# How does The Greene Murder Case develop the theme of The Unnatural and Grotesque?

> The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine

## Answer

The Greene Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine develops The Unnatural and Grotesque across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The murders are described as 'most foul, strange and unnatural,' with the crime scenes, family relationships, and the murderer's methods evoking a sense of horror and unreality that transcends ordinary criminality.

The epigraph directly invokes the unnatural and grotesque nature of the murder, framing the crime as something beyond ordinary villainy.

Rex's peaceful expression despite being shot at close range in daylight creates an eerie and unnatural contrast.

## Evidence

- [epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_greene_murder_case_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph directly invokes the unnatural and grotesque nature of the murder, framing the crime as something beyond ordinary villainy.
- [xiv-footprints-on-the-carpet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_greene_murder_case_se/chapters/xiv-footprints-on-the-carpet.md): Rex's peaceful expression despite being shot at close range in daylight creates an eerie and unnatural contrast.

## Links

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