# XIX explained — The Lodger

> Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## What happens

Mrs. Bunting attends the Avenger inquest at the Coroner's Court, observing the witnesses, the jury, and the coroner. She listens to various testimonies, including those of women who claim to have seen the murderer, and feels a growing sense of horror and remorse as the details of the crimes are recounted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Suspicion

Mrs. Bunting's terror and the court's tense atmosphere reflect the pervasive fear of The Avenger.

### Complicity and Moral Ambiguity

Mrs. Bunting feels remorse, hinting at her complicity in harboring the lodger.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Witnesses give conflicting descriptions of The Avenger, highlighting the gap between perception and truth.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Bunting

Attends the inquest as a spectator, feeling fear and remorse as she listens to the evidence.

### The Avenger

The subject of the inquest; witnesses describe his appearance and actions.

### Dr. Gaunt

Mentioned as an expert witness expected to testify in the case.

### Joe Chandler

Referenced indirectly as someone who might be ignorant of new evidence.

## Key lines

> Mrs. Bunting glanced timidly towards the serried row of faces. Had it not been for her good fortune in meeting the man she was now following, it was there that she would have had to try and make her way.

Mrs. Bunting looked nervously at the crowded gallery, realizing she would have struggled to find a seat without the inspector's help.

_Highlights her anxiety and dependence on the inspector._

> Looking round her fearfully, Mrs. Bunting thought she would surely die if ever she were exposed to the ordeal of standing in that curious boxlike stand.

Mrs. Bunting was terrified at the thought of having to testify in the witness box.

_Emphasizes her dread of public scrutiny._

> Up to now she had given very little thought⁠—if, indeed, any thought⁠—to the drink-sodden victims of The Avenger. It was he who had filled her thoughts⁠—he and those who were trying to track him down. But now? Now she felt sick and sorry she had come here today.

Until now, Mrs. Bunting had focused only on the lodger and the police, but hearing the details of the murders made her feel ill and regretful.

_Shows her growing remorse and empathy for the victims._

## Links

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