In media res. The week after what? Who are "they"? We are dropped in the middle of a scene and have to orient ourselves quickly.

She's changed so much, her own brother didn't recognize her at first!

She feels out of place. It's interesting that she'll ask to be forgiven of her hat, especially since the hat represents the upper-class snobbery. It seems that she now understands a broader perspective.

Perhaps her red is an allusion of the pomegranate seeds of the Persephone story where she is made to return seasonally because she ate the food of the place. The red woman is drawing Laura in.

The first acknowledgement of her childishness. By not trying to put on an act to seem grown up, she has also grown up.

Quite a different red from the roses, lilies, and ribbon!

That is an allusion to the river Styx.

Hades is also described as misty and gloomy.

Ominous, like another world. Continuing off of the Hades allusion.

Symbolic of Cereberus. She is about to begin her journey to Hades to visit the dead, and leave her world of flowers. Similar to Persephone.

The apathy of the upper-class had been internalized.

Like bones, or the complexion of a dead man.

Again, they are more concerned with appearances (and clothes) than of the working-class. They only have a superficial guise of sympathy towards the dead man's family.

It's interesting that the father (and Laura, initially) is portrayed as the only one who is concerned about the death.

Garden motif once again.

Ironic because Maitland is named after a creature (Kitty). It reflects again the divide between the classes and this comparison shows how the upper class basically puts the working-class on par with animals.

I wonder why Laura changed her mind. Perhaps because she didn't want to ruin Laurie's mood, or perhaps because she didn't want to know how he'll respond, or because of something entirely different.

The hat almost seems to have a magical property of transferring her mother, and her class' way of thinking from their "head" onto hers. By seeing the way she looked in the mirror, a foreign "charming girl" who looked incredibly upper-class, she is reminded of her position in society and accepts the thinking of her class.

Jose and Mrs. Sheridan cares more about the comfort of those in the same class than the working class whom they treat as a completely unrelated, insignificant group.

Again, the motif of clothing is brought up. For some reason, hats are the common article of clothing being brought up. Perhaps it's related to the saying "wearing many hats."

Again, the theme of image/motif of seeing/visuals shows up. The complaint they have about the poverty-stricken cottages is that they are an eyesore, that they don't want to see it. There's no other reason. It's very superficial.

Jose never even considered that possibility which shows how different their thinking are. Laura had associated with the working class and thus feels closer to them, but Jose views them as a completely unrelated group.

It's curious that none of the reactions of the group (cook, Sadie, Hands, Godber) are the expected reactions to hearing about someone being killed.

Once again, this phrase shows the contrast between what the children ought to do and what they really do. It would be nice to use the concordance to see how this phrase is used through the story and how the context it is used in changes over the narrative time.

This shows the eagerness of the children to appear grown-up and join their society. They say they are "far too grown-up to really care about such things," showing they know how they ought to behave, but the inclusion of "all the same" betrays their true feelings and how they are still falling short of the "ideal" member of the upper-class.

Once again, appearance is brought up and the contrast of appearance and reality is shown (such as the workers were initially intimidating but because friendly and admirable.)

A baldfaced lie to save face.

This once again underlines the theme of image. Jose quickly and skillfully slips into and out of "character." This is perhaps a criticism of the artificiality of the upper-class.

This relates to the idea that the upper-class is concerned with image and is almost putting on some sort of "show."

I find it interesting that she suggests that a logical mother is not a good thing. This shows the importance that is/will be placed upon emotions.

This is an interesting action and makes me think of animals.

I completely agree! This is an intrusion of upper-class into the coming-of-age of the children. Although they are discovering the working-class and are trying to get closer to them, their class gets in the way and interferes.

She seems to merge with the flowers, with the nature, in this line.

Flowers and the color red seems to be developing into a motif in this story. The prevalence of flowers makes sense since it is a garden party. But what about red? Immediately, what comes to mind is blood. Perhaps because "bright crimson" is commonly the same phrase used to describe blood in stories I read.

Once again, the upper-class is not described at all, but by their names and clothes. We don't get a sense of how they look at all, aside from what they wear, which implies that it is what's important about them.

The terms used in this paragraph: alive, green, move, winds playing chase, spots of sun, warm, silver star, all invoke images of nature and life. The doors seem to open to invite something that hasn't been there before. As nature seems to be closely related to the working-class, it shows the influence of her interactions with the working-class has changed her point of view and began to invade her upper-class world. The open door is likely a metaphor to her open mind and also how the door is literally opened for the workers to come in and prepare for the party.

The upper-class is constantly thinking about/interacting with clothes/attire. This is closely related to appearances which reflects their concern with image. Meanwhile, in contrast, the working-class tends to be related to the earth and nature: the workers were sniffing lavender and working in the garden, the gardener was tending to the garden, and there's probably more to come.

Once again, it shows how concerned the upper class are with appearances. They are often shown preparing to be seen, and being primarily concerned about "looking the part."

Her small rebellion against the "rules" of her class is admirable but ultimately meaningless. It's also a very visual thing which feeds into the theme of superficiality. She felt like a working-girl, but never did any work. All she did was put on a display of a minor transgression against what she ought to do. It shows her ignorance and her view of the working-class, that they are everything the upper class is not.

She stammers a lot when she gets emotional. I wonder if this will be a common occurrence in the story. I think it would be a good route for computational analysis.

She contrasts the workmen with her peers and casts workmen in a positive light. There is also a contrast in workmen and boys.

I also find it interesting how quickly she generalizes the actions and interactions from a few people to whole groups/classes.

There seems to be a reversal of power here. Laura initially went to the workmen to tell them what to do, but ended up accepting what they are doing. Asking "Must they b e hidden by a marquee?" and answering in the next paragraph that "[t]hey must," as though she has no power over the matter.

Laura describes the trees in a very positive manner, allowing us to see her ideals and values.

I notice that the workers are given different, unique appearances and are described by their faces while Jose is described by his clothes only, and no one else is described at all.

It's interesting that it is Laura's upbringing specifically that makes her wonder if the situation was appropriate and develops the theme of class/society.

Perhaps this adds to the motif of the sky, since the sky is often associated with blue. There seems to be a contrast between the manicured garden, and the easy-going, open sky.

The theme of appearances show up again. Laura looked at the group of working-class men and is intimidated. She at first imitates her mother, a seasoned upper-class woman, and tries to put up the appearances of a member of the upper-class. It makes me think of lions and how they "play" to learn how to hunt and behave like a "real lion"--as a lion ought to.

Green like the shrubs. Jose is a butterfly, but is wearing clothes, so I think it is a metaphor. The similarities drawn between the children and the garden, as well as the fact the children are managing the garden for the party this year seem to imply that the garden is representative of the state of the children and how they're getting the garden and themselves ready for "society."

The children are given power to arrange the things of the party to gain greater independence and to eventually take up the mantle passed down by their parents. Eventually, there will be some coming-of-age kind of event, I think.

The upper-class is depicted as being very superficial and concerned about appearances. They have many roses at the party because they are "the only flowers that impress people," and they have the gardener work since dawn to make the garden appear more beautiful, to impress others.

Although we haven't gotten very deep in the story yet, there appears to be a motif of the sky/weather developing. There are a lot of terms related to the sky: dawn, blue (summer) sky, etc. The gardener was up since dawn working while the upper-class are having an afternoon party--leisure, so the motif appears to be contrasting the classes of society.

Veiled invokes the term "veil." Veils have a lot of connotations. It is worn by the bride in weddings, and frequently appears in a lot of religious context. However, I think this term relates to the theme of class because the upper-class in Britain tends to wear veils for fashion. Such as, a pillbox hat with a small net-like veil coming from it. I am reminded of Rachel from Moonstone: "She said, 'Try to forgive me, mamma'–and then pulled down her veil over her face so vehemently that she tore it."

This term is interesting because it's impossible to control the weather, but the impression this gives is that it could be ordered, and thus bought, just like how one would order pizza, to be delivered or flowers to decorate a party. This gives off the impression of control and domesticity. Additionally, a garden-party is a very upper/middle-class thing to hold, so this phrase itself contributes to the development of the thematic element of class/society.

This is an interesting way to start a story! "And" is a conjunction, so by starting the story with it gives the reader the impression that we are dropped into the middle of someone's train of thought--that we are intruding. The phrase "after all" is commonly used to signify the conclusion is coming up, so we get the impression we are at the summary, the conclusion of an argument, rather than the beginning of a story!

This line makes me think of cultural appropriation. How the dominant/colonizing culture takes what is sacred to another culture and completely rewrites the context and meaning.

Bruff was also called a cow earlier in the novel! I wonder if there is a relation.

This is interesting. Things are wrapping up. Like the previous narrative, this has nothing to do with the plotline. I would think this would go in the epilogue, but the epilogue is right below.

How did any of this relate to the story? I'm immeasurably saddened by the manner of Ezra's death, but it doesn't relate to the main plotline whatsoever

I thought Mr. Candy was not of clear mind. He writes so eloquently though!

How shocking! I wonder how everything ties together! We've solved a portion of the mystery (perhaps), but so much is left unsolved! I'm glad Cuff got the chance to redeem himself.

The 8th-born, guy. What a generic name! Luker's first name is 7th-son, so there may be a relationship there. Perhaps the boy will hide some information about Luker.

I'm glad he found his true life calling.

Hopefully not a wild goose chase!

Why did he blush from being on the omnibus? Is it beneath his position? Clack always takes the omnibus, so it could be an interest social commentary.

How mysterious! Is Gooseberry on the side of the Indians?

Why couldn't Rachel visit, or write to him? Why could she only insist on his coming to see her?

Merridew is so funny. But that's good. The suspense being built up (to the "explosion") has been resolved gracefully. "It is only due to [Ezra] to say that he had managed it beautifully."

Franklin is so secretive and reserved! The beginning of his narrative before also has him being very vague--at a certain place with a certain person, I did XYZ.

Why is Bruff so uninterested? He was very interested when it came to the Indians--"I made another unprofessional sacrifice to mere curiosity."

Such dry humor!

However, Franklin has multiple characters as well as the English one. Perhaps Ezra will think the same of him when Franklin's "English character" comes out?

The metaphorical explosion, of course. I wonder what kind of explosion it would be. Of emotion? Of the truth? Or will there truly be a literal explosion?

He's incredibly passive-aggressive.

Merridew doesn't seem to know or really understand what is happening. She seems to be off in her own world slightly divorced from reality. She has her own preconceptions of certain subjects she's forcing onto the people around her.

She is quite a nervous character.

Much unlike many of the other larger-than-life characters, who are overly concerned with their image.

Once again Rachel is mentioned to be beautiful, shortly after her kindness. Rosanna said that people only thought her beautiful because of her character and dress, and this reinforces her point. Her beauty wasn't mentioned at all until she behaved kindly.

He speaks of the placebo effect! It's interesting that the people at this time know of this but not of the addictive nature/effects of drugs, which is glossed over in this novel.

This is a very eloquent way of saying that he is drunk.

This combination of words is very interesting.

Does that mean Betteredge pityingly respects Rosanna?

Ezra is very observant and speaks with medical precision.

So was what Merridew said in the letter just an excuse so that she could join in? Because she's interested in the experiment.

The way This Book is capitalized makes it seem extremely important. And it is! To Betteredge.

Finally! He brings this up! I've been waiting for it. His character is so associated with Robinson Crusoe, whenever I see him I automatically assume Robinson Crusoe will follow soon.

Why does Betteredge show such peculiar albeit harmless behavior?

He's so humble, to even consider the mortifying failure of his experiment. I admire Ezra's character.

Betteredge is so exaggerated, but he is proud of his ability to be a servant and works very hard to be an excellent servant.

Given this description, it would seem to be a well-worn Bible, but I am almost certain, given Betteredge's personality, that he's about to perform some bibliomancy with Robinson Crusoe.

How does Betteredge make the scene amusing? I'm glad he still experiences happiness, though.

He is so kind. He's like Franklin Blake from the future of a parallel universe: having gone through similar circumstances, but with a different (I hope) result.

He is so eager to see the two reunite, this only makes me suspicious that the plan will not go as expected, or that he will die before seeing the satisfying conclusion. That makes me very sad, because I like this fellow, and want the best for him!

Why is Franklin the exception? Franklin's initial favorable impression has yet to be explained.

Frankly because he is Frankli(n)!

In the beginning of his narrative, Franklin stated "[Betteredge] has persuaded himself that he actually saw those French, German, and Italian sides to my character, which my lively cousin only professed to discover in jest, and which never had any real existence, except in our good Betteredge’s own brain" But from here, it turns out he really does have a "split personality"! Although it's just because of the opium,

Could it be the motivation of the robbery is drug experimentation?

It would be interesting to trace the use of "brown" through this story.

Why would the circumstances matter?

They must part ways both metaphorically and literally.

Symbolic! Here, they are faced with decisions.

No wonder he was so interested in Franklin! Candy behaved really normal when he left the part, so I wonder why he's suddenly so stuck on that memory. Why did he only think its important now?

This phrase reminds me of Rosanna so much!

Similar to how Cuff is associated with roses. Will he also mislead us, like Cuff?

Dreamy is often associated with trouble/despair. For example, Rosanna behaved as a woman in a dead shortly before her death. I'm a bit nervous about this character.

Interesting he chose this word--moral--when Candy has been shown to be physically incapable.

This is so funny. He's gone senile. Or perhaps he always was.

In contrast to his newly wizen appearance.

I cannot believe a flu caused such a drastic change to him! How did this come about?

Franklin seems almost sarcastic in all of these lines. I could almost see his air-quotes as he recounts this.

Are they truly great friends then? Why is this detail included?

Is that the end of their relationship!? It's so unsatisfying.

So very honest, straightforward, and unabashed!

Wow! What a twist! Earlier in the tale, in Bruff's narrative, we were given the assurance that this tale will end without the use of magic to explain it all, but I cannot think of any way to explain this but magic. He cannot be drunk, or sleepwalking. Perhaps someone impersonated him? But that's too convoluted. I cannot think of how this could be resolved.

This may be true, but we are reading a story, so this must relate to the main storyline somehow.

Oh, does he have another piece of the puzzle?

Why is Candy named so?

Why did Ezra take notice of him?

This is an interesting comparison to make. Why did he compare them to Jesuits? What preconceptions does he have of them?

Another gross generalization of women in this novel. Especially since Rachel is shown to have very strong principles.

That's interesting he thinks so. I wonder why he holds this viewpoint.

I have never heard this in my life.

This is especially true in a detective novel. So many innocent people were thought of as suspicious!

Technology has really changed things since this tale was written.

She reminds me of Catherine, the plain alien immigrant in a Japanese animation who was originally a cat burglar but ended up working for a kindly old woman at a bar.

I'm not sure how I feel that Cuff doesn't recognize her. Ii guess he just sees stereotypes--generalizations--rather than actual people. Which is why he pinned down Rachel as The Daughter With A Hidden Debt rather than trying to know her better.

His background is very similar to Rosanna. it's an interesting reversal where now Betteredge acts coldly towards him and Franklin has a favorable impression.

Franklin seems to find him beautiful. Is this just Betteredge's prejudices coming out?

I can't believe this event is being recalled NOW. It's so far in the future.

What a peculiar appearance! Franklin spent so many lines writing about him--he must be significant somehow. I wonder what his relationship is to the story.

The ancient East <--> new West comparison is interesting. Why are these words associated with each other?

The women have not been consulted much on this case, but if Penelope had been asked and treated kindly earlier, they would've progressed much quicker on the case!

Her clothes, as well as her rank that permits her to wear such clothes and what they imply.

The importance of class is made apparent here. Even the dreaming Rosanna who ignored the warnings of her glass admitted she was not behaving like a lady of her rank.

Betteredge has a strong aversion to facts.

How interesting! Did everyone suspect him of stealing the Moonstone? Is that why Rosanna committed suicide and Rachel dislike him?

I wonder if it really is him. Perhaps in an altered state of mind?

I cannot believe the audacity! Littering! Nowadays people are much more conscious of this.

This is a very different description of the quicksand than Rosanna's.

It's so sad that Betteredge has to remind Franklin of Rosanna's wishes. Betteredge was the one who treated Rosanna kindly and thoughtfully in his narrative too.

This whole exchange is funny to me, but I cannot pin down why, exactly.

Immediately, Franklin ignores Rosanna's wishes.

Betteredge is very social, to know a random lad by name, or the town is very small, so everyone knows each other.

How pitiful that Rosanna has no place in Franklin's mind at all. She explicitly specified she does not want anyone to overlook him when he carries out the memorandum instructions, implying he wants to keep the letter a secret as well, but Franklin handed Betteredge everything without a second's thought.

Why did Rosanna specify Lucy, who she knows is a man-hater?

That's an understatement.

Interesting that she is compared to an apparition so frequently, because Rosanna died. Perhaps Limping Lucy embodies the ghost of Rosanna, whom she is close to, carrying out her will after death.

I particularly enjoy this inclusion of "probably." Franklin Blake acknowledges that Betteredge could very well be making things up as the translator from this dialect to polite English.

It also emphasizes the fact we aren't reading this family's words firsthand, or even quoted, but it's been translated by another figure, going through an additional layer of indirection.

The females in this novel tend to be described with fierce eyes.

That is an interesting thing to notice. Betteredge, the other narrator who had described her had said: "A dark, keen, clever face, and a nice clear voice, and a beautiful brown head of hair counted among her merits." He didn't draw any particular attention to the hair.

Preconceptions of the East ("Orientals") are showing through in Franklin's narrative as well.

Such realistic writing! Much more so than Bruff's word for word quotation of a man on his deathbed 5 years ago.

Bruff means: Hearty; jolly; healthy. Proud; elated. Rough in manner.

I find him rather civil and polite so that's interesting to me.

The way he phrases it implies he knows how Rachel relates to the missing Moonstone. He didn't know why Rachel wanted to cover it up at the end of his narrative. What changed for him since?

Such good friends! I wonder if Betteredge will visit, as Cuff had invited him earlier. Why is Cuff retiring so soon though? He mentioned what he wanted to do when he retires, but didn't seem to give any indication that he wants to retire soon.

Betteredge is very straightforward and not very good at being duplicitous. Cuff had also noticed this in Betteredge's narrative.

That's true! Rachel no longer lives there and her mother is gone. Why are they still employed there if their employers are gone?

Betteredge's bibliomancy is well known.

Why is he so emotional?

Oh! Why does she refuse to see him? Because she still has conflicting feelings towards him?

Because he loved her, or because of her character? He said the man had an impenetrable face, so he seems to think he was not speaking the truth. Is someone else trying to get in the way of the two from being face-to-face?

Betteredge seems to be very serious and takes things at face value. This perspective from Franklin helps inform us of what to keep in mind when reading Betteredge's perspective.

So many people are dying! The Colonel, Rosanna, Miss Verinder, and now Mr Blake as well! Verinder died from a heart disease, but I wonder if there is any foul play in Mr Blake's death.

Interesting that the English have such confidence in the protection of the bank strongrooms as to believe the Indians won't try to steal it when it's in there (a view reflected when Franklin retrieved the stone from the bank for Rachel's birthday).

I wonder why he's taking the show-not-tell approach to explaining to Bruff the motives of the Indians.

Bruff seems to take pride in being different. It makes sense because he likes all that is different (foreign). It would also explain why he likes Rachel so much--she doesn't act like the other ladies, which he had stated before in a complimentary way.

Bruff humbles himself (Oh, just little ol' me) which implies that he thinks despite how "plain" he is, he is still worthy of ignoring all the political talk for.

It seems that Bruff, like those who have written before him, also has an obsession of his own. This time, it's not books, but the foreign (India). He doesn't have very favorable opinions of those who are very English (Godfrey, Luker), and keeps gushing about the Indians and India (showing great respect to Murthwaite, who had visited India--"magnificent," "eminent")

Oh! I wonder what he means by this!

He's also got detective fever, it seems.

Bruff shows a high regard and fascination with the Indians and constantly belittles others and compares them to the Indians.

