The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm
- 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) The biography of a famous murderer
B) A history of American newspapers
C) The ethical relationship between journalists and their subjects
D) A step-by-step guide to investigative journalism
- 2. Jeffrey MacDonald was convicted of murdering his:
A) Parents and brother
B) Wife and two daughters
C) Business partner and assistant
D) Neighbors
- 3. Joe McGinniss wrote a book about MacDonald titled:
A) The Executioner's Song
B) In Cold Blood
C) Helter Skelter
D) Fatal Vision
- 4. What was MacDonald's primary accusation against McGinniss?
A) That McGinniss stole money from him
B) That McGinniss provided false evidence to the police
C) That McGinniss plagiarized his life story
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) Hero
B) Historian
C) Confidence man
D) Artist
- 6. What psychological concept does Malcolm explore extensively in the book?
A) Betrayal
B) Greed
C) Altruism
D) Narcissism
- 7. The book was originally published as a two-part article in which magazine?
A) The Atlantic
B) The New York Review of Books
C) The New Yorker
D) Harper's Magazine
- 8. How did McGinniss maintain his relationship with MacDonald during the trial?
A) By paying him a regular stipend
B) By writing letters expressing belief in his innocence
C) By testifying on his behalf
D) By refusing to speak to the prosecution
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