# XXII explained — The Murder at the Vicarage

> Chapter companion for The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_at_the_vicarage_se/chapters