Quote: 

Chapter 16, pg 133:

“What would you feel like?”

“Murder.- Percy you come home with me, – we’ve begun the night together, let’s end it together,- and I’ll show you one of the finest notions for committing murder on a scale of real magnificence you ever dreamed of.” (Marsh)

Chapter 18, pg 143:

“” Do you not feel for him the same as I?”

“Who’s the him?” 

“Paul Lessingham”

It was spoken quietly, but with a degree of- to put it gently- spitefulness which showed that at least the will to do the Apostle harm would not be lacking.

“And pray what is the common feeling which we have for him?”

“Hate”

“I am by no means prepared to admit that I have this feeling which you attribute to me, but, even granting that I have, what then?”

“Those who hate are kin””

Comment:

These two passages brought up a lot of questions for me. So in the second section of this book when we meet Artherton it is clearly stated that he is in love with Miss Lindon and hates to see her wanting to be married to Mr. Lessingham. What however leads him to want to even excercise the thought of murdering him? Love is a powerful thing so this I assume could explain that thought but Artherton actually has a weapon that could kill Lessingham if he planned and wanted to. He openly admits to his friend Percy ,when they have been drinking in the first passage I chose, that he wants to commit the murder and even does it on a cat. These actions were a little shocking to hear when the introduction to his character doesn’t strike me as him being a crazy murderous scientist. I found this similar to Jekyll and Hyde and that dynamic. Though Arthertons rage and murderous tendencies are focused on a single subject, Paul the “Apostle”. Passion can drive people to do crazy things and I guess this is one of those instances. The second passage when Artherton is speaking to the child of Isis was interesting because the person is literally telling Artherton that they share the same interest in killing Lessingham but Artherton has this moment of not trusting them and also I think just wants to commit the act on his own. Even though he does think about it and says that the person had the same will and desire to kill Paul which might be useful. It will be interesting to see as the novel continues if Artherton will take up the offer and how will the murder be committed. 

Question:

The questions that can be asked would be what other factors go into shaping Arthertons character and how he has become a person capable of murder? What will the mysterious people and the character of Robert Holt have in plotting Paul Lessinghams murder and will they take matters into their own hands if Artherton refuses to help? If both Artherton and the mystery people are considered monstrous, which is the more evil?