The Moonstone | Second Period, Third Narrative, Chapters 1–2 : The Discovery of the Truth (1848–1849) | Summary

Summary

Third Narrative, Chapter 1

The Third Narrative is subtitled "Contributed by Franklin Blake." It is the spring of 1849, and Franklin Blake has cut short his travel in the East upon getting word of his father's death. He'd gone abroad to put Rachel Verinder from his mind, but he returns to England to accept his inheritance.

Blake is still in love with Rachel. When he speaks to Mr. Mathew Bruff of his frustrations, they are both puzzled by her behavior. Blake decides to go to Yorkshire and vows to Bruff he will find the Moonstone.

Third Narrative, Chapter 2

Blake approaches the Verinder house and greets Gabriel Betteredge, who is distressed to hear he and Rachel are still at odds. He suggests Blake stay at Hotherstone's Farm, which is closer than Frizinghall.

Blake tells Betteredge that the mystery of the Moonstone has brought him back to Yorkshire. Betteredge informs him Sergeant Cuff has retired to private life in Dorking. He then mentions Rosanna Spearman's letter. He and Betteredge plan to fetch it first thing in the morning.

Analysis

Franklin Blake steps into the narrative as a narrator rather than just an editor. He also restarts the investigation into the disappearance of the Moonstone—now he functions as the primary detective force driving the search, especially with Sergeant Cuff having retired.

Readers also see that his feelings for Rachel Verinder are still as strong as ever. Her coldness confuses him, spurring him to prove himself. Despite Godfrey Ablewhite's description of Christian heroism, he is never doing anything particularly useful or interesting. He never appears particularly attached to Rachel, whereas Blake always expresses his feelings for her. The contrast between the two men is marked. Blake is obviously the better choice for Rachel, despite Betteredge's initial comments to the contrary. Ablewhite and Blake are meant to be foils for each other: Ablewhite appears a perfect fit on the outside but there is something wrong beneath the surface, while Blake at first seems to be a wastrel but is really a decent man underneath.