# XVII explained — The Lodger

> Chapter companion for The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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