Murder Of Helen Jewett example essay topic

In The Murder of Helen Jewett, Patricia Cohen uses one of the most trivial murders during the 1800's to illustrate the sexiest society accommodations to the privileged, hypocritical tunneled views toward sexual behavior, and the exploitation of legal codes, use of tabloid journalism, and politics. Taking the fact that woman was made from taking a rib from man was more than biblical knowledge, but incorporated into the male belief that a woman's place is determined by the man. Helen had the proper rearing a maid servant, but how did she fall so far from grace. Judge Weston properly takes credit for rearing her with the proper strictness and education. Was Helen seduced at an early age and introduced to sexual perversions that were more persuasive that the bible belt life that the Weston's tried to live? Was Helen simply a woman who knew how to use what she had to get what she wanted?

Through personal correspondence, legal documentation, census reports, paintings, and newspapers we are able to make our on determinations. Cohen provides more than enough background and history to allow any one to make their own opinion how the murder of a woman could be turned into a side show at a circus. Helen Jewett, a prominent New York prostitute, was murdered and not only was this rare but a heinous crime. Helen's murder brought to the forefront the industry of prostitution. This would include the owners, managers, and the clients.

In the Victorian era, in New York City, men and women roles within the society were as different as night and day. A man regardless of his extra curricular activities could still maintain a very prevalent place in society. A woman's worth was not only based family name which distinguished her class and worth, but also her profession if that was applicable. During this time in society the industry of prostitution was an economic gold mine. The women operate the brothel while very distinguished men in the community own and take care of the up keep. The brothel keepers are seen as nothing more than common home wrecking whores.

However, the owners of the brothels are viewed as successful business men. For example, John Livingston, brother to President Jackson's, Sec of State, own the 41 Thomas St brothel. Men of great wealth and statue were frequent to this address. John Livingston came to own some 30 luxury brothel buildings. His high class brothels were located next to churches, private residence, and businesses, but the society saw nothing wrong with that. Now look at Rosina Townsend who maintained the brothel.

Mrs. Townsend's brothel was a high-end brothel, but her reputation or her word was worth mo more than a piece of dirt in the bottom of your shoe. This was demonstrated the most during the trial. Judge Ogden Edwards spent an entire hour instructing the jury. The judge instructed the jury to weigh all characters involved, victim, accused, and witnesses. He instructed that the prostitutes were not to be believed unless corroborated by respectable individuals.

He went as far as to try to establish an alibi for Robinson in respect to visiting the brothel on the night of the murder. If the jury felt Robinson's guilt was beyond doubt, then to convict him; if not acquit. The collective attitude of society was to look upon Mrs. Townsend negatively for the participation in the brothel, but the owner still walked away with no spot. With all of eminent moral reformer they could not or should it be said would not point a finger at a respectable property owner. The owner not only benefited economically but could participate in the activities of the house. Upper society need to place the blame on someone for the corruption that prostitution has on men.

There needed to be someone who was responsible for the to corruption; so lets blame it on the prostitutes. The book touches on this a couple of times, but it does not really get into it. The newspapers make mention of "agents" a couple of times, but do not give names of individuals. Newspapers use the murder of Helen to promote their journalistic abilities and to bring important issues out that are normally seen and not spoken of.

This time in history was a very pivotal point in journalism expression, many journalists used this trial to express themselves and ideas that would normally not expressed. Attree a crime reporter for the Transcript was one of the first to start a media craze. Attree not only a reporter, but a long time client of Helen Jewett made sure that there was plenty of coverage of the trial and her life. Bennett another reporter took a different approach to covering the murder. He was looking at the murder and wondering how a young respectable man could be accused of such a heinous crime. He refused to believe that this crime could be committed by a man with such a promising life ahead of him.

These two reporters were very influential in taking a local crime and sending it nationwide. New York had half a dozen newspapers that felt intentionally that the case was not news worthy. The only news worth reporting was political and economic news. The penny papers however had not problem and was all over it like white on rice. The bigger newspaper did come around when they say the revenue that the penny papers were getting and how much. The larger papers finally realized that they would not be able to compete with the penny papers unless they began to cover this murder.

The eventually wrote it off on public interest. The competition of newspapers and penny papers was a driving force for the better coverage. The Helen's murder became front page news, never was dull story printed. They told the history of Helen Jewett and the many aliases. They told of the young girl who was introduced to such an elicit sexual behavior at such a young age. The newspapers were able to turn a murder of a woman into some what of an erotic tale.

There was intrigue and mystery surrounding not only the murder but the life of a prominent New York prostitute. Through out the book no matter what other points Patricia Cohen may have been trying to make there is one point that she is driving home. The point that is most prevalent throughout the book is that Robinson killed Helen and he is getting away with it. Robinson and Helen have been involved in a very intense relationship for a number of years.

Robinson began establishing a pattern of jealousy with Helen early in the relationship that could have the potential to lead to violence. In one letter Robinson tells Helen that I have done to you, as I have never done to anyone else, (in the case where other gentlemen are concerned). This I hope will be forgiven, as there is no harm done, and let the Circumstances justify the act. This apology clearly shows Robinson apologizing for a display of anger that Robinson had shown toward Helen. After this episode there are more explosions and he must also ask for her forgiveness. The eve of the murder Helen insured that Richard would be the only visitor that she would receive for the night.

When a young suitor called upon Helen he covered his face as he entered the house. This was customary for Richard to do. As the young suitor made his way up the steps Helen greeted him by saying, Richard I'm glad that you could make it. Helen retired to her room with her suitor and they remained there for the some time.

Helen emerged from her room around 11: 00 pm asking for a bottle of wine and Mrs. Townsend delivered the wine and engaged in brief conversation while noticing the young man lying on the bed reading. She was very familiar with Robinson and was able to say without a doubt that he was the one that was in the bedroom with Helen. No one saw him leave nor did anyone let him out. Mrs. Townsend testified that a man had knocked on her door asking to be let out, but told him to have his woman to come and get the key.

No one returned for the key so there is no possible logical explanation of how Richard got out of the house, nor was a logical possibility of how anyone else could have gotten in the house. There were also several eye witnesses to the fact that Robinson was the owner of the cloak and that the hatchet used in the murder resembled the hatchet missing from Hoaxie's store. Hoaxie just so happened to be Robinson's boss.