Analysis Of Darkly Dreaming Dexter

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Serial Killers, Born or Created? Dexter, born as a serial killer or did a traumatic event from early childhood create the serial killer? In Darkly Dreaming Dexter, the main character is a sociopathic serial killer who leaves a meticulous crime scene and collects a drop of blood on a microscope slide from each of his victims as a memento. Popular culture (media) espouses the belief that child abuse, traumatic events, and emotional neglect, triggers something in the mind, which causes people to become serial killers. However, psychological studies indicate that certain people may inherit a set of genes that programs the brain for anti-social and violent behavior. Although unstated, the author of Darkly Dreaming Dexter hints at that very …show more content…

Dexter uses the “Code of Harry,” the rules his father taught him about not getting emotionally involved, leaving a perfect crime scene, blending into society, and choosing only victims who deserve to be killed (Lindsay 44). Being careful meant not only about the crimes, but also about life. To blend in with society, Dexter finds a girlfriend, is jovial at the workplace, hangs out with his sister, and studies normal people in order to mimic their mannerisms. All of these behaviors mask Dexter’s real …show more content…

Dexter’s foster father who was a cop, and who Dexter did not love, but deeply respected. Dexter has a sister, Deborah, who is also a police officer. As he narrates to the reader, Dexter shares that if he had the capacity to love, he would love Deborah. Rita, Dexter’s girlfriend, who he has no real feelings for, but whom he uses to appear normal to society. The serial killer whose crimes he and Deborah are investigating, and who Dexter longingly thinks of as a kindred spirit. Finally, there is Dexter’s alter ego, the ‘Dark Passenger’, and which is typical of many sociopaths. Dexter manipulates and charms everyone in his life into believing that Dexter is ‘normal’, except for Harry, who knew the true

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