The Roman Hat Mystery · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide editorial commentary and clarifications on the narrative, including references to the fictional crime, Ellery Queen's role, a Shakespearean allusion, the source of the frontispiece map, and a correction regarding Inspec
What happens
The endnotes provide editorial commentary and clarifications on the narrative, including references to the fictional crime, Ellery Queen's role, a Shakespearean allusion, the source of the frontispiece map, and a correction regarding Inspector Queen's statement about Benjamin Morgan.
Themes in this chapter
The Relentless Quest for Truth
Ellery Queen's editorial note corrects Inspector Queen's statement about Benjamin Morgan, emphasizing the pursuit of factual accuracy.
The Reader as Detective
The endnotes invite readers to engage critically with the text, clarifying sources and correcting inaccuracies.
Characters to notice
- Ellery Queen
Noted as making his bow as his father's unofficial counsel during the investigation.
- Richard Queen
His statement about Benjamin Morgan's innocence is corrected by Ellery Queen.
- Benjamin Morgan
Referred to as 'far from innocent' in a corrective note by Ellery Queen.
- Louis Panzer
His map was used as the basis for the frontispiece plan drawn by Ellery Queen.
Key passages
“Ellery Queen made his bow as his father’s unofficial counsel during this investigation.”
Ellery Queen first appeared as his father's informal legal advisor in this case.
Introduces Ellery's role in the investigation.
“Ellery Queen was here probably paraphrasing the Shakespearian quotation: 'O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee devil.'”
Ellery Queen likely adapted a line from Shakespeare's Othello about wine being called a devil.
Identifies a literary allusion in the text.
“The plan illustrated in the frontispiece and drawn by Ellery Queen was designed from Manager Panzer’s map.”
The frontispiece map, drawn by Ellery Queen, was based on Manager Panzer's original map.
Clarifies the source of the frontispiece illustration.
“Inspector Queen’s statement here is not altogether true. Benjamin Morgan was far from 'innocent.' But the Inspector’s sense of justice compelled him to shield the lawyer and keep his word regarding silence.”
Inspector Queen's claim about Benjamin Morgan's innocence is inaccurate; Morgan was guilty, but the Inspector protected him out of a sense of honor.
Corrects a factual error in the narrative and explains the Inspector's motive.