The Rasp · Chapter
VII: The Prejudiced Detective explained
Anthony Gethryn visits Lucia Lemesurier at her home, declaring himself a 'prejudiced detective' with a strong bias in her favor.
What happens
Anthony Gethryn visits Lucia Lemesurier at her home, declaring himself a 'prejudiced detective' with a strong bias in her favor. He presses her to reveal what she knows about John Hoode's murder, having deduced she swam across the river and crouched outside the study window on the night of the murder. Lucia is evasive and fearful, but Anthony assures her he will help her regardless of her involvement. He later makes a cryptic phone call to Hastings, asking him to locate Jimmy Masterson. Lucia, moved by Anthony's fatigue and kindness, offers him a drink and begins to trust him.
Themes in this chapter
The Detective as Outsider
Anthony explicitly calls himself a 'prejudiced detective,' rejecting impartiality and operating on personal bias, which positions him as an unconventional outsider to standard police methods.
Secrecy and Blackmail
Lucia's fear and evasiveness, along with Anthony's deduction of her secret nighttime visit to the crime scene, highlight the theme of hidden knowledge and potential leverage.
Love and Romantic Tension
Anthony's strong prejudice in favor of Lucia, his admiration of her beauty, and the intimate atmosphere of their conversation create a palpable romantic tension.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Gethryn
Visits Lucia Lemesurier, declares himself a prejudiced detective in her favor, deduces her nighttime activities, and makes a phone call to Hastings about Jimmy Masterson.
- Lucia Lemesurier
Receives Anthony nervously, denies knowledge of the murder, but eventually shows concern for his fatigue and offers him a drink.
- Miss Dora Masterson
Present at dinner with Lucia, offers to see the mysterious visitor but is overruled.
- Miss Margaret Warren
Answers the phone at The Owl office, takes Anthony's message for Hastings about Jimmy Masterson.
- Spencer Hastings
Mentioned as the recipient of Anthony's urgent message to locate Jimmy Masterson.
- Jimmy Masterson
Subject of Anthony's phone call; Anthony wants to find out what he was doing the night of the murder.
Key passages
“But I, madam, am that rarissima avis , a prejudiced detective. Ever since this case began I've been prejudiced. I've been picking up new prejudices at every corner. And the strongest, healthiest, and most unshakable prejudice of them all is the one in favour of you.”
Anthony declares himself a rare breed of detective who is openly biased, and his strongest bias is in Lucia's favor.
Anthony explicitly states his prejudiced approach, emphasizing his personal commitment to Lucia.
“I'll go further, then. If I say that even if you killed Hoode and tell me so, I won't move in any way except to help you, will—you—tell—me—all—about—it?”
Anthony offers unconditional help, even if Lucia confesses to murder, to persuade her to share what she knows.
Anthony's extreme offer underscores his dedication and the depth of his bias.
“Veni, vidi, vicisti!”
I came, I saw, I conquered—a playful Latin phrase Anthony uses to compliment Lucia's effect on him.
Anthony uses a Latin pun to express his admiration for Lucia, blending romance with wit.