Why is Ben’s handkerchief important in season 3 of “Only Murders in the Building?”
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The handkerchief, traditionally a symbol of refinement, grace, and bygone eras, has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence in the mesmerizing narrative of "Only Murders in the Building". Yet beyond its tangible importance as a clue, the handkerchief symbolizes much more. In this article, we will unwrap the layers of mystery surrounding this piece of cloth, delving into its historical, symbolic, and narrative significance.
History of the Handkerchief
To truly understand the weight of the handkerchief in the narrative, it's important to take a brief detour into its history. Handkerchiefs have been in use for over two millennia. Ancient Romans used them to wipe sweat from their brow during the heat, and they were a status symbol during the Renaissance, adorned with lace and embroidery and flaunted by the elite.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, they took on more romantic and symbolic meanings. A handkerchief might be a keepsake between lovers or be used to send coded messages during courtship. They could signify a beginning or an end, a bond or a breakup.
Symbolism in Context
In "Only Murders in the Building", the missing handkerchief is more than just a piece of evidence. It represents a tangled web of relationships, loyalties, and betrayals. Kimber's missing handkerchief, a gift from Ben, is reminiscent of those courtship days where a piece of cloth held messages of love, trust, or deceit.
But why was it significant? Was it merely an innocent token of affection, or did it hold deeper secrets? Did it contain traces of the anti-aging serum? Or perhaps whispered messages between Kimber and Ben?
Narrative Importance
The show masterfully uses the handkerchief as a pivot. Mabel's sleuthing leads her to suspect Kimber, not just because of her ties to Ben but because this tangible object is missing. It's a breadcrumb in a trail that winds through the glamorous halls of New York's elite and dives into the gritty underbelly of secrets, crimes, and half-truths.
Kimber's decision to sell the handkerchief online is also a narrative twist. In an era of digital transactions, ephemeral stories, and online influencers, the selling of a tangible, symbolic object like a handkerchief online bridges the gap between the tangible past and the digital present. This act ties back to the very essence of the show – modern mysteries in classic settings.
Beyond the Cloth
Yet, as the series progresses, the handkerchief is more than just a clue; it's a metaphor. For the secrets we keep, for the personas we project online, and for the truths that are often hidden in plain sight. Like the handkerchief that might seem simple but can hold a myriad of meanings, every character in "Only Murders in the Building" is multi-faceted, holding onto their own secrets and truths.
Conclusion
As "Only Murders in the Building" unravels its mysteries episode by episode, the handkerchief stands out as a testament to the show's ability to weave historical and symbolic elements into its modern narrative. It is not just about who committed the crime, but about the layers of human emotions, relationships, and secrets that intertwine to create a gripping tale. The handkerchief, in all its embroidered elegance, serves as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest of objects can unravel the biggest of mysteries.
