ESSAY #4: KILLINGS VS. IN THE BEDROOM
DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010
@ 12:00 NOON EDT
ESSAY TOPIC: “Killings” (the short story) vs. “In the Bedroom” (the movie)
ESSAY TITLE: ESSAY #4: KILLINGS VS. IN THE BEDROOM
ESSAY STRUCTURE: Compare and contrast
ESSAY QUESTION:
Frank Fowler begins a relationship with the spouse of Richard Strout, and ends up being shot by Richard Strout because of it. Richard is arrested, but gets out on bail and walks around town seemingly taunting Frank’s grieving parents. Unable to bear the injustice of his son’s murderer walking free, Matt Fowler takes the law into his own hands and avenges his son’s murder by killing Richard Strout.
The short story “Killings,” by Andre Dubus, was first published in the New Yorker Magazine in 1980; the movie adaptation, “In the Bedroom,” was released in 2001.
Compare and contrast the short story and the movie within the context of love, hate and revenge. Identify and discuss the significant differences between the short story and the movie. For example:
Which plot is more compelling? Why?
Is Frank Fowler in any way responsible for his own murder? Why, or why not?
Which plot garners more sympathy for the Fowlers? Why?
Which plot garners more sympathy for Richard Strout? Why?
Does either plot justify Matt Fowler's revenge killing? Why, or why not?
Does either plot justify Matt Fowler's revenge killing? Why, or why not?
Does either plot justify Frank Fowler's murder? Why, or why not?
ESSAY VALUE: 100 points
ESSAY GUIDELINES: Be sure to follow the guidelines for preparing and submitting your essay. Essay guidelines are available at this link:
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