The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter
XXII explained
Anne Protheroe shows the vicar a newspaper article that exaggerates her words about hunting down her husband's murderer.
What happens
Anne Protheroe shows the vicar a newspaper article that exaggerates her words about hunting down her husband's murderer. Later, she reveals a savagely slashed portrait found in the attic, suggesting a fit of maniacal rage. The vicar and Griselda discuss lingering mysteries, and Dennis expresses hope the murderer is never caught. At Old Hall, Miss Cram is now staying as a secretary, and Lettice confesses to hiding an earring under Anne's desk out of jealousy, but also warns the vicar to send Dennis away.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
Lettice's hidden earring and her secret motive of jealousy, along with the slashed portrait, reveal hidden tensions and deceptive actions within the household.
Gossip and Community
The newspaper's distortion of Anne's words and the presence of reporters highlight how the community and media shape public perception of the crime.
Youth vs. Experience
Dennis's naive hope that the murderer escapes contrasts with the vicar's more experienced view that deeper truths remain uncovered.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
The vicar observes the events, examines the slashed portrait, and confronts Lettice about the earring.
- Anne Protheroe
Shows the vicar the exaggerated newspaper article and the slashed portrait found in the attic, expressing concern.
- Lettice Protheroe
Drifts into lunch late, later confesses to hiding an earring under Anne's desk out of jealousy, and warns the vicar to send Dennis away.
- Griselda
Accompanies the vicar to Old Hall, discusses the case, and notes reporters in the garden.
- Miss Cram
Now staying at Old Hall as a secretary, expresses enjoyment and partisan support for Anne, though the vicar doubts her truthfulness.
- Dennis Clement
At breakfast, expresses hope the murderer is never caught and repeats Dr. Haydock's view that he would never give up a murderer.
Key passages
“Widow Declares She Will Never Rest Till She Has Hunted Down Husband's Murderer.”
The newspaper falsely claims Anne vowed to relentlessly pursue her husband's killer.
Anne shows the vicar the exaggerated headline, expressing dismay at how her words were twisted.
“I don't feel we are really at the end of this case yet.”
The vicar senses that the full truth has not yet been uncovered.
The vicar expresses his lingering unease about unresolved mysteries.
“I'm sorry about Dennis. I didn't think he—anyway, I'm sorry.”
Lettice apologizes for involving Dennis and implies regret over something she did.
Lettice warns the vicar to send Dennis away, hinting at a deeper concern.