Second Paper on Murder, Considered as One of the Fine Arts

Second Paper on Murder, Considered as One of the

The work presents a satirical dialogue centered on the aesthetic appreciation of murder, framed as a conversation between a character and a doctor. The narrator, who identifies as a connoisseur of murder, defends his interest in the subject against societal condemnation. He argues that murders can be evaluated for their artistic merit, much like works of art, and insists that one can appreciate the nuances of different murders without endorsing them. The narrator recounts his experiences with a club dedicated to discussing murder, where he faces slanderous accusations of promoting homicide. He emphasizes his moral stance, claiming he has never committed murder and expresses concern over the decline of murder as an art form. He describes his nephew, who aspires to be a murderer but lacks the requisite talent, and a servant who misunderstands the nature of the art, both of which illustrate the narrator's belief in the need for a refined approach to murder. The narrative shifts to a character named Toad-in-the-hole, a misanthropic member of the club who laments the degradation of murder as an art. His eventual re-emergence into society coincides with a sensational murder in London, which he views as a revival of artistic standards. The club organizes a celebratory dinner to commemorate this event, where various toasts are made, reflecting on historical and contemporary practices of murder. Throughout the dinner, the conversation oscillates between humor and absurdity, with Toad-in-the-hole frequently interrupting and drawing attention to the art of murder. The narrator attempts to maintain decorum while addressing the historical significance of murderers and their methods, including references to ancient assassins and the evolution of murder techniques. The climax of the dinner features a toast to Thugdom, celebrating a notorious group of murderers, which incites wild enthusiasm among the attendees. Toad-in-the-hole's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, culminating in his ejection from the gathering. The work concludes with a humorous and chaotic atmosphere, underscoring the absurdity of the entire premise. Overall, the piece critiques societal attitudes toward violence and morality, using dark humor to explore the boundaries of art and ethics in relation to murder. It challenges readers to consider the nature of artistic appreciation and the often blurred lines between admiration and moral judgment.

By Thomas de Quincey · First published 1857 · Genre: Satire, Philosophical Essay, Dark Comedy · 8,402 words

First lines

DOCTOR NORTH: You are a liberal man: liberal in the true classical sense, not in the slang sense of modern politicians and education-mongers. Being so, I am sure that you will sympathize with my case. I am an ill-used man, Dr. North -- particularly ill used; and, with your permission, I will briefly explain how. A black scene of calumny will be laid open; but you, Doctor, will make all things square again. One frown from you, directed to the proper quarter, or a warning shake of the crutch, will set me right in public opinion, which at present, I am sorry to say, is rather hostile to me and mine -- all owing to the wicked arts of slanderers. But you shall hear.

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Second Paper on Murder, Considered as One of the Fine Arts is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas de Quincey, dated 1857 CE.

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murder · fine arts · philosophy · literature · essay · critique · aesthetics · violence · crime · psychology · morality · society

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