Whose Body? · Chapter
II explained
Lord Peter Wimsey and his manservant Bunter celebrate a successful book purchase, and Wimsey shares his findings about the body in the bath with Inspector Parker.
What happens
Lord Peter Wimsey and his manservant Bunter celebrate a successful book purchase, and Wimsey shares his findings about the body in the bath with Inspector Parker. He reveals peculiar details, including that the victim was shaved after death and had soap and hairs in his mouth, suggesting a sophisticated criminal.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
Wimsey and Parker discuss the details of the body in the bath, including the unusual evidence of post-mortem shaving and soap in the mouth, emphasizing the detective work involved.
Class and Privilege
The conversation between Wimsey and Bunter about income and social obligations highlights class dynamics and the concept of 'noblesse oblige'.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Celebrates book purchases with Bunter, shares his investigation insights with Parker, and reveals key observations about the body in the bath.
- Bunter
Assists with the book purchase, discusses a new lens for his camera, and serves brandy and coffee during the conversation.
- Mr. Parker
Visits Wimsey, discusses the disappearance of Sir Reuben Levy, and listens to Wimsey's detailed analysis of the body in the bath.
- Inspector Sugg
Mentioned as having arrested Gladys Horrocks and mistakenly believing the body might be Sir Reuben Levy.
- Sir Reuben Levy
Mentioned as having disappeared after a financial meeting; Parker considered whether the body in the bath could be him.
Key passages
“We both have got a body in a bath, We both have got a body in a bath— For in spite of all temptations To go in for cheap sensations We insist upon a body in a bath— Nothing less will do for us, Parker.”
Wimsey jokingly sings about their shared interest in the case of the body found in the bath.
This shows Wimsey's playful attitude towards the murder investigation.
“He was shaved after he was dead. Pretty, ain't it? Uncommonly jolly little job for the barber, what?”
Wimsey reveals that the victim's beard was shaved off after death, indicating a calculated and unusual crime.
This is a key insight into the criminal's methods.