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Volume 2, Chapter 4
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Caleb Williams, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Hierarchy, Tyranny, and Oppression
The Legal System
Morality and Corruption
Reason vs. Passion
Truth and Justice
Summary
Analysis
During one of his “lucid intervals,” Falkland is required to act as a judge in a murder case. Since the subject of murder consistently sends Falkland into a disturbed state of mind, Caleb keenly observes Falkland during the presentation of this case to see if Falkland will give anything away. Indeed, Falkland appears anxious and reluctant to be involved in this situation. When the accused declares how guilty he feels for causing what he describes as a fatal accident, Falkland rushes out of the room in despair.
Once again, Caleb is eager to determine the meaning behind Falkland’s demeanor, as though he’s an investigator collecting clues to identify criminal suspects. Falkland’s anguish is notable, but it’s unclear whether Falkland is distressed because he identifies with the murderer or because this trial has brought up upsetting memories of when he defended himself against accusations of murder years ago.
Themes
Caleb immediately plunges into the garden and exclaims aloud that Falkland must be Tyrrel’s murderer. He feels sure that this is true, even though his reason reminds him that he still has no evidence that would hold up in court. Suddenly, Caleb perceives someone walking nearby. He wonders if the figure is Falkland and hopes no one overheard his proclamation of Falkland’s guilt. Later that evening Falkland disappears again, and the servants assume he’s wandering restlessly in the wilderness again.
Caught up in the excitement of his revelation, Caleb suffers a lapse of judgement. It’s unwise to accuse Falkland of murder aloud where anyone could hear him. In this moment, Caleb is swept up by passion, which causes him to form conclusions without solid proof and to overlook caution by voicing them. Falkland’s ominously timed disappearance likely doesn’t bode well for Caleb either.
Themes
