Crimes of passion occur all too frequently in today's society, and they carry less severe punishments than premeditated crimes.

Cook hints early on that the crime that occurred on Black Pond was premeditated, yet we come to find out that the true crime was a crime of passion. Given Henry's feelings about his involvement in the Chatham School affair and the deaths of innocent people that occurred, Cook's plot fuels discussion for which, if either, crime is more devastating. Furthermore, what is the true punishment for any crime that involves the death of innocents? Could Henry's punishment be any greater than the guilt he inflicts on himself and the loss of passion for life he suffers as a result? We sympathize with Henry, and we understand his longing for passion. But does this justify what he did?

No one knows the true nature of the crime...