# XIII: Hallelujah explained — Unnatural Death > Chapter companion for Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers. ## What happens Lord Peter Wimsey and Detective Inspector Parker visit the Rev. Hallelujah Dawson, a humble West Indian clergyman and descendant of Simon Dawson. They learn of his family history, his illegitimate descent, and the allowance of £100 a year that Agatha Dawson had given him, which Mary Whittaker discontinued after her aunt's death. The chapter reveals that the potential claimant from overseas is not a threat due to illegitimacy and that another relative, Father Paul, died before Agatha Dawson. ## Themes in this chapter ### Inheritance and Motive The chapter explores the Dawson family inheritance, including the illegitimate claim of Rev. Hallelujah Dawson and the discontinuation of his allowance by Mary Whittaker. ### Class and Social Prejudice Rev. Hallelujah Dawson's humble and inoffensive appearance, his race, and his acceptance of his inferior position reflect social prejudices of the time. ### The Ambiguity of Evidence The discovery that Simon Dawson's marriage certificate was a forgery and that Father Paul died before Agatha Dawson highlights the ambiguity of evidence in inheritance claims. ## Character check-ins ### Lord Peter Wimsey Visits Rev. Hallelujah Dawson with Parker, investigates the Dawson family genealogy, and notes Mary Whittaker's refusal to continue the allowance. ### Detective Inspector Parker Accompanies Wimsey to interview Rev. Hallelujah Dawson, asks about Simon Dawson's children, and comments on Mary Whittaker's character. ### Rev. Hallelujah Dawson An elderly West Indian clergyman, grandson of Simon Dawson, who came to England hoping for family support. He received an allowance from Agatha Dawson but it was stopped by Mary Whittaker. ### Mary Whittaker Mentioned as the heir who discontinued the £100 annual allowance that Agatha Dawson had given to Rev. Hallelujah Dawson. ### Agatha Dawson Deceased; remembered as the only surviving family member who kindly provided an allowance to Rev. Hallelujah Dawson. ### Mr. Probyn A lawyer from Croftover who helped Rev. Hallelujah Dawson with the family genealogy and provided a document showing the family tree. ## Key lines > I am his grandson... That is why I came over to England. Rev. Hallelujah Dawson reveals he is Simon Dawson's grandson and explains his journey to England. _Reveals the connection between the West Indian clergyman and the Dawson family._ > I took the liberty of writing her a few words of spiritual comfort when her aunt died. Perhaps that did not please her. Of course, I did not write again. Yet I am loath to believe that she has hardened her heart against the unfortunate. Rev. Hallelujah Dawson wrote to Mary Whittaker after Agatha Dawson's death but received no response, and he hesitates to think ill of her. _Shows the clergyman's gentle nature and hints at Mary Whittaker's coldness._ > The more I hear of Mary Whittaker, the less I like her. She might at least have given poor old Cousin Hallelujah his hundred quid. Lord Peter expresses his growing dislike for Mary Whittaker for cutting off the allowance. _Highlights Wimsey's moral judgment and Mary Whittaker's character._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters/xiii-hallelujah - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/unnatural_death_se/chapters