A Trick of the Light

Through Gamache’s investigation of the art world, Penny explores the dangers of competition, especially in fields where power and prestige are scarce. Through Clara’s broken friendship with Lillian, and her strained marriage, Penny presents the destructive power of jealousy from multiple angles, all of which highlight its ability to break down trust and hamper true creativity.

The issue of jealousy and competition is apparent in Lillian Dyson’s life, as it is in Clara’s. Clara remembers Lillian’s resentment when her art was praised as the moment “the fissure had widened. Some cracks let the light in, some let the darkness out” (46). Whereas Clara’s artwork focuses on light, joy, and the possibility of redemption, Lillian’s jealousy shattered their friendship, and she continued her critical career in the same vein. The artists Normand and Paulette confess that Lillian intentionally drove them apart with rumors about one another. Lillian sought to create resentment, as if demanding the world conform to her inner turmoil.

Peter’s arc demonstrates how jealousy can ruin emotional lives, not just careers. Peter continually lies to himself and others about his support for Clara, leading Gamache to wonder, “if he had lied about that, what else had he lied about?” (51), implying that Peter’s deceptions have made him a murder suspect.