The Old Man in the Corner · Chapter
XXXVI: The End explained
Polly Burton experiences a sudden epiphany, realizing that the murderer in the Fenchurch Street case is the Old Man in the Corner himself, based on the distinctive knots in the string used to secure the window.
What happens
Polly Burton experiences a sudden epiphany, realizing that the murderer in the Fenchurch Street case is the Old Man in the Corner himself, based on the distinctive knots in the string used to secure the window. She confronts him, but he silently departs, never to be seen again. The chapter concludes with Polly marrying Mr. Richard Frobisher.
Themes in this chapter
The Power of Observation
Polly's sudden recollection of the knotted string demonstrates the power of careful observation and memory in solving mysteries.
Appearance vs. Reality
The seemingly harmless old man in the corner is revealed to be the murderer, contrasting his frail appearance with his criminal reality.
Characters to notice
- Polly Burton
Has a sudden flash of insight connecting the Old Man's string-tying habit to the murder scene.
- The Old Man in the Corner
Revealed as the likely murderer; leaves silently after being confronted.
- Richard Frobisher
Marries Polly Burton at the end of the chapter.
Key passages
“Then suddenly—apropos of nothing, Polly remembered —the whole thing stood before her, short and clear like a vivid flash of lightning:— Mrs. Owen lying dead in the snow beside her open window; one of them with a broken sash-line, tied up most scientifically with a piece of string.”
Polly suddenly recalls the murder scene of Mrs. Owen, noting the window was secured with a knotted string.
This is the key moment of revelation linking the Old Man to the crime.
““If I were you,” she said, without daring to look into that corner where he sat, “I would break myself of the habit of perpetually making knots in a piece of string.””
Polly indirectly accuses the Old Man by suggesting he stop tying knots.
Her confrontation is subtle but clear, leading to his silent departure.