The Viaduct Murder · Chapter
XIX: Mordaunt Reeves Talks to Himself explained
Mordaunt Reeves, alone in his armchair, struggles to piece together the clues of the murder, fixating on a golf ball found by the railway line.
What happens
Mordaunt Reeves, alone in his armchair, struggles to piece together the clues of the murder, fixating on a golf ball found by the railway line. He takes a walk to the embankment, imagining himself as a passenger on the train to reconstruct the crime. Later, he visits Paston Oatvile churchyard, where he overhears Marryatt delivering a sermon on Brotherhood's sudden death. Reeves then retrieves a hidden walking stick, which he smuggles to his room, and later visits Miss Rendall-Smith, who shares her suspicion that she is being watched by a stranger.
Themes in this chapter
Detection and Rationality
Reeves engages in methodical reasoning, talking through the murder scenario and using clues like the golf ball and walking stick to build a case.
Religion and Morality
Marryatt's sermon on Brotherhood's sudden death and the afterlife highlights themes of mortality, belief, and moral reflection.
Isolation and Community
Reeves works alone in his investigation, while the church service and golf course scenes depict communal life; Miss Rendall-Smith feels isolated and watched.
Characters to notice
- Mordaunt Reeves
The central figure of the chapter, Reeves engages in solitary reflection and investigation, talking to himself as he reconstructs the murder scenario and later visits Miss Rendall-Smith.
- Miss Rendall-Smith
Reeves visits her on a Sunday afternoon; she expresses anxiety about being watched and provides details about her train journey on the day of the murder.
- Gordon Davenant
Mentioned as the arrested suspect whom Reeves believes to be innocent; referenced in Reeves' internal monologue and in conversation with Miss Rendall-Smith.
- Mr. Carmichael
Reeves mentions Carmichael's clever work and his tendency to lose interest; Carmichael is also seen at the third tee with Gordon.
- Marryatt
Heard giving a sermon at the church in Paston Oatvile, using Brotherhood's death as a theme; his voice is recognized by Reeves.
- Old Brotherhood
The murdered man; his death is the subject of Marryatt's sermon, and Reeves considers visiting his grave for inspiration.
Key passages
“A golf-ball, a golf-ball by the side of the railway line, a few yards behind the spot from which the murdered man fell. It must have something to do with it, but where, where does it fit in?”
Reeves fixates on a golf ball found near the railway line, believing it is a crucial clue to the murder.
Reeves' internal monologue emphasizes the importance of the golf ball as evidence.
“To sleep—perchance to dream; aye, there's the rub! For, in that sleep of death, what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil Must give us pause”
Marryatt quotes Hamlet in his sermon, reflecting on the uncertainty of what comes after death.
The sermon uses Shakespeare to explore themes of mortality and the afterlife.
“I have a sort of feeling that I am being watched.”
Miss Rendall-Smith tells Reeves she suspects a stranger is following her.
This introduces a new element of threat and mystery surrounding the widow.