The Lodger · Chapter
XXVII explained
After the lodger's sudden disappearance at Madame Tussaud's, the Buntings grapple with the truth about Mr.
What happens
After the lodger's sudden disappearance at Madame Tussaud's, the Buntings grapple with the truth about Mr. Sleuth's madness. Mrs. Bunting reveals to her husband that the lodger is a religious maniac and homicidal lunatic, but they decide not to report him. Daisy announces her engagement to Joe Chandler. Mr. Sleuth never returns; the Avenger murders cease. Months later, a gardener finds a knife and rubber-soled shoes in Regent's Park, and a box of sovereigns is anonymously sent to the Foundling Hospital. The Buntings eventually enter service with an old lady.
Themes in this chapter
Complicity and Moral Ambiguity
The Buntings decide not to report the lodger's madness or his possible crimes, choosing to protect him and themselves.
Fear and Suspicion
Mrs. Bunting lives in constant fear of the lodger's return and the truth being discovered; the household is tense and uneasy.
Psychology of the Criminal
The lodger is revealed as a 'religious maniac' and 'homicidal maniac,' highlighting the psychological underpinnings of the Avenger murders.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bunting
Reveals to Bunting that the lodger is a lunatic; sits up all night waiting for him; later tells Chandler the lodger has disappeared; stops listening for his return.
- Mr. Bunting
Listens to his wife's revelation about the lodger; puts the chain on the door; later expresses worry about the lodger's welfare; accepts Daisy's engagement.
- Daisy
Describes the lodger's strange departure; announces her engagement to Joe Chandler; resents Aunt Margaret's remark about the police.
- Joe Chandler
Takes the news of the lodger's disappearance calmly; offers to circulate a description; becomes engaged to Daisy.
- Mr. Sleuth
Disappears after the trip to Madame Tussaud's; never returns; his Bible and Concordance remain; his money is later sent to the Foundling Hospital.
Key passages
“I heard the gentleman say myself that he was a lunatic... A religious maniac—that’s what he called him.”
Mrs. Bunting insists the lodger is a madman, specifically a religious maniac, as stated by Sir John Burney.
Mrs. Bunting reveals the lodger's true nature to her husband.
“Mr. Sleuth won't never come back no more.”
Mrs. Bunting declares that the lodger will not return.
Her certainty about the lodger's permanent disappearance.
“Father, I'm engaged!”
Daisy announces her engagement to Joe Chandler.
The happy news amidst the tension of the lodger's disappearance.
“a gardener, working in the Regent's Park, found a newspaper in which was wrapped, together with a half-worn pair of rubber-soled shoes, a long, peculiarly shaped knife.”
Months later, evidence of the Avenger's crimes is discovered in Regent's Park.
The discovery of the murder weapon and shoes, linking the lodger to the murders.