Chapter 11 Summary

"About Accidental Death "

"About Accidental Death" returns the narrative to 1943. The testimony given at the Coroner's Inquest is set out, where the Coroner confirms for the public record that the death of Freddie Parr was "accidental." Henry Crick, who fished Freddie's body from the river, is seen by Tom, walking along the towpath, saying why? Why? Why? Jack Parr, Freddie's father, attempts to commit suicide by having a train run over him, but no train comes.

Chapter 11 Analysis

This chapter title is intended as an ironic one, as it becomes clear that the death of Freddie Parr was murder. Swift uses the reactions of Henry Crick as discoverer, and Jack Parr, as father, to contrast reaction to sudden and seemingly inexplicable loss.