The story "Killings" by Andre Dubus intricately explores the agony and moral complexities faced by a family after the murder of their son, Frank. Set in a Massachusetts town, the narrative unravels with an emotional depth that questions justice, vengeance, and the capacity for brutality in seemingly ordinary lives. Dubus masterfully uses a concise yet vivid style to portray the psychological turmoil and actions of both the grieving parents and the murderer.

A Funeral and an Unbearable Loss

The story opens with the somber scene of a funeral where Matt and Ruth Fowler are grieving the loss of their youngest son, Frank, who was killed at just twenty-one. His siblings, Steve and Cathleen, stand alongside their parents in shared sorrow. The perpetrator of this tragedy, Richard Strout, the estranged husband of Frank's girlfriend Mary Ann, walks free on bail, a stark contrast to the enduring anguish of the Fowler family.

Encounters with the Murderer

Richard’s presence in town is a constant source of torment for Matt and Ruth, exacerbating their grief. Ruth, especially, is unable to face him; she hides when spotting him at a local store. Stories circulate about Richard moving on with a new girlfriend, which only intensifies the injustice felt by the Fowlers.

Richard Strout: The Antagonist

Richard Strout is a character defined by unfulfilled potential and a violent temperament. A former football scholarship recipient, his academic failings led him to drop out of college. He then took up a job as a bartender, married Mary Ann, and fathered two children. Known for his volatile nature, Richard’s life spiraled further as his marriage disintegrated, a situation exacerbated by Frank's involvement with Mary Ann.

The Complex Web of Relationships

Frank, despite being a graduate student and still living with his parents, found solace with Mary Ann, often spending time with her and her children. An altercation with Richard left Frank physically scarred, prompting concern and hesitation from his parents about the relationship. Yet, they were supportive, hoping for a future where Frank could find happiness and stability with Mary Ann.

The Murder and Its Aftermath

Tragedy struck when Richard shot Frank in front of Mary Ann’s children, an act of violence that shattered the Fowlers' world. Matt, once a father who feared everyday accidents, now faced a fear magnified by unimaginable loss. The condolence of others only served as a painful reminder of his grief, while his thoughts often lingered on the life Frank was building, abruptly ended by Richard’s brutality.

A Plan for Retribution

Overwhelmed by grief and the lack of justice, Matt and his friend Willis devise a plan to exact revenge on Richard. They plot meticulously, creating alibis and gathering the necessary tools for their grim task. Despite the moral weight of their intentions, the desire for retribution drives them forward.

The Kidnapping and Execution

Under the cover of night, Matt and Willis execute their plan, forcing Richard at gunpoint into his car. As they drive through familiar landscapes, Matt’s mind drifts to memories of Frank, intensifying his resolve. They reach Richard’s home, and amidst the unsettling normalcy of its cleanliness, Matt confronts Richard. Richard’s feeble justification for the murder paints him as desperate and deluded, yet it does nothing to sway Matt’s course.

A Journey into the Woods

Richard’s final journey takes him out of Massachusetts into the desolate woods of New Hampshire. Faced with the inevitability of his fate, Richard tries to negotiate, but Matt is unwavering. In the solitude of the forest, Matt delivers judgment, the act both a release and a burden, forever altering his and Willis’s lives.

Aftermath of Vengeance