Institutional Corruption and the Failure of Authority

Paul Murray's Skippy Dies presents a devastating critique of institutional corruption through its portrayal of Seabrook College, where those in positions of authority consistently prioritize self-preservation over the welfare of vulnerable young people. The novel demonstrates how systemic failures create the conditions for tragedy when institutions abandon their fundamental responsibilities to protect and nurture those in their care.

The Automator embodies the dehumanizing force of bureaucratic ambition. His transformation of the 140th anniversary concert into a memorial for the still-living Father Furlong reveals his manipulative opportunism, while his handling of Skippy's sexual assault exposes the depths of institutional corruption. Rather than involving law enforcement or protecting other potential victims, the Automator orchestrates a cover-up complete with non-disclosure agreements and financial bribes. His decision to quietly transfer Coach Roche to another school perpetuates the cycle of abuse while protecting the institution's...