Helen Jialong Wu

January 5, 2014

Discussion 3 Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers Chapter I to Chapter VII

The Judge ascertains that Philip Boyes died of arsenic poisoning, but whether it was
a suicide or a murder remains to be investigated.
The prisoner, Harriet Vane, is defended by Sir Impey Biggs. Harriet Vanes publisher
is Mr. Crofts from Crofts & Cooper. Philip Boyes solicitor is Mr. Norman Urquhart.
Philip Boyes father is the Rev. Arthur Boyes. Philip Boyes publisher is Mr. Cole of
Grimsby & Cole. Sir Impey Biggs friend, Lord Peter Wimsey, is a patron of Miss
Climpson who is a member of the Jury.

Who are the major characters in this case? What facts do we know about
them? What are his or her opinions on other people concerned in this case?
Who does she or he believe is the criminal, and who the innocent?
On what does the Judge have conviction? On what does he have reserved
confidence? What important dates and time has he mentioned? Of what does
he dissuade the audience from taking too much consideration? What
scenarios does he offer as explanations of Boyes death?
What kind of person is Harriet Vane? Who is important to her? What
evidence undermines her case, and what strengthens it?
What kind of person is Lord Peter Wimsey? According to him, who are the
suspects? What evidence has he collected about them? What doubts does he
still entertain?
What kind of person is Miss Climpson? What motives does she offer as
explanations of murders? Which ones are eliminated?
Who do you think are the suspects? What evidence do you have? What
doubts do you have? Why do you think Lord Wimsey wants to prove Harriet
Vane innocent so badly?