A Burnt-Out Case Lesson Plan

In many ways, Parkinson is similar to the other characters in the novel (Rycker, Father Thomas) who twist Querry into their own desired interpretation, but how is he different?

Like Rycker and Father Tomas, Parkinson is heavily invested in the narrative of Querry as a saint. The key difference, however, is that Parkinson is cognizant and honest about his deception. Whereas Rycker and Father Thomas delude themselves about Querry's piousness, desperately needing it to be true to validate their personal beliefs, Parkinson is openly cynical. He believes that the story of the saintly Querry will sell and is perfectly willing to fudge the details as needed to add drama....