In essence, Orwell bemoans the absence of really interesting and intriguing contemporary murder literature. This, he postulates, is due to the fact that the prevalent type of crime is changing from what he feels are "perfect" murders to more mundane and non-memorable homicides. He mentions nine well-loved murder cases made into a plethora of literary renderings, novels to Sunday newspapers, from Jack the Ripper to Joseph Smith, and contrasts them with details of more recent lackluster accounts.
For a News of the World reader, Orwell describes the warmth and domestic comfort of a British Sunday afternoon, replete with fireplace and gastronome pleasures, brought to the height of well-being only by the reading of a good murder. A conceivable Orwellian outline of a compelling murder scenario might involve both a pitiable murderer and victim alike:.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 322 words. This
study guide contains 24,733 words (approx. 82 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Shooting an Elephant Access Pass.
