Synopsis
The novel begins with Bud Corliss returning from serving in World War II. Although he had been a witness of crimes against humanity, Corliss showed no shock from a soldier who had survived as he was a sniper. In fact, the moment he felt power the most was after injuring a Japanese sniper and when he pissed Corliss felt superior to him. This experience in the war references his psychopathic tendencies even though he appears to be a calm person. Later, Corliss returned to the United States and began college. There he met Dorothy Kingship and seduced her because her father worked in the copper industry. He hoped to become rich, but keeping their relationship a secret as he was planning his strategy. When Dorothy said that she was pregnant, Corliss had not intention of taking responsibilities of a father and fears that Dorothy's father would break ties with her and ruin his chance at riches. He created an evil plan where he convinces Dorothy to write a note that could be interpreted as a suicide letter. Then he compleated the suicide by throwing her off a building. Corliss got away without being found guilty because Dorothy kept quiet about their relationship, He returned to his normal days living with his mother, who thinks her son was a model citizen. After several months, he planned to seduce Ellen Kingship, Dorothy's sister. Eventually he made a move on her and she returned his interest. Ellen suspected that Dorothy's death was not a suicide and connected her to Corliss. When she approached him and announced that she knew he murdered Dorothy, he admited it and then killed her. But after all, Corliss continued to seduce Kingship's third sister, Marion. Achieving what he wanted Marion introduced him to her father. Meanwhile, Gordon Gant, a friend of Ellen's, decided to connect the two tragedies, convinced that they were murdered. The moment he found out about Corliss, he became extremely suspicious. One night, he broke into Corliss's mother's house, and found a document of Corliss's plan. Before the wedding Gant travelled to the Kingship house. He showed the document to Marion and her father, that's when they started looking for justice. The novel ends with Marion, Corliss, Gant, and Mr. Kingship traveling to a copper factory in Kingship. When Corliss was standing over a huge basin of molten copper, they told him that they knew of his crimes and that he would get what he deserved. Corliss shocked attempt to escape but he fell into molten copper. It is there that the protagonist received his karma by dying with the metal he thought would bring him riches.
Personal Opinion
In my opinion it is an easy to read and entertaining book. It also teaches you that you should not trust everyone even if they seem to be a good person. On the other hand, I have realized that I have to tread carefully because karma exists.
Student's name
Naroa Ibarguren
iruzkinik ez:
Argitaratu iruzkina