ACPL Online Book Club discussion

Macbeth said that he dared not to look on it (his murder) again, but Larry did. The book states that getting convicted killers to look on their crime (i.e., to examine the reasons for the offense) is a key to keeping them from killing again. Why do you think that is so important? Question provided by the publisher.

I am not convinced understanding the reason for the crime is sufficient by itself. Newton understands he committed the crime because he was afraid of appearing weak in front of the members of the gang. Just as Macbeth killed Duncan in part because of fear of seeming not to be a real man to his wife, Newton feared seeming not to be a real hood to his peers. He hoped they would not come upon a potential victim and stated he was relieved as the night wore on that they had not come upon someone. He now realizes the courageous thing to do would have been to prevent the murder, or at least walk away. If that is enough to prevent him from killing again, great, but it isn’t satisfying. I would have liked him to acknowledge the pain he caused the friends and family of the victim and his girlfriend having to witness it. Then I think I would feel satisfied Newton will never kill again.