The Lodger · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Bunting's restlessness and guilt over the recent murder near their home contrasts with Mrs. Bunting's growing terror and suspicion of the lodger. She bolts herself in the kitchen, haunted by an invisible presence, and later overhears Mr. Sleuth quoting biblical passages about stolen waters and death. When she serves him, he gives her a half-sovereign for using the kitchen the previous night, his hands cold and clammy. The day is marked by street noise and a visit from Joe Chandler, whose loud knock disturbs the lodger, but Mr. Sleuth dismisses it. Mrs. Bunting's fear and pity for the lodger intensify.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Suspicion
Mrs. Bunting's terror of the lodger and her suspicion of his guilt dominate the chapter, as she bolts the kitchen door and feels locked in with an invisible presence.
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Bunting's guilt over keeping her suspicion from her husband and her acceptance of the lodger's money highlight her moral compromise.
Psychology of the Criminal
Mr. Sleuth's Bible quotations about death and madness, his cold hands, and his hand-rubbing gesture reveal a disturbed mind, linking to criminal psychology.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Experiences intense fear, guilt, and spiritual oppression; bolts the kitchen door; overhears Mr. Sleuth's Bible reading; accepts the half-sovereign with dread.
- Mr. Sleuth
Quotes Bible verses about death and madness; appears tired, worn, and strange; gives Mrs. Bunting a half-sovereign for using the kitchen; shows nervous hand-rubbing reminiscent of Lady Macbeth.
- Mr. Bunting
Restless and excited about the nearby murder; goes out despite his wife's irritation; feels she is unreasonable about his curiosity.
- Joe Chandler
Visits the Buntings; his loud double knock disturbs Mr. Sleuth; described as a noisy young fellow.
- Daisy
Mentioned as having been sent away for two days; Mrs. Bunting misses her company and the comfort of silence with her.
Key passages
“She felt as if she were locked in with an invisible presence, which mocked and jeered, reproached and threatened her, by turns.”
Mrs. Bunting felt trapped with an unseen force that alternately taunted, accused, and menaced her.
Highlights her psychological torment and the theme of isolation.
“‘She saith to him, stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell.’”
Mr. Sleuth quotes a Bible verse about the allure of secret pleasures and the hidden presence of death.
Reveals his preoccupation with sin and death, linking to his criminal nature.
“The fingers which for a moment brushed lightly against her palm were icy cold—cold and clammy.”
His fingers felt freezing and damp when they touched her hand.
Suggests Mr. Sleuth's physical state is unnatural, heightening Mrs. Bunting's dread.