The Benson Murder Case · Theme
Gender and Criminal Capability
How The Benson Murder Case develops Gender and Criminal Capability.
Vance argues that women are psychologically incapable of committing the cold, calculated murder in the book, dismissing the possibility of a female perpetrator based on gendered assumptions about emotion, method, and physical behavior.
Where it surfaces
- The Benson Murder Case
The discovery of a woman's handbag and gloves near the body raises questions about a female perpetrator, challenging assumptions about women's capacity for violent crime.
- VI: Vance Offers an Opinion
Vance asserts that no woman could have committed the murder, challenging Markham's evidence against Muriel St. Clair.
- VII: Reports and an Interview
Muriel St. Clair's behavior challenges expectations of female suspects; she uses charm and indifference to deflect interrogation.
- XXV: Vance Explains His Methods
Vance argues that a woman could not have committed the murder due to emotional nature, lack of pockets, and the specific circumstances of the crime.