The Lodger · Chapter
XII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Bunting insists that Daisy must visit her Aunt Margaret in Belgrave Square, despite Daisy's strong objections and Bunting's attempts to intervene. The argument reveals underlying tensions about money, duty, and Daisy's budding romance with Joe Chandler. After the decision is made, Mrs. Bunting goes out to send a telegram, but her thoughts are consumed by Mr. Sleuth's strange behavior and her own guilty wish for another Avenger murder.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Social Insecurity
Mrs. Bunting argues that money is the main thing in the world, driving the decision to send Daisy to Aunt Margaret despite Daisy's wishes.
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Bunting feels self-loathing for hoping the Avenger has committed another murder, revealing her complicity in her thoughts.
Fear and Suspicion
Mrs. Bunting is haunted by Mr. Sleuth's strange behavior and the possibility that he is the Avenger, causing her to listen fearfully at night.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Insists Daisy must go to Aunt Margaret's; later feels self-loathing for hoping the Avenger has struck again.
- Daisy
Passionately resists going to Belgrave Square; cries in the kitchen after being overruled.
- Mr. Bunting
Initially supports Daisy but ultimately sides with Ellen on the importance of money.
- Joe Chandler
Discussed as being sweet on Daisy; Mrs. Bunting predicts Daisy will tire of him before they die.
- Mr. Sleuth
Mrs. Bunting recalls his restless pacing and reading of revenge texts; she worries about his odd behavior.
- The Avenger
Mrs. Bunting imagines him as a black shadow; she feels shame for hoping he has murdered again.
Key passages
“There'll come a day, Daisy, when you'll know, like me, that money is the main thing that matters in this world”
Mrs. Bunting tells Daisy that she will eventually understand that financial security is the most important concern in life.
Reflects the theme of poverty and social insecurity.
“She had listened all through breakfast hoping to hear the”
Mrs. Bunting admits to herself that she had been waiting for news of another Avenger murder during breakfast.
Highlights her moral ambiguity and complicity.
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”
Mrs. Bunting suggests that Bunting tell Daisy this proverb to comfort her about being separated from Joe Chandler.
Shows Mrs. Bunting's awareness of Daisy's feelings for Joe.