The Downfall, Parts 5 through 8 Summary and Analysis

Part 5: Interrogated by the police, Matthews denied any wrongdoing. Matthews story became ideal fodder for an emerging "penny press," a new kind of newspaper that focused on crime and human interest stories rather than financial or political news.

Matthews, with Margaret's help, hired a competent lawyer team, Western and Hill. Margaret announced her intention to divorce Matthews. Due to lack of evidence and a weak case, prosecutors abandon the charge of fraud against Matthews: how could the prove he was not an agent of the Lord? However, murder charges are next handed down, to both Matthews and servant Isabella Van Wagenen. Prosecutors claimed that Matthews, aided by Isabella, poisoned Elijah by tainting blackberries.

The trial was held up for months for various reasons. In the meantime, Ann gave birth to a baby girl.

Part 6: The...