An In-Depth Analysis of Eric Harriss and Dylan Klebold's Diaries: A Comparison
The diaries of Eric Harriss and Dylan Klebold, written in the lead-up to the tragic Columbine High School shooting in 1999, provide a unique insight into their differing personalities, motivations, and perspectives. This article delves deeply into the contrasting features of these journals, revealing the emotional and psychological states of the perpetrators.
Introduction to the Diaries
The diaries of Eric Harriss and Dylan Klebold represent two distinct paths to the tragic events of April 20, 1999. Harriss and Klebold are remembered not just for their actions at Columbine, but also for the written records that offer a glimpse into their thoughts and intentions.
Eric Harriss' Diaries and his Personality
Tone and Attitude: Harriss' writings are marked by an aggressive and nihilistic tone. He often expresses feelings of superiority and contempt for others, indicating a deep-seated distrust and hostile view of the world.
Planning and Intent: His entries reveal meticulous planning for the attack, showcasing his methodical approach and a desire for notoriety. Harriss frequently refers to the attack as a means to inflict pain and chaos, reflecting a clear and calculated intent behind his actions.
Rejection of Authority: Harriss exhibits a strong disdain for authority figures and societal norms. His writing reveals a deep-seated anger towards the world and its perceived injustices.
Violence and Control: Harriss' diaries demonstrate a fascination with violence and power. He often writes about wanting to dominate and instill fear, indicating a domineering and controlling personality.
Dylan Klebold's Diaries and his Personality
Tone and Emotion: Klebold's writings are more introspective and emotional, revealing feelings of sadness, isolation, and confusion about his place in the world. His tone contrasts sharply with Harriss', reflecting a more vulnerable and reflective mindset.
Conflict and Doubt: Unlike Harriss, Klebold shows signs of inner conflict regarding their plans. He sometimes questions the morality of their actions and expresses regret, indicating a degree of ambivalence and guilt.
Desire for Connection: Klebold's entries reflect a deep-seated longing for acceptance and connection. This reveals his struggles with depression and feelings of inadequacy, providing insight into his emotional turmoil.
Less Focus on Planning: While Klebold is involved in the planning, his diary entries are less detailed compared to Harriss. Instead, Klebold focuses more on his emotional struggles, relationships, and his attempts to connect with others.
Summary of Differences
In essence, Harriss' diary is characterized by a focus on anger, violence, and meticulous planning. In contrast, Klebold's diary reveals deeper emotional turmoil, inner conflict, and a search for meaning. Their differing perspectives highlight the complex motivations and inner struggles behind the tragic events of Columbine.
Quotes and Analysis
Some insights are particularly striking. As Cullen notes, 'Dylan drew hearts, Eric wrote about hate.' This encapsulates their starkly different approaches. Klebold expressed envy towards jocks and described people as zombies, while Hirss' writings were characterized by natural selection and hate.
Langmann's interpretation of Dylan as schizoid further emphasizes the contrast. Langmann highlights Klebold's heavy feelings of suicidal depression, abandonment, and alienation. In contrast, Eric's diaries are more about hate and control.
Conclusion
The diaries of Eric Harriss and Dylan Klebold provide a critical window into the minds of those who committed one of the most notorious school shootings in American history. By analyzing their writings, we can gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and the complexities of their psychological states.