Date of Award

11-20-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Rhetoric and Writing

First Advisor

Earnest Cox

Abstract

There is psychological, historical, and scientific research into the social implications of media and the responsibility of audience. This thesis observed a rhetorical connection between media and the celebrity of high-profile serial killers. The research findings of this analysis began with the 1800s studying literature written in Victorian London with an appreciation for murder eventually leading into the high-profile coverage of the Whitechapel Murders of 1888 committed by history’s still most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper. This analysis discovered a pattern of language usage in media depictions of serial killers found in the coverage of this case and multiple high-profile cases since, specifically, Ted Bundy and The Green River Killer. The findings reveal a glorification of the serial killer leading to representations of these individuals in films such as Silence of the Lambs and television series such as Dexter. While this research is conducted strictly for the sake of theoretical interest, the results recommend audiences be more aware of their participation in the creation of these media depictions.

Download

Share

COinS