Reason In Andre Dubus Killings

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Roman philosopher, Cicero wrote ,“The wise are instructed by reason; ordinary minds by experience; the stupid, by necessity; and brutes by instinct.” Although this idea seems a bit radical or even assumptive, Cicero had a point in that instinct alone cannot be the sole anchor of logical or moral decision making. In Andre Dubus’ Killings, Matt Fowler is presented with one such decision following the untimely murder of his son, Frank: live in uncertainty or (hypothetically) eliminate the problem once and for all. His consequential plan to terminate Richard Strout (Frank’s killer) is guided by Matt’s internal oppositions which overlay the entire plot. This antagonism between instinct and reason within Matt’s psyche is exemplified as he chooses between hypocrisy and integrity, revenge and forgiveness, and family and humanity. Ultimately, instinct triumphs over reason, and Matt takes the life …show more content…
Following the murder and burial of Strout, Matt recounts the series of events that have unfolded: “He saw Frank and [Strout’s wife] making love in her bed...the other girl was faceless, but he felt her sleeping now; and he saw Frank and Strout, their faces alive” (Dubus 10). The other girl Dubus is referring to is Richard’s lover at the time of his death. This passage shows the parallels between Frank and Strout and Matt’s recognition of their humanity. In this is his realization of a life lost rather than a murderer. The idea that Fowler identifies Strout as a man (like Frank) exemplifies his inherent hypocrisy. Frank committed a wrong (sleeping with Strout’s wife); Richard also sinned (he killed a man). Although Matt instinctually justifies his actions over Strout’s, they are not truly superior. His personal vendetta considers Frank to be absolved; however, it does not justify his sinful actions. The loss of Strout’s life accompanies the loss of Fowler’s
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