# Tolling the Bell explained — The Rasp

> Chapter companion for The Rasp by Philip MacDonald.

## What happens

On a sweltering Thursday night, Spencer Hastings, editor of The Owl, is working late when his secretary Margaret Warren bursts in with breaking news: Cabinet Minister John Hoode has been murdered at his country home. Hastings dictates a special edition, and Margaret suggests recruiting Anthony Gethryn as a special correspondent to cover the investigation. Hastings reluctantly calls Gethryn, who agrees to help after Margaret persuades him.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Role of the Press

The chapter highlights how The Owl uses the murder to boost its reputation and sales, with Hastings dictating sensational bulletins and Margaret suggesting a special correspondent to aid the investigation.

### Justice and Injustice

The public demand for swift justice is emphasized in Hastings's editorial, calling for the murderer to be found and punished with the utmost rigour of the law.

## Character check-ins

### Spencer Hastings

Editor of The Owl; receives news of Hoode's murder and dictates the special edition.

### Miss Margaret Warren

Hastings's efficient secretary; brings the news of the murder and suggests recruiting Anthony Gethryn.

### Anthony Gethryn

Agrees to help The Owl after being persuaded by Margaret Warren.

### John Hoode

Cabinet Minister found murdered at his country residence, Abbotshall.

### Miss Laura Hoode

Sister of the deceased; mentioned as prostrated by the shock.

### Mrs. Roland Mainwaring

Guest at Abbotshall at the time of the murder.

### Sir Arthur Digby-Coates

Guest and close friend of John Hoode; mentioned in the dictated article.

## Key lines

> Mr. Gethryn, this is Margaret Warren speaking. What Mr. Hastings wished to do was to ask whether you could come down here—to the office—at once. Oh, I know it sounds mad, but we've received some amazing news, and Mr. Hastings wishes to consult you. I can't tell you any more over the phone, but Mr. Hastings is sure that you'll be willing to help. Please come; it might mean everything to the paper.

Margaret Warren takes the phone from Hastings and directly asks Anthony Gethryn to come to the office immediately, hinting at the importance of the news for the paper.

_Margaret's persuasive plea convinces Gethryn to assist, despite his initial reluctance._

> All England, all the Empire, the whole world will join in offering their heartfelt sympathy to Miss Laura Hoode, who, we understand, is prostrated by the shock

Hastings dictates that the entire nation and empire will sympathize with Laura Hoode, assuming she is devastated by the murder.

_This reflects the journalistic tendency to assume emotional responses for dramatic effect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/i-tolling-the-bell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters