The Moonstone Plot Summary: Key Questions & Chapter Analysis

English26 Aug 20255.87 KB

The Moonstone: Key Plot Points and Chapter Analysis

The Moonstone received its name partly due to its color and partly because of superstition.
A curse stated that anyone who tried to steal it would suffer.
Three Hindu priests, belonging to the Brahmin caste, guarded The Moonstone.

Lord Herncastle was the brother of Colonel Herncastle, who had committed murder to steal The Moonstone.
Lady Verinder wanted Betteredge to stop working as her gardener and become her house steward.
She remembered that as children, Colonel Herncastle had been unkind to her.

The Shivering Sands was an area of quicksand at the end of one of the walks from the Verinders’ home, named for its trembling appearance.
Franklin Blake wanted to cause Rachel trouble and unhappiness.
He put The Moonstone in the bank at Fritzinghall.

Franklin Blake stopped smoking, which made him restless and unable to sleep.
The three men were Brahmin priests who had come to England on a serious mission.
He drank brandy and water to help him sleep.

The three Indians had been seen arriving in Fritzinghall between 10 and 11 o’clock the night before.
Penelope thought that Rosanna had fallen in love with Franklin Blake.

A paint smear was noticed under the lock of the door. It was deduced that if an article of someone’s clothing with a paint stain could be found, and that person could not explain their presence, the thief's identity would be known.
Rosanna’s door keyhole was blocked, but a light was visible under the door, and the sound of a fire was heard, which was strange for June.
Rosanna went to Lucy’s cottage and bought a metal box and two chains from Lucy’s father.
Sergeant Cuff suspected Rachel Verinder.

According to the shopkeeper, why did Rosanna buy the cloth?
She bought the cloth to make herself a new nightgown.
How did Rachel react when Blake tried to say goodbye?
She ignored him.
Why did Lucy refuse to give Betteredge the letter for Blake?
Rosanna had asked Lucy to hand the letter to him personally.

Why did Miss Clack leave Bible reading in Montague Square?
She hoped that her relatives would read the material and become better Christians.
What were Godfrey Ablewhite and Septimus Luker suspected of doing?
Godfrey Ablewhite was suspected of giving The Moonstone to Septimus Luker as a guarantee for a loan.
Why did Lady Verinder want to see her lawyer, Mr. Bruff?
She wanted to see him about her will.
Why did Mr. Bruff believe Blake had not taken the diamond?
Mr. Bruff did not believe that he had a motive to steal the diamond, because if he married Rachel he would be rich and also because he was not under pressure to pay his creditors back quickly.

According to the law, how long did someone who borrowed money have to pay back a loan?
What did Mr. Bruff deduce from the Indian's visit?

What had happened to Mr. Candy?
Why did Mr. Jennings think that Blake had taken the diamond, and what did he suggest they should do to confirm his theory?