The Coronation Murder
The narrative unfolds in a dark, atmospheric setting, exploring themes of betrayal, murder, and the supernatural. The story is structured in four parts, each revealing layers of a complex relationship between characters, particularly focusing on Delilah and her husband, Becker. In the first part, Delilah reflects on her actions, drawing parallels between herself and Jael, a biblical figure known for her decisive and violent act against an enemy. Delilah justifies her own violent act against Becker, portraying herself as a lion who confronted her prey rather than a stealthy serpent. Her internal conflict is evident as she grapples with the morality of her actions, seeking validation for her choices. The second part introduces a ghostly Becker, who rises from his grave, haunted by his own demise. He witnesses Delilah in a serene state, seemingly untroubled by her actions. The imagery of Becker's ghostly form and Delilah's calm demeanor creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the horror of the murder. Delilah's prayers for the royal family juxtapose her violent act, highlighting the duality of her character. In the third part, Becker's ghost engages in a conversation with his son, Henry, who is tormented by the memory of that fateful night. Becker warns Henry against seeking revenge, revealing his own sense of entrapment and despair. The dialogue underscores themes of legacy and the burden of familial expectations, as Becker's ghostly presence looms over Henry's life. The final part shifts focus to a parrot, a seemingly innocuous creature that becomes a witness to Delilah's confession. The parrot's ability to mimic and perform adds a layer of dark humor to the narrative, as it plans to entertain others with a reenactment of the murder. This twist serves to highlight the absurdity of the situation and the idea that stories of violence can be trivialized in the eyes of the observer. Overall, the work delves into the psychological ramifications of murder, the complexities of human relationships, and the interplay between life and death, leaving readers to ponder the nature of justice and the consequences of one's actions.
By Robert Graves · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Mystery, Drama · 946 words
First lines
In Four Parts
"Fairplay's good sport, and we're all mortal worms. " -- Mrs. Delilah Becker.
What this Textopian page supports
The Coronation Murder is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mystery, Drama, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 946 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Coronation Murder by Robert Graves
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Coronation Murder?
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- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in four parts with a lyrical and rhythmic style, characteristic of poetry.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder, creating suspense and intrigue typical of the mystery genre.
- Drama — The themes of betrayal, death, and familial conflict contribute to a dramatic narrative.
- Historical Fiction — The references to historical figures and events suggest a backdrop of historical context.
Tags
murder · mystery · historical fiction · crime · investigation · suspense · drama · political intrigue · royalty · England · 20th century · detective