# A Turn of the Screw explained — The Slaves of Paris

> Chapter companion for The Slaves of Paris by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Dr. Hortebise arrives early at Mascarin's office, where Mascarin is preoccupied with Toto Chupin's revolt and the upcoming meeting with Paul. Catenac joins them, and a heated dispute erupts over a new risky scheme. Catenac refuses to participate, citing his wealth and desire to avoid further danger, but Mascarin reveals he has secretly tracked Catenac's finances, implying he has leverage to force cooperation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Mascarin manipulates Catenac by revealing his secret financial records, demonstrating how knowledge is used as a tool of coercion within the criminal partnership.

### Deception and Secrecy

Catenac's outward honesty masks his involvement in corrupt dealings, while Mascarin secretly tracks his finances, highlighting the pervasive deceit among the conspirators.

### Wealth and Extravagance

Catenac's accumulated wealth (1.1 million francs) becomes a point of contention, as he uses it to justify his refusal to take further risks, while Mascarin and Hortebise envy his fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Hortebise

Arrives early, notices Beaumarchef's negligence, and engages in a tense argument with Catenac over the new scheme.

### Baptiste Mascarin

Preoccupied with Toto Chupin's revolt and the upcoming meeting; reveals he has tracked Catenac's finances to force his cooperation.

### Catenac

Refuses to participate in the new risky scheme, citing his wealth and desire to avoid danger, but is confronted with evidence that Mascarin knows his true financial standing.

### Daddy Tantaine

Mentioned as being with Mascarin earlier, but not present during the main discussion.

### Paul Violaine

Expected to arrive for the meeting; Mascarin plans to force him into cooperation.

### Beaumarchef

Noticed by Dr. Hortebise for his negligent costume, suggesting he has been drinking.

## Key lines

> He is the glove, I the strong hand beneath it.

Paul is merely the outward appearance, while Mascarin is the true controlling force behind him.

_Mascarin describes his dominance over Paul, emphasizing his manipulative control._

> I have passed through the vilest masses of corruption.

Catenac has been involved in the most sordid and corrupt affairs.

_Narrator's description of Catenac's experience in handling morally dubious legal cases._

> You repudiated the work, but shared the booty. You wished to play the game without staking anything.

You refused to take responsibility for the actions but still accepted your share of the profits, wanting to benefit without any risk.

_Dr. Hortebise accuses Catenac of hypocrisy for enjoying the gains while avoiding the dangers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se/chapters/xvi-a-turn-of-the-screw
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_slaves_of_paris_se/chapters