Killings Questions and Answers
Killings
The significance of setting and nature in Andre Dubus's "Killings"
The setting and nature in Andre Dubus's "Killings" underscore the themes of loss and revenge. The rural setting reflects the isolation and emotional turmoil of the characters, while nature often...
Killings
"Killings" as both a love story and a murder story
"Killings" intertwines themes of love and murder by depicting a father's deep love for his son and the subsequent act of vengeance against his son's killer. The narrative explores the complexities of...
Killings
The significance of the title "Killings" in Andre Dubus's short story
The title "Killings" in Andre Dubus's short story signifies the cycle of violence and retribution that permeates the narrative. It reflects the central events of the story, particularly the murder of...
Killings
What is the resolution to the major conflict in "Killings", if any?
The conflict of this story is the internal conflict in Matt Fowler. His desire for revenge against Strout leads him to plan a murder and then execute it. However, the true conflict is his ability...
Killings
What symbolism and irony did Andre Dubus use in the opening paragraph of "Killings"?
In the opening of "Killings" by Andre Dubus, symbolism is evident in the funeral setting, including the casket and grave, representing the family's grief. The apple orchard across the river...
Killings
What could be considered symbolic in the short story, "Killings"?
Symbolism plays a role in the short story, "Killings." The symbolism is found in the cemetery overlooking the orchard, and in Frank's choice of burial site versus Strout's unceremonious dumping into...
Killings
What effects does the event order in Dubus' "Killings" have? How would a chronological order affect the story?
The short story "Killings" by Andre Dubus tells of a father's plan to kill the murderer of his son. The story begins at the funeral of Matt's son Frank. It then describes the effects on Matt, his...
Killings
What is the point of view in the story "Killings"?
The point of view in “Killings” is third-person limited, because it only shows us the thoughts and feelings of one character: Matt.
Killings
Where in "Killings" does it suggest that Matt will regret killing Strout?
In "Killings," Matt is a father with a broken heart after his youngest son is shot and killed. Matt finds it painful to see the man who committed the crime, Richard Strout, walking free after posting...
Killings
Why does Willis assist Matt in seeking revenge?
Willis assists Matt in seeking revenge due to shared personal experiences and skepticism about the justice system's fairness. As a WWII veteran and successful businessman, Willis empathizes with...
Killings
In "Killings" by Andre Dubus, how do the details of Richard's killing reveal Matt's emotions?
In "Killings" by Andre Dubus, how do the details of the killing and disposal of Richard’s body reveal Matt's emotions?I need a psychological criticism on "Killings" by Andre Dubus.
Killings
What might happen next in Dubus's Killings, and how could murdering Richard Strout affect Matt Fowler?
In "Killings," Matt Fowler's murder of Richard Strout may not bring him peace or closure. The loss of his son Frank has already strained his marriage with Ruth, and the act of vengeance could deepen...
Killings
In Dubus's Killings, what moral conflicts does Matt face?
The book Killings by Andre Dubus III is about a man named Matt Fowler who is dealing with the grief of his son's death while trying to figure out what to do with a killer who has been released on...
Killings
The writing style and language used in "Killings"
"Killings" employs a straightforward and unembellished writing style, characterized by clear and concise language. The narrative is direct, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters and the...
Killings
What are three flashbacks in Andre Dubus's Killings, and how do they affect the story's characterization, theme, and...
As the story opens, Matt Fowler is attending his youngest son Frank’s funeral. Before the reader actually learns that Frank has been killed, Dubus jumps back in time to provide background information...
Killings
What does the flashback in "Killings" reveal about Richard and how does it affect your view of him?
Readers learn that Richard Strout has passed up at least two opportunities to better his life before he kills Frank Fowler. He receives a football scholarship to the University of Massachusetts but...
Killings
How do you feel about Matt's act of revenge in Killings?
Matt's act of revenge in "Killings" by Andre Dubus raises complex moral questions. While the grief of losing his son Frank and seeing the killer, Richard Strout, free might evoke sympathy for Matt,...
Killings
Compare the murder motivations between Mrs. Wright in "Trifles" and Mr. Fowler in "Killings."
"Trifles" and "Killings" both deal with murder cases committed against men by women, but the motives for the murders are very different. The actions of Minnie Wright in "Trifles" are motivated by...
Killings
Can you help me compare and contrast "Killings" and "The Cask of Amontilado" for my thesis?
I think it is good, but you should go over the compare/contrast thesis again and make sure it is logical and flows right. Also, in your thesis you say that Matt Fowler and Montresor are similar in...
Killings
What are the plot, character, setting, point of view, and theme in "Killings"?
The short story "Killings" by Andre Dubus is set in a 1970s working-class town in Massachusetts. The plot follows Matt Fowler, who takes revenge on Richard Strout for murdering his son Frank. The...
Killings
How does love drive the plots of "A Rose for Emily" and "Killings"? Why is "Killings" plural, and how are flashbacks...
In "A Rose for Emily" and "Killings," love drives the plot through obsession and revenge. Emily kills out of a distorted sense of love shaped by her upbringing, while in "Killings," Matt and Ruth...
Killings
What does Matt order Strout to do when he first pulls a gun on him in "Killings"?
In Andre Dubus's "Killings," when Matt first pulls a gun on Richard Strout, he orders him not to talk, to unlock the front and back of the car, and to get in. This occurs as Matt and his friend...
Killings
What were Ruth's objections to Frank's relationship with Mary Ann in "Killings"?
Ruth's objections to Frank's relationship with Mary Ann in "Killings" have mostly to do with her marital status. Mary Ann is still married to Richard Strout, and they have two children together. Ruth...
Killings
Does Richard Strout suffer as much as Matt Fowler in "Killings"?
In "Killings," Richard Strout and Matt Fowler both experience significant suffering, though it manifests differently. Matt suffers immensely from the loss of his son, Frank, which is somewhat...