XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Justice

  The chapter explores the possibility of a miscarriage of justice, with Enid and Finch questioning the trial's outcome and seeking the real murderer.

• Deception and Self-Deception

  Finch suggests Ivy Lexton may be deceiving the court by shielding a murderer, and Enid suspects Roger is deceiving everyone by not testifying.

• Wealth and Financial Ruin

  Finch argues that money corrupts and can buy silence, linking wealth to the cover-up of the crime.

Characters to notice

• Enid Dent

  Visits Mrs. Gretorex and then Mr. Finch to explore theories about Jervis Lexton's murder, showing her determination to prove Roger's innocence.

• Mrs. Gretorex

  Grief-stricken after the trial, unable to eat, but allows Enid to pursue her investigation.

• Alfred Finch

  Mr. Oram's clerk, shares Sir Joseph Molloy's theory that a wealthy admirer of Ivy Lexton may have murdered Jervis, and that money could have bought silence.

• Roger Gretorex

  Mentioned as the accused; Enid believes he suspects the real murderer and refused to testify for that reason.

• Ivy Lexton

  Discussed as possibly shielding a murderer; Finch believes she knows Roger is innocent and may marry a wealthy man soon.

• Nurse Bradfield

  Mentioned as a witness who was terrified by Sir Joseph's cross-examination, and whose testimony suggested many visitors came to the flat.

Key passages

• “Money can do anything nowadays, for everybody wants money, and spends money as they never did before. Believe me, Miss Dent, no one, in these days, is incorruptible.”

  Finch asserts that money has become all-powerful, making everyone susceptible to bribery.

  Highlights the theme of corruption and the power of wealth.

• “I feel quite sure that Roger suspects who did it. I think that's why he wouldn't give evidence.”

  Enid believes Roger knows the real killer and is protecting them by staying silent.

  Reveals Enid's theory about Roger's motive for not testifying.