The Murder at the Vicarage · Chapter
XXIX explained
The Vicar finds Hawes unconscious from an overdose, with Protheroe's unfinished letter revealing Hawes as the embezzler.
What happens
The Vicar finds Hawes unconscious from an overdose, with Protheroe's unfinished letter revealing Hawes as the embezzler. Melchett arrives and calls Dr. Haydock, who takes Hawes to the hospital. Miss Marple appears, having overheard the telephone call, and insists that the evidence is a setup by the real murderer, Lawrence Redding.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrets
The letter and overdose are revealed as a deliberate deception by the true murderer to frame Hawes.
Justice and Morality
Melchett's desire to hang the murderer clashes with the Vicar's mercy and Miss Marple's pursuit of the real truth.
The Role of the Detective
Miss Marple's sudden appearance and insistence on the truth subvert the official conclusion, highlighting her detective role.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Discovers Hawes overdosed and the incriminating letter; initially believes Hawes is guilty.
- Colonel Melchett
Arrives at the scene, calls Dr. Haydock, and insists on saving Hawes for the gallows.
- Mr. Hawes
Found unconscious from an overdose; the letter suggests he embezzled church funds and killed Protheroe.
- Dr. Haydock
Called to treat Hawes; administers a hypodermic and takes him to hospital.
- Miss Marple
Arrives after overhearing the telephone call; insists the evidence is a frame-up by Lawrence Redding.
Key passages
“It is a peculiarly unpleasant thing that I have to say. After all, I think I prefer writing it. We can discuss it at a later date. It concerns the recent speculations. I am sorry to say that I have satisfied myself beyond any possible doubt as to the identity of the culprit. Painful as it is for me to have to accuse an ordained priest of the church, my duty is only too painfully clear. An example must be made and—”
Protheroe's unfinished letter states he has discovered who embezzled the church funds and intends to expose the culprit, an ordained priest.
The letter is the key evidence that initially points to Hawes as the murderer.
“That’s what he wants you to think! That you know the truth—and that it’s best for everyone as it is. Oh, yes, it all fits in—the letter, and the overdose, and poor Mr. Hawes’s state of mind and his confession. It all fits in— but it’s wrong . …”
Miss Marple insists that the apparent evidence against Hawes is a deliberate fabrication by the real murderer to mislead everyone.
Miss Marple reveals that the frame-up is too perfect and points to Lawrence Redding as the true killer.