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1
Why does Virgil ask Endicott what the orchids grow in?
Virgil and Gillespie have arrived at the Endicott plantation to speak with Mr. Endicott who is seen in his greenhouse growing orchids of all varieties. In particular, one orchid grows is a substance called osmunda fiber. This is a key piece of evidence because Colbert's body was found with osmunda fiber near it, which is a rare substance. It causes Virgil to link Endicott to Colbert's murder.
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2
Why was Colbert murdered?
Colbert's murder is the reason that Virgil has stayed in Mississippi as his police Chief has asked him to help investigate the homicide with the local Mississippi police. Virgil finds many clues that potentially lead to multiple people becoming suspects but we learn that Ralph is the man who murdered Colbert. He did it by accident. Ralph had gone to rob Colbert of the money necessary for Dolores to get an abortion and in the process he killed Colbert.
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3
Why does Sam bring Virgil into the station?
Sam has brought Virgil in to meet with Gillespie, the Sheriff. He's done so without questioning him at all, and after Gillespie has laid down quite a long speech about protecting his town he learns that Virgil, like himself, is a police officer from Philadelphia. Sam has brought Virgil in as a suspect in Colbert's murder simply because he is a black man in Mississippi.
In the Heat of the Night Essay Questions
by Norman Jewison
Essay Questions
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