The Wyvern Mystery · Chapter
Unreasonable Bertha explained
Charles confronts his estranged wife Bertha, who accuses him of bigamy and attempted murder.
What happens
Charles confronts his estranged wife Bertha, who accuses him of bigamy and attempted murder. Their bitter argument escalates until Bertha suffers a fit, and Charles, tormented by guilt and despair, contemplates suicide.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Charles's hidden marriage to Bertha and his subsequent bigamy are central to the conflict.
Power and Patriarchy
Charles asserts his legal and financial control over Bertha, while she demands her 'rights' as a wife.
Isolation and Entrapment
Both characters are trapped in a toxic marriage; Charles feels utterly miserable and contemplates suicide.
Characters to notice
- Charles Fairfield
Confronts Bertha, his estranged wife, in a heated argument; later contemplates suicide.
- Bertha Velderkaust
Charles's blind wife; accuses him of bigamy and attempted murder, then suffers a fit.
- Mildred Tarnley
Attends to Bertha during her fit; expresses a wish that Bertha be placed in a madhouse.
Key passages
“I’ve given you year by year fully half my income.”
Charles claims he has been financially supporting Bertha for years.
Charles defends his financial support as evidence of his good faith.
“You tried to murder me, you arch-villain.”
Bertha accuses Charles of attempting to kill her.
Bertha's accusation escalates the argument to a violent climax.
“Why should not I end it?”
Charles contemplates suicide as a way out of his misery.
Charles's despair reaches a peak as he considers ending his life.