# VII explained — The Lodger

> Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## What happens

Daisy arrives in London amid news of two more Avenger murders. Mrs. Bunting suffers a hysterical episode upon hearing the cries of news vendors, but recovers when the lodger rings his bell. She insists on serving Mr. Sleuth herself and rearranges sleeping arrangements to keep Daisy close.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Suspicion

Mrs. Bunting's hysterical reaction to the murder news and her furtive glances at her husband highlight the pervasive fear gripping the household.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Mr. Sleuth's claim of being unwell contrasts with the suspicion that he may be the Avenger; Mrs. Bunting hides her inner turmoil behind a composed exterior.

### Complicity and Moral Ambiguity

Mrs. Bunting's determination to serve the lodger herself, despite her fears, suggests a troubling complicity in protecting him.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Bunting

Experiences hysterics upon hearing of the latest Avenger murders, then forces herself to recover to attend to the lodger.

### Mr. Sleuth

Claims to have caught a chill and requests tea be left outside his door.

### Daisy

Arrives from the country, cheerful and excited, but becomes concerned by her stepmother's strange behavior.

### Mr. Bunting

Discusses the murders with his wife and tries to calm her, while also managing the household arrangements.

## Key lines

> I think I've caught a chill. I should be obliged if you would kindly bring me up a cup of tea, and put it outside my door, Mrs. Bunting.

Mr. Sleuth claims to be unwell and asks Mrs. Bunting to leave tea outside his door.

_This request reinforces his reclusive and secretive nature._

> There's two of 'em this time, and they'd both been drinking heavily, poor creatures.

Bunting reports that two more victims have been killed, both intoxicated.

_The detail about drinking ties to the Avenger's apparent motive against alcohol._

> She laughed, and laughed, and laughed, rocking herself to and fro as if in an ecstasy of mirth.

Mrs. Bunting breaks into hysterical laughter upon hearing the murder news.

_Her laughter is a nervous reaction to the overwhelming fear and suspicion she feels._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lodger_se/chapters