“Morse stared morosely at the blotting paper. "It's just not my sort of case, Lewis. I know it's not a very nice thing to say, but I just get on better when we've got a body - a body that died from unnatural causes. That's all I ask. And we haven't got a body.”
In this quote from Colin Dexter's novel, Detective Morse expresses his preference for cases involving bodies that have died from unnatural causes. Morse's morose demeanor highlights his dissatisfaction with the current case lacking a body.
Inspector Morse's statement reflects his preference for cases involving murder rather than more abstract or complex investigations. His focus on cases with bodies that have died from unnatural causes indicates his comfort with solving crimes that have clear and tangible evidence. This quote showcases Morse's character and his approach to detective work.
In this quote from Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse series, the titular character expresses his frustration at not having a body to investigate. This sentiment may still resonate with modern audiences who are used to crime dramas focusing on solving murders. The absence of a body in a case can add layers of complexity and intrigue to an investigation, challenging detectives to think outside the box and rely on other evidence to piece together the puzzle.
When faced with a case that doesn't involve a body or unnatural causes of death, why do you think Morse seems disinterested or disconnected? How does this preference for a particular type of case impact his investigative skills and approach? Does this reveal anything about Morse's character or personality traits? How do you think Morse's attitude towards different types of cases could affect his relationship with his colleagues and the overall success of the investigation?
“Walters looked quizzically at Morse, who sat reading one of the glossy 'porno' magazines he had brought from upstairs."You still sex-mad, I see, Morse," said the surgeon."I don't seem to be able to shake it off, Max." Morse turned over a page. "And you don't improve much either, do you? You've been examining all our bloody corpses for donkey's years, and you still refuse to tell us when they died.”
“During the few minutes that Lewis was away, Morse was acutely conscious of the truth of the proposition that the wider the circle of knowledge the greater the circumference of ignorance.”
“There's always time for one more pint. - Chief Inspector Morse”
“It is strange to relate (for a man in his profession) that in addition to incurable acrophobia, arachnophobia, myophobia, and ornithophobia, Morse also suffered from necrophobia; and had he known what awaited him now, it is doubtful whether he would have dared to view the horridly disfigured corpse at all.”
“I always drink at lunchtime. It helps my imagination.”
“...though I am still...exceedingly puzzled as to why our murderer should decide to draw almost inevitable attention to himself by wearing such a conspicuous pair of plimsolls and running around Burford for two and a half hours.”