Lecture Notes

Scene Setting

• Location: A cold house being investigated by Mr. Hale, Mr. Henderson, and others.
• Timeframe: Just after a cold night below zero.

Initial Observations

• Mr. Hale: Describes his arrival the previous morning.
• Condition: House was untouched except for the stove, as instructed by Frank.

Mr. Hale's Testimony

• Arrival: Came with Harry, intending to speak to John Wright about a party telephone.
• Encounter with Mrs. Wright:
  • Found Mrs. Wright rocking in a chair, pleating her apron.
  • She appeared "queer," uncertain, and not very responsive.
  • Mrs. Wright indicated that John Wright was dead.

Discovery of John Wright's Death

• Mrs. Wright's Reaction:
  • Indifferent; only pleating her apron.
  • Informed Mr. Hale that John Wright was dead upstairs with a rope around his neck.
• Mr. Hale's Actions:
  • Informed Harry, went upstairs to confirm John's death.
  • Returned downstairs, noting Mrs. Wright's unconcerned demeanor.

Investigation Details

• Sheriff and Coroner Arrival:
  • Mr. Hale recounts lack of reaction from Mrs. Wright.
  • Discusses household conditions with Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters.

Household Observations

• Kitchen:
  • Noted as messy by the sheriff.
  • Discussion about Mrs. Wright's concern over preserved fruit.
• Mrs. Wright's Former Life:
  • Used to be lively, sang in the choir.
  • Discussed her isolation and lack of friends.

Women's Discoveries

• Broken Birdcage and Dead Canary:
  • Found a canary with a wrung neck.
  • Speculate on a cat incident but note Mrs. Wright’s fear of cats.

Emotional Context

• Mrs. Hale's Regret:
  • Wishes she had visited more often.
  • Reflects on the loneliness of Mrs. Wright.
• Mrs. Peters's Empathy:
  • Shares past experience with loss.

Legal and Moral Reflections

• Discussion on Crime and Punishment:
  • The women reflect on the justice of the situation.
  • Compare the loss of the bird to Mrs. Wright's own suppressed life.

Conclusion

• Men's Perspective:
  • Dismissive of the women's findings.
  • Focused on hard evidence and motive.
• Women's Insight:
  • Understand the emotional and psychological aspects.
  • Realize the significance of the dead canary as a potential motive.