Symbolism, Setting, and Objects from The Alienist

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Letter from Killer - Sara comes into possession of this item, which is sent to Mrs. Santorelli. The team uses this item to learn a great deal about the killer, including his obsession with Indian mutilation.

Dageurreotype - One of these items appears on the lid of a box that holds the heart of Japheth Dury's mother.

Murder Report - Moore is given this document, which includes the same type of mutilation that has appeared in the boy-prostitute murders. The document leads to the discovery of Japheth Dury and the genesis of...
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