Famous Last Words

Analyze how Katie Alender’s use of italicized passages shifting into murder victims’ perspectives creates narrative empathy and serves the novel’s exploration of trauma and connection.

Reed transforms murder into performance art by recreating classic film scenes, positioning himself as both the director and audience of his crimes. What does his obsession with the “golden age” of Hollywood reveal about his psychology? How does it serve as a commentary on the ethics of Hollywood in that era?

How does the Hollywood setting function as an active force in shaping character motivations and moral choices? Consider how the entertainment industry’s emphasis on image and performance creates an environment that enables both Reed’s crimes and other characters’ deceptions.