Chapter Thirty-Three: Miriam’s Past and a Startling Arrest

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Miriam sits with her box of keepsakes, noting that a key from the boat and Lorraine’s earring are missing. The objects help her revisit important moments, such as her encounter with Daniel on the boat and her escape from the farmhouse. She reflects on the night she fled the farmhouse: she prayed, climbed out a broken window, and hid in a ditch as a car passed. She recalls horrible thoughts—praying that the man would take his time with Lorraine—and later pocketing Lorraine’s earrings. Miriam acknowledges that she lacks essential goodness.

At the bottom of the box lies a dog ID tag. This triggers the memory of a day when, overwhelmed by rage from a rude customer, a near-accident with a cyclist, and a panic attack, she found a dog tearing into her recycling bag. She snatched the dog, took it to her cabin, and slit its throat with a sharp knife. Later she dumped the body in the canal behind Theo’s house, enjoying his fruitless search. Now she decides to confess that killing to Myerson, both to punish him and to ease her own conscience. She marches to his house but stops at the sight of him being escorted by police into a car. Miriam laughs with joy. Recovering, she notices an old man in a wheelchair watching her; their eyes meet, and the hair on the back of her neck stands up.

Key Events

Miriam examines her keepsakes and realises the key and Lorraine’s earring are missing.
She recalls her escape from the farmhouse, her selfish prayers, and taking Lorraine’s earrings.
Miriam admits to herself that she is not morally good.
She remembers killing a dog in a fit of rage and disposing of the body.
She decides to confess the dog killing to Myerson.
Miriam witnesses Myerson’s arrest by two police officers.
She laughs in relief and elation.
A mysterious old man in a wheelchair stares at her, frightening her.

Character Development

Miriam’s inner world is laid bare. She confronts her own capacity for violence and selfishness, acknowledging that she lacks moral fiber. The dog-killing episode demonstrates her loss of control and ability to transfer hatred onto an innocent creature. Her plan to confess to Myerson reveals a need for absolution mixed with a desire for revenge. The unexpected arrest of Myerson momentarily lifts her spirits, but the appearance of the old man in the wheelchair introduces a fresh wave of fear, hinting that her past may not stay buried.

Myerson is briefly seen in handcuffs, suggesting that the investigation into Daniel’s murder has taken a new turn—or that his own crimes are catching up with him.

The old man in the wheelchair is unidentified but provokes a visceral reaction from Miriam. His sudden presence and steady gaze imply he could be a witness, an accuser, or someone from her past who knows her secrets.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Guilt and Confession: Miriam’s urge to confess is central. She imagines a priest or confessor and considers which transgression to reveal first. Her decision to tell Myerson about the dog is a twisted form of confession meant to punish him and relieve herself.
Keepsakes as Memory Triggers: The collection of objects (the key, earring, silver cross, dog tag) symbolises Miriam’s attempt to hold onto moments that define her, even the monstrous ones. The dog tag, in particular, reminds her of a moment she lost control.
Moral Ambiguity: Miriam judges herself “not good,” yet she feels satisfaction at Myerson’s arrest and laughs. The chapter blurs the line between justified relief and moral failure.
Surveillance and Exposure: The old man in the wheelchair appears as an observer. His gaze suggests that Miriam is being watched, that her actions are not hidden. This echoes the theme of secrets being exposed.
Water and Cleansing: The dog’s body is dumped in the canal, and Miriam cleans up blood; water is associated with both disposal and a futile attempt to wash away guilt.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Miriam’s backstory by exposing her most violent act (the dog killing) and her lack of remorse. It also advances the plot: Myerson’s sudden arrest raises questions about who is being held accountable and for what. The introduction of the wheelchair-bound old man adds a new layer of intrigue and potential danger. Thematically, the chapter reinforces the novel’s exploration of hidden crimes, the desire for confession, and the costs of moral compromise.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Miriam keep the dog ID tag?

She keeps it as a tangible reminder of a moment she lost control and attacked an innocent animal. The tag represents her guilt and her recognition of her own monstrous nature; she uses it to remember that transferring hatred to another being is pointless.

2. What does Miriam plan to confess to Myerson, and why?

Miriam plans to confess that she killed and disposed of Myerson’s dog. She wants to punish him (since he will be distressed) and simultaneously relieve her own burden of guilt. She believes Myerson will not go to the police because it would force him to admit to how the conflict began.

3. What is the significance of the old man in the wheelchair at the end of the chapter?

The old man appears immediately after Miriam’s elation at Myerson’s arrest. His steady gaze and the fact that he seems to be watching her cause a physical reaction of fear. He may be someone from Miriam’s past (possibly related to the farmhouse or to Irene) or simply a witness who could connect her to other crimes. His presence re‑introduces tension and the threat of exposure.