Briefly answered, and thoroughly to the purpose! If the Moonstone had been in my possession, this Oriental gentleman would have murdered me, I am well aware,
This seems to be an unsubstantiated claim based on little facts. No one died when the Moonstone was lost, so it does not appear as though murder is being considered by anyone to claim the Moonstone. This claim seems rather defensive and caused by irrational fear
I had the honour of an interview, at my own office, with an Oriental stranger of distinguished manners, who was no other, unquestionably, than the chief of the three Indians.
I think that this is the first mention of Oriental instead of Indian in The Moonstone. It might be interesting to see the different ways the Indians are described using computational analysis
I was punctual to the luncheon hour on Tuesday. Reference to my diary shows this to have been a chequered day–much in it to be devoutly regretted, much in it to be devoutly thankful for.
Miss Clack seems to be very organized, on time, and records her observations clearly. This might be interesting to analyze using computational techniques like references to dates, records, and other observations
Friday, June 30th, 1848.
This narrative author seems to be keeping track of dates much more carefully than previously. Interesting change of style
“You seem to be fond of roses, Sergeant?” I remarked.
There seems to be a lot of mention of roses with Sergeant Cuff. A red rose typically symbolizes romance, love, beauty, and courage, so it might be interesting to see the deeper meaning of the relationship between Cuff and roses and the greater meaning. It would also be interesting to see the frequency of the association with roses with all of the characters using computational techniques and how much greater the association is with Sergeant Cuff.
The loss of her jewel seems almost to have turned her brain
This passage reminds me of another novel, "The Lord of the Rings", and how the power of the ring in that novel also poisoned the brain of its owner. The main difference between the two examples is that the ring in the Lord of The Rings is a magical object, while the Moonstone only has magical affects on people (it itself does not have any intrinsic magic properties)
“And the first thing for the police to do,” added Mr. Franklin, catching her up, “is to lay hands on the Indian jugglers who performed here last night.”
Mr. Franklin is very quick to blame the Indian jugglers with little evidence beyond their race at this point. While it is expected that the Indian jugglers would be the initial suspects, it is interesting that Mr. Franklin is the first one to point fingers
If he had pricked them with a bayonet, I doubt if the Indians could have started and turned on him with a more tigerish quickness than they did, on hearing the first words that passed his lips. The next moment they were bowing and salaaming to him in their most polite and snaky way.
This is an interesting literary technique being used to build suspense. No one knows what was actually said in the foreign language, we only know the reaction of the Indians was very respectful and borderline suspicious
It seemed unfathomable; this jewel, that you could hold between your finger and thumb, seemed unfathomable as the heavens themselves. We set it in the sun, and then shut the light out of the room, and it shone awfully out of the depths of its own brightness, with a moony gleam, in the dark
There are a lot of metaphors being used here to vividly describe the Moonstone. This passage is the most visual part of writing I have noticed so far in the text.
We, in the servants’ hall, began this happy anniversary, as usual, by offering our little presents to Miss Rachel, with the regular speech delivered annually by me as the chief. I follow the plan adopted by the Queen in opening Parliament–namely, the plan of saying much the same thing regularly every year.
There seems to be a lot of references to social class (particularly lower classes). I read that it is uncommon for novels at this time to give much attention to individuals in a lower class so this is an interesting writing contrast
The boy said, “It is on the road to this house, and on no other, that the English gentleman will travel to-day.” The Indian put a second question–after waiting a little first. He said: “Has the English gentleman got It about him?”
The earlier foreshadowing of "The Moonstone will have its vengeance yet on you and yours!" seems to be taking place right now as it seems that there is a plot by these three Indian men to take back the Moonstone.
When my spirits are bad–Robinson Crusoe. When I want advice–Robinson Crusoe. In past times when my wife plagued me; in present times when I have had a drop too much–Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe seems to be a major influence for the narrator. I have not read this book, but it would be interesting to see if there are any metaphors or motifs in this book related to Robinson Crusoe.
I looked at him narrowly. His frenzy of the previous day had all calmed down. I determined to give him another chance. “Is that all you have to tell me?” I asked.
This passage seems to indicate a deep rooted mistrust of his cousin. I wonder what past experiences might be shaping this opinion and if they will be explained later in the story. The relationship between the author and his cousin seems to be a major theme going forward and I am interested to see what past experiences have shaped it
One age followed another until the first years of the eighteenth Christian century saw the reign of Aurungzebe, Emperor of the Moguls. At his command havoc and rapine were let loose once more among the temples of the worship of Brahmah.
It is interesting to note that the author seems to write with great deference regarding Hindu culture (using words like divinity), while shunning those who tried to capture the Moonstone (using words like havoc, rapine). At the time this was written, it was typical for white authors to write in fear and without appreciation of other culture's traditions and it is nice to see this author writing with respect for other traditions