I was discussing History of religions with some pals at the gym and this very interesting point came up. Something interesting for me anyway, but I thought of sharing it with you, fellow writers. The argument was turning around the ten commandments, according to my coach (who studied religions in school), "thou shall not kill" is an erroneous translation of "thou shall not murder" and that both words had very different implications. Let's dig a little deeper and see how pertinent it is today:
According to The Free Dictionary:
Killing (noun): Murder, Homicide
Killing (Adjective): Fatal
So, what about homicide?
Homicide: The killing of one person by another.
...and murder?
Murder: The unlawful killing of one human by another, especially with premeditated malice.
OH! Now we're tapping into something interesting. Murder is unlawful and with premeditated malice. See, I have always been fascinated with the problematic of law in fiction. One of the reasons why I like American writers so much because they have such a unique spin on it. Rare are those who see the law as something entirely applicable. Unlawful and unfair are most often mixed up, even swapped. Let's check out the definition of both terms:
Law: A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority.
Fair: 1) A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority.
2)Just to all parties; equitable
3)Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial
4) Consistent with rules, logic, or ethics
5) Lawful to hunt or attack
6) In a proper or legal manner
7)Directly, straight
These are only 7 of the 15 definitions. Those I thought who applied the most to the problematic at hand. Deeming something as "unlawful" because it's unfair is to venture into a vast grey territory that could or not involve the "law" as understood by the dictionary. I like definitions 2 and 4 in regards to Solace. Am I dealing with the implications of just cause and just retribution here? Completely.
Law and Morality are such amazing playing fields in fiction. The justifications for your characters action all turn around the language you're (they're) ready to use to explain and rationalize the irrational. Who would've guessed the kid that fell asleep in tenth grade English classes would have one day so much fun with language?
