The Third Policeman is about a man who becomes involved in a surreal and bizarre world after committing a murder to fund his obsession with an eccentric philosopher's theories. He encounters strange characters and odd phenomena that challenge his understanding of reality and existence.
Table of Content
The Third Policeman Book Summary
The narrator, an unnamed man, is obsessed with the eccentric scientist de Selby. He plans to invest in de Selby's work by stealing money from John Divney, who he murders.
After the murder, the narrator meets the Sergeant and is led into a surreal world where he encounters the bizarre activities of the police force.
He discovers that the world is not what it seems, as the policemen are involved in odd pursuits, such as searching for the elusive 'one-legged men' and the mysteries of 'omnium'.
As the narrator's understanding of reality is shaken, he learns about 'The Third Policeman', a mythical figure who may be a key to unlocking the secrets of the strange world he has entered.
Through a series of peculiar events, the narrator becomes increasingly entangled in the dark and absurd universe of the policemen, where time and space appear to be distorted.
His obsession with de Selby's work continues to drive him, and he becomes desperate to find a way back to his own world.
The narrator uncovers that his own existence is tied to a bicycle and that he may have already died and entered into an afterlife that mirrors his former life but with significant differences.
He confronts the truth that he is the ghost of the murdered Divney, and the entire story has been his purgatorial journey, repeating the events of his murder and the surreal experiences with the policemen over and over.
In a final twist, the narrator encounters de Selby, who is also trapped in this purgatorial cycle, and it is hinted that they will continue to relive the events of the story for eternity.
The novel ends with the suggestion that the narrator could break the cycle by refusing to be acknowledged as Divney, but it is left open whether he has the strength to do so.
The surreal and absurd elements throughout the narrative serve to question the nature of reality and existence, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and philosophical contemplation.
The story is a darkly comic exploration of life and death, with themes of identity, perception, and the consequences of obsession running through its complex plot.
The Third Policeman Quotes
- There is no sin in the world until the King sees it.
- I am a man who is not, and I am very fond of O'Brien. He has a bright smile.
The Third Policeman Ending Explained
At the end of The Third Policeman, the narrator discovers that he is the ghost of John Divney, whose life and murder he has been reliving.
He is trapped in a purgatorial existence, where time and space have lost their meaning, and the surreal events with the policemen are an endless cycle.
It is hinted that the narrator may have the power to break the cycle, but the novel concludes with an ambiguity as to whether he can or will do so, leaving the reader with a sense of unresolved tension and existential reflection.
Characters in book The Third Policeman
- The Narrator: The main character, a nameless man who is obsessed with the work of de Selby and is led into a bizarre world after committing a murder.
- John Divney: A local man who is murdered by the narrator for his money to invest in de Selby’s work.
- The Sergeant: A policeman who is obsessed with the writings of de Selby and introduces the narrator to the surreal world of the police force.
- The Policemen: Eccentric characters who are deeply involved in bizarre and seemingly meaningless activities.
- Mathers: The most peculiar and sinister of the policemen, with a unique and mysterious relationship to the bicycle.
- de Selby: A fictional philosopher whose incomprehensible works play a central role in the narrator's obsession and the events of the story.
Key Lessons
- Question Reality: What you perceive as real may not be the ultimate truth, and it's crucial to continually question and reevaluate your understanding of the world.
- Guard Against Obsession: Obsession can lead to a distorted reality and have severe consequences on your perception and actions.
- Embrace the Unknown: Embracing the unknown can be a path to discovering new realities and broadening your understanding of the world.
- Seek Personal Identity: Gaining a true sense of your own identity is vital for understanding your place in the world and your journey through life.
- Value Reflection: Reflection on your past actions and on your reality can lead to important insights about yourself and the world around you.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Third Policeman worth reading? Totally! I loved its intricate blend of dark humor and philosophical depth. The surreal narrative kept me engaged throughout.
I was fascinated by the complex exploration of existence and the mind-bending ideas it presented. However, I found the lack of clear resolution somewhat frustrating, as the story's ambiguity left me with more questions than answers.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy philosophical fiction and are open to a challenging and deeply thought-provoking narrative. It's not a light read, but it offers a unique and mind-expanding experience that is sure to linger with you long after finishing it.