In this issue: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Etext avail: Reade's "The history of an acre" The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply -----------------------------THE POSTS----------------------------- Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 16:16:28 -0500 From: "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> Subject: Re: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply > in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a > knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him > of that." Just the right reaction, I think. > > (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically > try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a > suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with I wonder what guilty felons *really* do when they think they are suspects. Any police officers on Gaslight who can tell us how people *actually* act? Do they "doth protest too much?" What are the subtle psychological behaviors that alert a detective or officer that This is a Guilty Perp? (Let me know so I won't ever do them, heh, heh--I *was* once told by a police officer that one should *never* take a lie detector test without an attorney present, which is my only knowledge of police-criminal dynamics.) > Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's > assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from > his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost I had the feeling that Reade really had not decided what his story would to be about yet, and he could have gone either way. Son could have been one of those wastrel wretches who spend his father's fortunes down to the nub, but it wasn't to be here. I was fully expecting the son to turn up in the drunk's costume in the bedroom, committing murder and robbing. Maybe Reade thought developing the Son aspect would make the story too long. Also, as the father was originally built up to be such a fine man of high character (he really proved himself to the Peeps, the boardinghouse crowd who originally doubted him after interrupting the highway robbery), I assumed we were to be treated to a father-laid-low-by-wayward-son type of story (I love those things). But Reade seems to veer off into a Good-Man-Done-In-By-Money story (love those, too). > I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response > to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the > right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help > someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had > stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use > of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was > evident in his beginning. And we have the reverse in the drunkard, Cox, I think, when his new life begins at the end of his old life--that of drunkness. The Captain's attempt at framing him caused a sort of rebirth when he casts off his alcoholism (with a little help from serious jail time to keep him away from the booze) and becomes reinvented. As the Captain's reputation and life heads downward, Cox rises forward. Reade has a strange inversion going on here in the characters of the Captain and the Drunkard. So what was the Captain doing dressed as a Parson staying in another town. Was this involved with begging for money for a church or was he running a scam pretending to help the poor? Richard
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 14:27:18 -0700
From: sdavies(at)MtRoyal.AB.CA
Subject: Etext avail: Reade's "The history of an acre"
Sam K. says:
>Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute.
and they seem to grow more so by the minute. :)
(HISTACRE.HTM) (Nonfic, Chronos)
Charles Reade's "The history of an acre" (1878, 1896 ed.)
histacre.non
Charles Reade's interest in Knightsbridge as a neighbourhood
came about because a) he lived there, and b) he wrote a history
of the acreage while defending it from developers.
To retrieve the plain ASCII files send to: ftpmail(at)MtRoyal.AB.CA
with no subject heading and completely in lowercase:
open aftp.mtroyal.ab.ca
cd /gaslight
get histacre.non
or visit the Gaslight website at:
http://www.mtroyal.ab.ca/gaslight/histacre.htm
Stephen D
mailto:SDavies(at)mtroyal.ab.ca
===0===
Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu
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Date: Wed, 09 Dec 1998 13:55:13 -0500 From: Sam Karnick <SAMK(at)hudson.org> Subject: The Knightsbridge Mystery -Reply Richard's comments on "The Knightsbridge Mystery" are very astute. I would add that I thought the perpetrator's reaction upon hearing of the robbery and murder -- to express moderate but not overstated concern, and to assist in the defense of the suspect -- was very wise. "Cox! No doubt he is a knave," says the murderer; "but murder!--I should never have suspected him of that." Just the right reaction, I think. (One thing that often bothers me in COLUMBO is that the suspects typically try too hard to deflect suspicion from themselves. One would like to see a suspect just play it truly cool and not try to ply the detective with alternative explanations to the sutbly-damning statements Columbo typically makes to them, which is when they slip up worst. Far better it would be to say, "That's a tough one, Lieutenant. I'm sure glad I don't have your job.") The perpetrator of this crime plays it just right but is caught anyway. A nice moment: early on, an unidentified man says, "I like not--a man--who wears--a mask," a statement that proves wise in both its literal and figurative applications. I found it striking at the time, and enjoyed the way the author elaborated on its implications later without restating it explicitly. Yes, the Captain does seem to have spoiled Jack a bit -- if Gardiner's assessment in Chapter 1 is correct. But note that once Jack gets away from his father, he turns out to be quite praiseworthy: his college tutor almost immediately commends "his ability, good conduct, devotion to study." Later, "his tutors also spoke very highly of him." Jack's one fault appears to be a certain laxity regarding money, but whereas he is ignorant of his father's financial troubles -- which only the father's pride keeps him from knowing -- he can certainly be forgiven for asking his father for money. I found most interesting the illustration of a criminal's typical response to being caught: he wasn't doing wrong, really, because it was for the right reasons; he had been robbed himself and only wanted the money to help someone else. Reade sees through that pretense, noting that the thief had stolen a horse at Ipswich many years before, and had escaped prison by use of a file brought him by a female admirer. That is to say, his end was evident in his beginning. Best w's, S.T. Karnick >>> "Richard L. King" <rking(at)INDIAN.VINU.EDU> 12/08/98 09:01am >>> I read "The Knightsbridge Mystery" (which I believe we are to discuss starting today) last night and was very taken with it (a detective story!), even though it is a sad, sordid little tale of greed and treachery. I won't mention anything that might spoil it for anyone, but I will note that this story contains a good example of a dogged detective who admirably succeeds through determination and the use of good police methods: interviewing witnesses, putting together facts, making intelligent deductions, and undertaking a tenacious stakeout and includes undercover work. We don't see much of the personality of the detective, Bradbury, who is a professional and behaves professionally in his handling of the case (whose original solution just didn't smell right to him). We get a much more human look, though, at boardinghouse life (or how Victorian Charles Reade viewed it anyway) during the reign of George I. Reade unfolds society's daily drama as it impacts people in their different stations of life as they scrabble and scrap their way. Perhaps a deeper meaning here is how one's position in life acts as a trap, as definining walls one cannot break out of. For instance, even the police detective finds it extremely difficult to get an audience over a life-and-death matter with the minister who has the power to stop an execution. Cold, hard cash is all important, and while some people will do anything to obtain it or keep it, others, like the housekeeper, don't seem to desire it much (maybe she realizes she has no hope of ever obtaining any money and is willing to live her life simply as a boardinghouse servant). Despite a tendency to gossip for entertainment during this television-deficient time, people generally behave well toward one another (except for those willing to murder, of course), and the boardinghouse is a refuge in a town surrounded by dangerous "footpads" who will rob and kill. When murder takes place in their midst (almost twice), it is a most horrible violation, since there are employees (plus a formidable landlady) and locks and keys to keep people feeling safe from the highwaymen. As for the dynamics of the main story concerning the Captain, his son, and the impact of money upon them, well, it might be a good idea to let other Gaslight readers catch up on their reading before mentioning this. I will say that I was expecting to learn more about the son and his possible involvement with the crimes, and I can't quite figure out the significance of the captain impersonating the parson in another town. Also remarkable was the extent to which the legal bureaucrats were willing to help falsify appearances so everything would look well on the surface. A good story, even though a sad one in many ways. Richard King rking(at)indian.vinu.edu ------------------------------ End of Gaslight Digest V1 #25 *****************************