The Assassin

In "An Experiment in Misery," why does Crane refer to the tramp as "the assassin"? Is the name deserved? Is it meant ironically? Does it reflect as much on the one who bestows it as on the one on which it's bestowed?

In 75 Words or Less

Is Stephen Crane's "Man Falls, a Crowd Gathers" news? Why or why not? (Feel free to respond to each other's comments, not just the question. Also note that I've been adding my reactions to your comments throughout.)

Question of the Day

According to a new survey, one in four Americans read not a single book this past year (for the full and even more depressing version, see http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/328550_reading22.html). So, like, why are we writing?