unit 3 Discussion Q1 #1

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School

Park University *

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Course

300J

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by MateClover17185

The way that Jeff Lindsay writes his novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter is a way of exploring the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas of Dexter Morgan’s actions as a vigilante serial killer. On one hand, Dexter can be seen as an acceptable or heroic serial killer because he only targets other murderers who have evaded the justice system and he follows a strict code of conduct taught by his adoptive father Harry, a former police officer. Dexter believes that he is doing a community service for the public by eliminating dangerous criminals who would otherwise harm innocent people. He also helps the police solve crimes by using his expertise as a blood spatter analyst. For example, in the novel, Dexter helps catch the Tamiami Butcher, a serial killer who mutilates his victims and leaves them in public places1. On the other hand, Dexter can be seen as an unacceptable or villainous serial killer because he still kills people without any legal authority or due process. He also enjoys killing and feels no remorse or empathy for his victims. He admits that he has a “dark passenger” inside him that drives him to kill and that he is a “monster” who wears a “mask” of normality1. He also puts his family and friends at risk by keeping his secret from them and lying to them constantly. He also faces challenges from other characters who question his morality and ethics, such as his adoptive sister Debra, a detective who works with him, and Brian Moser, his biological brother who is also a serial killer1. Therefore, whether Dexter Morgan is an acceptable or heroic serial killer depends on one’s perspective and values. Jeff Lindsay writes his novel as a way of exposing the flaws in our communities or justice system by showing how some criminals can escape justice and how some people can take justice into their own hands. He also shows how society can be hypocritical and judgmental by expecting people to conform to certain norms and standards. He also challenges the readers to think about what makes someone human and what makes someone evil. He creates a complex and fascinating character in Dexter Morgan who is both a hero and a villain, a savior and a destroyer, a human and a monster.

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