Why didn’t Finn kill Billy? This question has puzzled many readers of Stephen King’s famous novel, “The Body,” and its subsequent film adaptation, “Stand by Me.” The relationship between these two boys is central to the story, and the fact that Finn, the protagonist, chooses not to kill Billy, despite having the chance, raises a multitude of intriguing questions about character, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
The novel opens with a group of boys embarking on a camping trip in the summer of 1960. Among them is Finn, a boy who has a complicated relationship with his father and is struggling with his own sense of self-worth. Billy, on the other hand, is a shy, disabled boy who is often bullied by the other children in their small town. The trip soon takes a dark turn when the boys come across the body of a murdered man in the woods, and it is revealed that Billy was the killer.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Finn has been harboring a deep resentment towards Billy for years. Billy had previously threatened to kill Finn’s little brother, Pete, and Finn has been haunted by this fear ever since. With the chance to finally put an end to Billy’s life, Finn finds himself at a crossroads. The question of why he ultimately decides not to kill Billy becomes the crux of the narrative.
One reason Finn might have chosen not to kill Billy is the moral dilemma he faces. Throughout the novel, Finn grapples with his own conscience, struggling to reconcile his desire for revenge with his sense of morality. He realizes that taking a life, even in self-defense, is a grave decision with irreversible consequences. This internal struggle highlights the complexities of human nature and the moral choices we must make in difficult situations.
Another factor that could have influenced Finn’s decision is his emotional connection to Billy. Despite their rocky relationship, Finn has a sense of empathy towards Billy, recognizing that the boy is not entirely responsible for his actions. Finn understands that Billy’s disabilities and the bullying he has endured have contributed to his troubled behavior. This empathy prevents Finn from taking the drastic step of ending Billy’s life.
Moreover, Finn’s fear of his father’s reaction may have played a role in his decision. Throughout the novel, Finn is haunted by his father’s abusive behavior, and he is concerned that killing Billy could lead to further retribution. The fear of facing his father’s wrath could have been a powerful motivator for Finn to reconsider his actions.
In conclusion, the question of why Finn didn’t kill Billy is a multifaceted issue that touches on themes of morality, human nature, and the complexities of relationships. Finn’s decision not to kill Billy can be attributed to his internal struggle with his own conscience, his empathy towards Billy, and his fear of his father’s reaction. This pivotal moment in the story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the moral choices we face in the face of adversity.
