The Silkworm

“The space under the eaves was small by any standards, and especially for a man of six foot three.”

Like many of Galbraith’s protagonists, Strike is described as living simply and humbly. Despite his newfound fame with his previous case, he occupies a cramped apartment that can barely fit him physically. The image of Strike stooped under the eaves becomes symbolic of his outsider status, both literally and socially constrained. The confined physical setting mirrors the emotional burden he carries, reinforcing his internal resistance to success or comfort.

“Robin had not told Strike the date of her and Matthew’s wedding, nor that she had told Matthew that she wished to invite her boss.”

Strike’s contentious relationship with Ellacott’s fiancé is established early on. Ellacott herself is typically caught in the middle, attempting to soothe both men’s egos and keep the peace. This moment reflects the novel’s theme of Gender and Power, as Ellacott hides information not to deceive, but to protect the fragile masculine pride of the two men who attempt to control her emotional bandwidth.

“Egotistical bastard, he sounded, flouncing off into the darkness with his precious book.”

At first, Strike assumes Quine’s wife is correct that he has run away to a retreat. As he relaxes at home after taking her case, he has regret about taking it but imagines finding Quine easily and returning him to his family. The mocking