This is interesting because Rachel had also been compared to a cat (supple too, I think).

Is this what he was after this entire time? He wasn't truly interested in getting money, but in getting to know the customs. Perhaps it has something to do with the diamond being given as a deposit. He is just trying to understand the local customs.

Bruff seems to have much respect towards the Indian. He really admires his behavior and doesn't seem to care much that he could've easily been killed if the situation was different.

Interesting that Luker had no money to lend. I wonder why this is the case.

Why does he want money? Because he has been staying far from home for much longer than he expected and his current funds ran out? Especially since he rented two apartments recently (in Clack's tale).

This sounds almost patronizing.

Before, (in Betteredge's narrative) the brown color of the Indians' skin has frequently been compared with goods--mahogany, coffee, etc. Betteredge had also treated them suspiciously. Bruff also knows about the Indians and the desire they have for the Moonstone. It surprises me that he is so complimentary of the Indians, unlike Betteredge.

That is actually very far.

Such as Cuff! Perhaps she shut herself up in her room because of her tendency to withdraw into herself to mull over events, and Cuff misconstrued her intentions and ended up thinking she is guilty, not knowing her personality.

I find it interesting because Bruff seems to find calling a woman a man a high compliment (such as telling Clack she would go far if she was a man). Also interestingly, Clack also kept saying Rachel was like a "young man."

She is indeed quick to perceive. She was able to see through Godfrey's facade, but not through his current lies that lead to their engagement. I wonder why. Perhaps she was too hysterical.

What does Rachel think she owned to him? Is she marrying out of guilt?

It's interesting to me he doesn't wish to find out more. As he is a lawyer, I would expect him to doggedly pursue the truth to the fullest extent rather than immediately draw conclusions.

This emphasizes how blinded by greed and "small"-minded Mr. Smalley is. Given the name of the client, it makes sense. The task is morally ambiguous, so only those motivated by greed without qualms of the consequences of their actions on other people would agree to carry out the task.

What is the point of the inclusion of this detail? Is this to emphasize how suddenly Verinder had died? No one had expected her death to occur so soon and so suddenly, so there were not many who would want to ask for the will, so it had not been copied yet. Perhaps it's because they had revised the will recently.

She didn't even say the blessed word of God, which is what the reader would expect given her current flow. This goes to show that although she seems very religious, in the end, she isn't truly "Christian" just like Betteredge, and is just reading (wo)man written works religiously.

The Ablewhites seem to be a very self-interested and duplicitous group of people. Always saying one thing when meaning another, and always looking out for self-gain.

This seems significant. Mr Bruff isn't just a lawyer, he's now the trusted old friend. I think the words they've exchanged on the walk is related to this.

Godfrey's character is as Rachel had originally thought: very selfish and wiling to say anything for his own betterment!

Her opinion has changed drastically! I wonder what Bruff told her that caused her to change her mind so.

The tract Clack read in the beginning was "A Word With You On Your Cap-Ribbons." It would be interesting tracing the phrase cap-ribbons through her narrative, as Betteredge makes no mention of it.

Rachel seems to have come to a thought she hadn't thought of before due to Bruff, and Bruff seems to have newfound respect for Rachel, which is incredibly strange to occur at the same time, so I wonder what transpired between them.

Their differing views of happiness is interesting and I would be interesting in looking further into this.

I wonder why she thinks that. Could it be because of merely the change in attitude towards Clack that caused Clack to reevaluate her opinion of Rachel?

Clack was incredibly lucky at that moment. Is this a coincidence, however?

This is the first time I've seen Clack refer to him as unholy/negatively.

Wow! What an intense exchange! I had expected her to reject him still. She truly is honest.

Rachel likes Godfrey? But she viewed him as a selfish man, and rejected him many times. Relationships are confusing.

Because Clack likes him, so she views Rachel spurning him favorably,

He's rather hasty. She doesn't even have a neutral opinion of him yet, much less a positive one.

Is the woman she speak of Franklin Blake? Has she discovered his secret and become disgusted with him? But she still loves him. That would explain why she refused to meet with anyone and seemed mad at Franklin.

Detective fever, perhaps?

Dramatic irony.