“Killings”, written by André Dubus in 1979, involves several aspects such as revenge, morality and murder. Elements, such as the story title, order of events, and character development, are completely unique. It successfully evokes emotion and suspense as the plot unfolds in sequence. Although it seems easily overlooked, the title "Killings" is very important because the thrill of suspense is left in it. the reader's mind. The title encourages readers to wonder who and what. It’s also a complex setting for the mood of the plot. It implies that a murder has taken place, but that's all the reader knows. a style called “in media res,” a term used to describe the common strategy of beginning a story in the middle of the action or entering on the eve of an important moment (Meyer 2198). In this story, readers are shown that murder not only takes a life, but it can also rob a living person of their self-esteem, their spirit. The story takes place one August morning during a funeral service for Frank Fowler, the youngest son of Matt Fowler (main character of the story). In the first paragraph, Frank's older brother, Steve, says, "I should kill him" (Dubus 107), indicating some sort of revenge. Matt indicates that he also wants revenge based on a conversation with his friend Willis Trottier. Matt tells Trottier "Ruth would shoot him herself if she thought she could hit him" (Dubus 109), implying that she would also seek revenge if she were able. Steve's statement foreshadowed the vengeful mindset that the other characters in the story have. portrayal of his character Matt, we watch him evolve from a very kind and loving father and husband to a m...... middle of paper ...... and release in the hope that he has ended to Ruth's suffering, he overpowered through guilt and isolation. There is irony in Matt's character because readers see his dark side with a desire to kill, but the reader also sympathizes with the grief and guilt of killing another human being, Dubus shows the reader although Matt gets revenge. Frank's death became his own death. There is no doubt that the love Matt had for Frank was the motivation to kill Richard Strout. The story ends with two physical murders and a moral death as well. Revenge comes at a very high price, death. Works CitedDubus, Andre. “Murders.” Meyer, Michael. In Bedford's Introduction to Literature. Ed. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008. 107 - 120. Meyer, Michael. Bedford's Introduction to Literature. Ed. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. that of Martin, 2008. 2189.