In 5 pages, this essay considers DuBus' short story, and how his words cut deeply into the human experiences with the amazing notion of a group of people within a certain geographical area caring for each other.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_BBadubus.doc
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
It is spoken of with almost the reverence of a saint being pierced with a sword. Somehow in this new century, the idea of a group of people, in
a given geographic area caring for each other is perceived as an amazing concept. Andre Dubus sets his 1991 short story "Killings," in such a community, but Dubus is
not a writer of surfaces, his words dig mine shafts into the human experience, and dare to come to the surface with the glint of treasure. The Story The initial
temptation with this story is to wrestle with the idea of revenge. A young man, Frank Fowler is killed by Richard Strout, the jealous and estranged husband of his
lover. Although Strout is released from custody, no one will employ him in his own town, where he is already know as a shiftless sort, who was never faithful
to his wife anyway. When, Strout is confronted by Matt, Franks grieving father, Strout the "weanie," tries to excuse his actions by saying, "(Frank) was makin it with my
wife." Almost as an exercise, which becomes more real, the more it is discussed, Matt and his friend Willis plan to murder Strout. This is usually the point
in the story where a judgment is made concerning the validity of revenge. The argument is made that a killing will not restore a life. We are
historically told that judgments over life and death are not ours to choose. It is acceptable, perhaps if we are forced into a life and death situation, or perhaps
in the time of war, or even defending ones home. But to say-I am going to take this overt action because I choose to, is a sticking point for