The Moonstone · Chapter
XX explained
Franklin Blake decides to leave the Verinder estate after realizing his presence provokes Rachel's anger.
What happens
Franklin Blake decides to leave the Verinder estate after realizing his presence provokes Rachel's anger. Sergeant Cuff insists on completing his duty regarding the Moonstone before accepting his fee. Lady Verinder, initially resistant, is forced to confront the situation after Rosanna Spearman's suicide is discovered. Penelope Betteredge reveals that Rosanna's suicide was motivated by her love for Franklin Blake, but the Sergeant keeps his own theories private.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
Betteredge explicitly contrasts the luxury of indulging feelings enjoyed by the upper classes with the necessity for servants to suppress their emotions and focus on duty.
Detection and Truth
Sergeant Cuff insists on completing his investigation and revealing the truth about the Moonstone, even as personal and emotional complications arise.
Characters to notice
- Franklin Blake
Resolves to leave the house after recognizing that his presence angers Rachel; refuses to hear Sergeant Cuff's theory about her.
- Sergeant Cuff
Insists on completing his duty before accepting his fee; remains composed during Lady Verinder's outburst and investigates Rosanna's suicide.
- Gabriel Betteredge
Narrates the events, supports his daughter Penelope, and reflects on the emotional restraint required of the lower classes.
- Penelope Betteredge
Reveals that Rosanna Spearman's suicide was due to love for Franklin Blake; keeps the secret for Rosanna's and Franklin's sakes.
- Lady Verinder
Initially composed but becomes hysterical upon learning of Rosanna's suicide; demands Sergeant Cuff's dismissal.
Key passages
“People in high life have all the luxuries to themselves—among others, the luxury of indulging their feelings. People in low life have no such privilege. Necessity, which spares our betters, has no pity on us . We learn to put our feelings back into ourselves, and to jog on with our duties as patiently as may be.”
The wealthy can afford to express their emotions freely, but the poor must suppress their feelings and continue with their responsibilities because necessity does not show them mercy.
Betteredge reflects on the class-based disparity in emotional expression and duty.
“I know what that man is going to say about Rachel; and I am too fond of her to hear it, and keep my temper.”
Franklin Blake admits he cannot bear to hear Sergeant Cuff's theory about Rachel because his affection for her would make him lose his composure.
Franklin's love for Rachel prevents him from facing the detective's conclusions.