The Starvel Hollow Tragedy · Chapter
II: The Inquest explained
Ruth Averill awakens after the fire with a mix of horror and hope, comforted by Mrs.
What happens
Ruth Averill awakens after the fire with a mix of horror and hope, comforted by Mrs. Oxley and learning from Mr. Oxley that she will inherit some money. She buys mourning clothes and prepares for the inquest, where she gives evidence about her uncle's health, the household arrangements, and the Ropers' sobriety. Dr. Emerson testifies that the bodies found correspond to Mr. Averill and the Ropers, and notes that Dr. Philpot is ill and unable to attend.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Dependence
Ruth's anxiety about her future and her reliance on Mr. Oxley's advice and financial help highlight her dependence on others due to her class and gender.
Deception and Secrecy
The inquest reveals hidden details, such as Roper's occasional whisky drinking and the witnesses who saw the fire but did not report it, suggesting secrets and omissions.
Justice and Investigation
The inquest itself is a formal investigation into the deaths, with Sergeant Kent's probing questions and the coroner's proceedings aiming to uncover the truth.
Characters to notice
- Ruth Averill
Awakens feeling better, buys mourning clothes, and gives evidence at the inquest about her uncle's health and the Ropers.
- Mrs. Oxley
Comforts Ruth with tea and news, including that Mr. Whymper called and that Ruth will inherit money.
- Mr. Oxley
Lends Ruth twenty pounds, advises her on her future, and accompanies her to the inquest.
- Sergeant Kent
Warns Ruth about the inquest, then questions her extensively about the fire and the Ropers.
- Dr. Emerson
Testifies at the inquest that the bodies correspond to Mr. Averill and the Ropers, and mentions Dr. Philpot's illness.
- Pierce Whymper
Called on Ruth the previous evening but is out of town during the morning of the inquest.
Key passages
“She was young, she was in perfect health, and—she was in love.”
Ruth's youth and good health, along with her romantic feelings, help her recover from the shock of the fire.
This line introduces Ruth's emotional state and her love interest, likely Pierce Whymper.
“Mr. Oxley had lent her twenty pounds, explaining that she could repay him when she got her own money.”
Mr. Oxley gives Ruth a loan of twenty pounds, which she can return once she receives her inheritance.
This shows Ruth's financial dependence and the promise of an inheritance.
“The coroner bent towards her. 'I am sorry, Miss Averill,' he said kindly, 'to have to ask you to attend and give evidence in this tragic inquiry, but I promise you I shall not keep you longer than I can help.'”
The coroner apologizes to Ruth for requiring her testimony but assures her the questioning will be brief.
The coroner's kindness contrasts with the grim nature of the inquest.
“Once or twice Roper has smelt of whisky, but he was never the least bit the worse of it.”
Ruth admits that Roper occasionally smelled of whisky but insists he was never drunk.
This detail hints at possible secrets about Roper's behavior.