Introduction
Most books concentrate on heroes and villains as opposed to other characters. In fact, minor characters are usually ignored in most novels. This has also been paramount in movies as well as documentaries. It is important to note that victims are sometimes ignored in novels if they are minor characters.
However, it should be noted that victims are important in development of stories. Moreover, they play vital roles in stories. It is therefore necessary that they be actively scrutinized in books. This paper will explore the role and representation of victim (s) in three books namely “The big sleep,” “The pledge,” and “A coffin for Dimitrios”
Victims in “The big sleep”
The novel contains numerous instances of victimization. In fact, it begins with victimization of General Sternwood by Arthur, who threatens to blackmail him with scandalous pictures involving his daughter. In this regard, the general is a victim of circumstance. The second victim seen in this novel is Carmen Sternwood.
She is found drugged and naked in Geiger’s house. The novel is full of victims because characters are killed for unclear reasons. For instance, Brody is victimized for Geiger’s death. Lundgren kills him for a crime he has not committed. Another victim mentioned in this book is Regan who is killed by Carmen. Similarly, Canino, a professional killer, kills Harry Jones. In essence, the novel is full of victims of circumstances utilized to construct the author’s story. Use of victims exemplifies the theme of revenge throughout the novel.
Moreover, it is utilized to solve different puzzles for the protagonist, Marlowe. Therefore, victims play an important role in constructing this story. In addition, they qualify different themes utilized in the novel. For instance, even though Carmen is considered psychic, she kills Regan. This is ironic as well as surprising. Moreover, she attempts to kill Marlowe. In essence, victims play an important role throughout the novel.
Victims in “The pledge”
The pledge is a story about the murder of a girl. The young girl’s mother is terrified about the incident. In this regard, it can be seen that the girl is the victim in this case. A criminal who has no sympathy for children kills her. In addition, someone else is mistakenly held for the crime.
Besides, the girl’s mother is forced to bear the pain of child loss. In essence, to this extent, three characters are victimized here. However, this happens at different stages. The mother is a victim of circumstance. This is similar to the person held for a crime he has not committed. In both cases, they are caught unawares. In fact, they pass through gruesome situations for unknown reasons. On the other hand, the detective also fall victim to his pledge. He faces numerous obstacles to his mission.
However, no one suffers the full consequences of victimization as the young girl who loses her life. She is killed out of criminal acts. It can be noted that victims are used to construct the story in this case. In effect, the girl’s death is used to bring about all the other events in the novel. Victims; therefore, play an important role in the novel.
Victims in “A coffin for Dimitrios”
The novel is about a notorious criminal known as Domitros. The novel contains numerous instances of corruption, assassinations, and espionage, among others. Some of the victims in the novel include Bulic, who is robbed of his money through gambling. Dimitrios also tortures him for information about the maps. In this case, the victim is used to exemplify Dimitrios’ activities. This also includes his friend Grodek with whom Domitrios swindle Bulic. Bulic is extorted, seduced, and destroyed by Dimitrios.
Bulic is describes as a lowly clerk who Grodek wins through flattery words. Moreover, another victim who is paramount in the novel is Bulgaria’s president Stambulisky. Right wing terrorists overthrow him. The victim is used to highlight Balkan’s politics during that era. Other victims of Dimitrios include Peters and Mohammad, among others.
The former is jailed after being betrayed by Dimitrios. Throughout the novel, victims are used to qualify Dimitrios’ vile acts. These include assassinations, corruptions, betrayals, and drug trafficking, among others. Therefore, it can, be observed that victims have been utilized to construct the storylines of the novel. Moreover, they have been used to support themes as well as other elements of the novel. In essence, victims have been used in a structured manner to achieve the objectives of the author.
Conclusion
In all the three novels, victims have been utilized to construct the stories by their various authors. In addition, victims have been used to depict characters in the novels. For instance, in “The big sleep,” death of Regan has been used to depict Carmen as a murderer although others like her father sees her as psychic or childish.
Moreover, in “The pledge,” the girl’s death depicts the killer as a villain in the novel. Furthermore, destruction of Bulic in “A coffin for Dimitrios” depicts both Grodek and Dimitrios as criminals. In essence, victims have been utilized throughout the novel to achieve authors’ goals. In addition, they have been used to vilify villains.