How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
What was that—hanging from the hook in the ceiling? A rope with a noose all ready? And a chair to stand upon—a chair that could be kicked away…
That was what Hugo wanted… (16.125-126)
Check out this interpretation: at this point, Hugo is less Vera’s lover boy and more of a stand-in for her conscience. And right now her conscience is telling her that she has to pay for what she did.
Quote #8
I must say that I watched the faces of my guests closely during that indictment and I had no doubt whatever, after my long court experience, that one and all were guilty. (E.165)
Okay, Mr. Mind Reader. We’re pretty sure that, “Dude, he totally looked guilty” isn’t actually a legally acceptable accusation—which is probably why none of these people were ever tried in a court of law.
Quote #9
Would the consciousness of her own guilt, the state of nervous tension consequent on having just shot a man, be sufficient, together with the hypnotic suggestion of the surroundings, to cause her to take her own life? (E.187)
Justice Wargrave’s final touch is more of a twisted psychological experiment about guilt rather than a cold-blooded murder. We’re betting this is one psychological experiment that would make undergrads pass up even the promise of $10 and a free cookie.