Mob Mentality/Bystander Effect

One of the primary themes within the novel is the concept of the mob mentality and the bystander effect. The concept behind the mob mentality phenomenon is that when an individual, such as David or the others, is involved in a group, that group becomes the norm by which standards are judged. In other words, if acting alone, David and the others would not likely have taken part in the abuse of Meg. However when placed as part of a group, the individual consciousness is overrun by the standards set forth by the group. Willy and Donny would likely not have been violent with Meg, and certainly would not have raped her, had it not been for the previous actions of the group. As part of a group, they feel protected, and less guilty of their crimes, even though individually, they never would have completed...