Murder

Tom Lawless’ murder symbolizes violence and curiosity. As in most murder mysteries, the murder in this novel is the starting point of the novel. The characters desire to uncover the identity and motive of the murderer not only to pursue justice, but also to acquire further comprehension of their surroundings, and of human behavior.

Detective Work

Strafford’s job symbolizes the ambiguity of vocation. At multiple points in the novel, Strafford struggles to understand his own motivation for being a detective. He seems to feel ambivalent towards the job. However, his determination to pursue this case seems to demonstrate an inherent need to pursue truth and justice for their own sake.

Ballyglass House

Ballyglass House symbolizes public status and private dysfunction. Ballyglass House is owned by the Osborne family, and although they are partially social outcasts for being Protestant, they are also granted high socioeconomic status...