- 1. In 'The Journalist and the Murderer,' Janet Malcolm delves into the ethical complexities of journalism and the relationship between truth and narrative through the lens of a high-profile murder case. The book recounts the story of the 1976 murder of Deborah Spungen, the daughter of a well-known music promoter, by her boyfriend, who was subsequently convicted. Malcolm focuses on the dynamic between the journalist, who seeks to uncover the truth and craft a compelling story, and the murderer, who desires to control the narrative of his own experiences and justifications for his actions. The book not only explores the impact of the media in shaping public perception but also critiques the moral ambiguity that can arise in the pursuit of a story, suggesting that journalism can often be a predatory exercise where the subjects of stories are reduced to mere characters in the journalist's narrative. Malcolm's incisive prose raises profound questions about the responsibilities of journalists to their subjects, the nature of truth, and the intricate dance of power that exists between the storyteller and the story.
What is the primary subject of Janet Malcolm's 'The Journalist and the Murderer'?
A) A step-by-step guide to investigative journalism
B) The biography of a famous murderer
C) A history of American newspapers
D) The ethical relationship between journalists and their subjects
- 2. Jeffrey MacDonald was convicted of murdering his:
A) Wife and two daughters
B) Business partner and assistant
C) Neighbors
D) Parents and brother
- 3. Joe McGinniss wrote a book about MacDonald titled:
A) Helter Skelter
B) In Cold Blood
C) Fatal Vision
D) The Executioner's Song
- 4. What was MacDonald's primary accusation against McGinniss?
A) That McGinniss stole money from him
B) That McGinniss plagiarized his life story
C) That McGinniss provided false evidence to the police
D) That McGinniss betrayed him and believed he was guilty while pretending to be his friend
- 5. Malcolm famously opens the book by stating that every journalist is a kind of:
A) Artist
B) Hero
C) Historian
D) Confidence man
- 6. What psychological concept does Malcolm explore extensively in the book?
A) Greed
B) Betrayal
C) Altruism
D) Narcissism
- 7. The book was originally published as a two-part article in which magazine?
A) The Atlantic
B) The New Yorker
C) Harper's Magazine
D) The New York Review of Books
- 8. How did McGinniss maintain his relationship with MacDonald during the trial?
A) By writing letters expressing belief in his innocence
B) By refusing to speak to the prosecution
C) By paying him a regular stipend
D) By testifying on his behalf
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