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Summary Of Columbine By Dave Cullen

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Columbine by Dave Cullen analyzes the use of journals and specific language to advance the idea that the massacre that happened on April 20, 1999 was the planned and executed by two boys with horrific intentions. Cullen writes with the intention to share the the somber story, while allowing the readers to understand Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's mental status and prove how the killers felt rather leaving room for assumptions. Cullen emphasis the importance of journals to further the idea that the events of Columbine were executed by two boys with terrible intentions. By quoting the killers journals, the readers are able to know exactly how the kellers felt. As said in the Harris’ journal, “KILL MANKIND.” (Cullen 396). Once the works are …show more content…

The most dominant term used to describe Harris is a psychopath. “They roamed aimlessly upstairs. To civilians, it seems odd that they stopped shooting and entered a ‘quiet period’. It's actually pretty normal for a psychopath. They enjoy their exploits, but murder getting boring, too. Even serial killers lose interest for a few days.” (Cullen 350). The author allows the readers to see the conceding thoughts that come from the killers, and what lies in their minds. In efforts to develop the reader's knowledge of Klebold and Harris’ mindset and thoughts, Cullen treats Klebold as the “follower” while Harris made all the decisions. “Eric was likely proud and inflated, but tired of it already. Dylan was less predictable, but probably resembled a bipolar experiencing mixed episode; depressed and manic at once, indifferent to his actions; remorseless by not sadistic.” (350). Through the use of “psychopath”, the readers become aware of where they each stand mentally as individuals. The crimes committed by Klebold and Harris are described with the choice words such as “psychopath” to further the reader's understanding of their mental status and their appalling thoughts leading to their plan and furthering the knowledge of their horrific

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