Analysis of S. Berne’s Novel a Crime in The Neighborhood

Suzanne Berne's novel "A Crime in the Neighborhood" delves into the complexities of a quiet suburban neighborhood when a heinous crime disrupts their idyllic existence. In this analysis, we explore an excerpt from the novel that captures the moments leading up to the discovery of the crime. Berne skillfully incorporates elements of traditional crime writing while shedding light on gender roles and societal expectations.

Gender Roles and Societal Expectations

Berne's portrayal of gender roles within the community is noteworthy. The excerpt highlights a clear divide between men and women when it comes to responding to the crisis of a missing child. Men are expected to take on demanding and significant roles in the search effort, while women are relegated to more domestic duties, such as looking after their children. This division reflects the societal expectations of the time, where men were seen as protectors and women as caregivers. Even in moments of crisis, traditional gender roles persist, emphasizing the lack of gender equality.

Furthermore, the differentiation in gender roles can also serve as a commentary on the unequal treatment of women in society. While men are assigned active roles in the search, the female protagonist's life is marked by her father's abandonment. This suggests that society often overlooks or fails to hold men accountable for their actions, while women bear the consequences. By depicting this inequality, Berne highlights how societal injustices can be seen as crimes in themselves.

Analysis of Literary Elements

Summer of 1972: Juxtaposition and Postmodernism

The setting of the "summer of 1972" plays a significant role in the narrative. It juxtaposes the idea of a sleepy, safe suburb with the unexpected occurrence of a crime. The use of the adjective "serene" to describe life before the incident starkly contrasts with the crime itself, creating a sense of irony. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that crime can disrupt even the most tranquil environments.

Moreover, the novel's narrative style, where events are recounted 25 years later, aligns with postmodern storytelling techniques. This approach introduces an element of unreliability, similar to Briony's narrative in Ian McEwan's "Atonement." It raises questions about the accuracy of memories and the potential for fabrication or embellishment. This narrative choice adds an additional layer of complexity and distrust to the story.

Distrust of the Legal System

Berne's portrayal of the community's response to the missing child reflects a deep distrust of the legal system. The police's strict protocols and lack of immediate action contribute to the community's frustration and sense of helplessness. The declarative statement, "that was the police for you," highlights the perceived ineffectiveness of the authorities.

The community's innocence and belief in the absence of villainy in their "sleepy suburb" lead them to dismiss the possibility of a heinous crime. The police's conclusion that the missing boy is "probably off with a friend" reflects society's reluctance to accept the existence of such crimes in their midst. This narrative choice underscores the idea that societal naivety can hinder the pursuit of justice.

Community's Desire for Drama

The community's reaction to the missing child also reveals their desire for drama and a sense of excitement. While they genuinely hope for the boy's safe return, they also crave a dramatic rescue with "rope ladders and dogs." This desire for spectacle contrasts with the horrifying reality of the crime—a molestation and murder. Berne skillfully manipulates the reader's emotions, leading them to expect a dramatic resolution while hinting at the grim truth.

Absence of Information on the Criminal

In traditional crime writing, the focus often lies on the pursuit of the criminal. However, this excerpt neglects to provide any substantial information about the perpetrator. The only potential suspect mentioned is "Mr. Green," who is largely overlooked by the community. Berne's deliberate omission of details about the criminal allows readers to become detectives, engaging them in the process of uncovering the truth.

Emphasis on the Victim

Throughout the excerpt, the victim is referred to simply as a "boy" or a "child." This deliberate choice by Berne emphasizes the vulnerability of the victim and evokes a strong emotional response from the reader. By withholding the boy's name or identity, Berne allows readers to connect emotionally with the victim, heightening the suspense and anticipation surrounding his fate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Suzanne Berne's "A Crime in the Neighborhood" masterfully incorporates elements of traditional crime writing while shedding light on gender roles, societal expectations, and the complexities of suburban life. This analysis of the provided excerpt highlights the juxtaposition of a tranquil suburb with the unexpected crime, the community's distrust of the legal system, and the desire for drama. Berne's storytelling techniques engage readers in the mystery while emphasizing the emotional impact of the crime.

References

1. Berne, S. (1999). A Crime in the Neighborhood. Random House.
2. Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
3. McEwan, I. (2003). Atonement. Anchor Books.
4. Lodge, D. (2011). The Art of Fiction. Penguin Books.
5. Postmodernism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). (n.d.). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2019/entries/postmodernism/
6. Trust and Distrust in American Law and Society. (2002). Russell Sage Foundation.
7. Williams, P. L. (1999). The Alchemy of Race and Rights: Diary of a Law Professor. Harvard University Press.