Darkly Dreaming Dexter By Jeff Lindsay

1161 Words5 Pages

Liking a serial killer is generally frowned upon, but in the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, he makes us like one. Jeff Lindsay makes the audience like Dexter, but as the book continues the view of him decays to a point of concern and pity. This view towards him continues until the affection towards him is reinforced as he chooses to remain human. Lindsay uses this type of protagonist to convey ideas of society, like not knowing who someone truly is, and showing that heroes do not always do the right thing, until it matters most. Some readers can see this in Dexter through ought the book as he conceals his identity. In the beginning and middle of the book, Dexter seems oblivious, comedic, and likable as you see his human side. …show more content…

Soon after, he changes back into his human persona, which some readers can like and relate with. For an example, when he is describing Rita and her unreasonable expectations for men and dating, he takes the role of her perfect man (56). This is very relatable, due to men’s attempt to fulfill some women’s high standards, in which Lindsay relates Dexter to the male audience due to their constant struggle to fulfill a woman’s wishes. Men like people they can relate to, and relating with their women experiences helps create a bond of understanding, respect and friendliness. Dexter also acts in a comedic way on how silly she sounds, and how she is just a ploy to seem human, this creates a comedic and friendly atmosphere. By creating a light atmosphere with his feelings, the reader sees him with a more friendly view. Though Dexter says he does not have any feelings of affection towards Rita, his experiences and thoughts toward her contradicts himself in saying so. When he is working out with her and enjoying “sweating” with her, (57) Dexter is experiencing human feelings and relations with her. This creates a more presentable person, who readers can relate to more. Many times, an important step in coming to like someone is relating to them. By Lindsay making Dexter relatable he is trying to make us like him. He experiences real, relatable human experiences despite what he says, which creates a bond of affection between the reader and