The Lodger · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Bunting struggles with anxiety and denial about the lodger's suspicious behavior while receiving news that her stepdaughter Daisy is coming to stay. The chapter explores her internal conflict, her irritation with Bunting's idleness, and the growing tension surrounding the Avenger murders. Joe Chandler visits and discusses the police's lack of progress, and Mrs. Bunting secretly checks the newspaper for news of the murders, finding relief that no new clues have emerged. The lodger announces he will not go out until nighttime, heightening her unease.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Suspicion
Mrs. Bunting's growing anxiety about the lodger's nighttime activities and her secret checking of the newspaper reflect the pervasive fear and suspicion surrounding the Avenger murders.
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Bunting's internal denial and her relief that the police have no clues suggest her complicity in protecting the lodger, despite her suspicions.
Gender and Domestic Power
Mrs. Bunting's irritation with Bunting's idleness and her control over household decisions, such as whether Daisy can stay, highlight her domestic authority and the tensions within the marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Experiences anxiety and denial about the lodger; feels irritated with Bunting's idleness; secretly checks the newspaper for news of the Avenger murders; feels relief when no new clues are reported.
- Mr. Bunting
Receives a letter from Daisy announcing her visit; lays the cloth for dinner; argues with Mrs. Bunting about Daisy coming; helps carry the lodger's breakfast tray.
- Mr. Sleuth
Oversleeps and is genial at breakfast; mentions he will not go out until nighttime; his peculiar habits are noted by Mrs. Bunting.
- Daisy
Is coming to stay due to scarlet fever at her aunt's house; her birthday is on the 19th.
- Joe Chandler
Visits the Buntings; discusses the Avenger murders and police efforts; reads newspaper excerpts about the lack of clues and public criticism of the police.
Key passages
“I’ve got upset—that’s what I’ve done”
Mrs. Bunting tells herself she is simply upset, avoiding deeper fears.
Highlights her denial and self-deception about the lodger.
“The detection of crime in London now resembles a game of blind man’s buff, in which the detective has his hands tied and his eyes bandaged.”
Chandler reads a newspaper metaphor describing police as helpless in solving crimes.
Illustrates public frustration with police inefficacy.
“Up to the time of going to press there is little new to report concerning the extraordinary series of crimes”
The newspaper states no new developments in the Avenger murders.
Provides Mrs. Bunting with a sense of relief.