reveals that her supposedly paralyzed mother was walking in the hall at night.

_Key revelation challenging Mrs. Greene's paralysis._

> I’d immediately become a devout believer in miracles.

Von Blon says he would believe in miracles if Mrs. Greene moved her legs.

_Highlights the medical certainty of her paralysis._

> there’s a black terrible intrigue of some kind going on at the Greene house.

Vance senses a sinister conspiracy behind the events.

_Foreshadows deeper mystery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_greene_murder_case_se/chapters/xix-sherry-and-paralysis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_greene_murder_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_greene_murder_case_se/chapters