The Lodger · Chapter
XVII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Bunting wakes early and energetically cleans the house, ignoring Bunting's protests. She shows an unusual interest in the newspaper's coverage of the Avenger murders, particularly a Special Investigator's column about rubber sole footprints. After reading about the inquest scheduled for that afternoon, she decides to attend, telling Bunting she will visit a doctor for her headaches.
Themes in this chapter
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
Mrs. Bunting's secret plan to attend the inquest, while pretending to see a doctor, shows her growing entanglement in the investigation and her moral conflict.
Fear and Suspicion
Bunting's unease about his wife's changed behavior and her morbid interest in the murders reflects the atmosphere of suspicion in the household.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mrs. Bunting's cleaning frenzy and claim of illness mask her true purpose of attending the inquest, illustrating the gap between her public actions and private intentions.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Rises early, cleans obsessively, reads the newspaper intently about the Avenger murders, and decides to attend the inquest under the pretext of seeing a doctor.
- Mr. Bunting
Notices his wife's changed behavior, cooks an omelette for her, and expresses concern about her health and mood.
- Mr. Sleuth
Mentioned as having slept most of the previous day and all night; Mrs. Bunting is careful not to wake him.
- Daisy
Expected to return home later that day; Bunting suggests waiting for her help with cleaning.
- Joe Chandler
Bunting criticizes him as not being 'half awake' in his detective work.
- The Avenger
The subject of the newspaper articles and the inquest; the Special Investigator is tracking him.
Key passages
“He'll have something to be proud of if he catches The Avenger!”
Bunting thinks the Special Investigator would deserve credit for capturing the murderer.
Bunting's enthusiasm contrasts with Mrs. Bunting's listless response.
“There's nothing to be proud of in such a job”
Mrs. Bunting dismisses the detective work as nothing to boast about.
Her deflection hints at her inner turmoil.
“I think you're right... I mean about me seeing a doctor, Bunting. I think I will go and see a doctor this very afternoon.”
Mrs. Bunting agrees to see a doctor, but her real intention is to attend the inquest.
She uses the doctor visit as a cover for her true plan.