How Otherness Breeds a Murderer in His Bloody Project

Kara Ireland

Dr. Shelden

ENGL 4570

11 December 2019

The Black Macraes: How Otherness Breeds a Murderer in His Bloody Project

Several factors contribute to the deterioration of one’s mental state. Television shows such as 60 Minutes, Making a Murderer, and other documentaries suggest that murders are rarely the result of a single transgression; consequently, viewers may deduce that murders are a sequential ending to some sort of ongoing misfortune or trauma that greatly precedes the act itself. Similarly, in America’s current political climate, mass shootings are a recurring issue. Most mass shooters report being bullied, ostracized, and harboring immense anger as a result. In His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae, Graeme Macrae Burnet depicts several components of the deterioration of Roderick ‘Roddy’ Macrae. When isolating specific circumstances, one can further scrutinize and theorize about the possibility of ulterior motives [KI1] in the eventual murder of Lachlan Mackenzie.

The recurring injustices that plague Roddy and his family all stem from marginalization regarding class. Otherness and scandal work in tandem within this novel because the mistreatment of the Macrae family is enforced by the community. The abuse by the constable, Lachlan Mackenzie, is a grievance that no one in Culduie ventures to intervene in, thus inherently approving of and progressing their torture. Differences in class respectability and the lack of interpersonal relationships are the most prominent betraying factors in Roddy’s choice to murder the Mackenzies. Each of these factors contributed to the murderous scandal plaguing Culduie; Roddy illuminated the class difference as the most pervasive reasoning, but I am arguing that it stemmed from his lack of meaningful connections with anyone—from being othered. Roddy experienced a reactionary act intended to retaliate against the ways he had been previously accosted, which began before Mackenzie’s persecution.

The manuscript provided by Roddy within the novel can be used to evidence alternative reasons for his ultimate decision to murder Lachlan Mackenzie and his children. The manuscript details a dismal childhood and effectively documents the continuous exploitation of the Macrae family. Although the account does heavily focus on Mackenzie’s offenses against his family, there are interesting nuances within the manuscript that suggest other catalysts. The most important factors all stem [KI2] from Roddy suffering from being othered. ‘Otherness’ is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the quality or fact of being other; difference, esp. from an expected norm; separateness from or oppositeness to a (frequently specified) thing, or from or to an observer; diversity” (“Otherness”). However, a more direct definition originated from researchers who consider otherness to be “the experience of feeling marginalized and/or excluded because of visible differences from the population majority or dominant group” (DeWilde et al[KI3] . 479).

Internalizing the ongoing disparagement that began in Roddy’s childhood is what largely contributes to his poor decision-making skills later. It is untrue that Roddy had no other options beyond murder in hindsight, but when Roddy internalizes seventeen years’ worth of isolation and dismissal, it is feasible that he believed he had no other viable options to feel noticed or validated. Roddy did not believe he had a promising future because of how he was treated, hence, committing the murder gave him nothing to lose. This marker of indifference later characterizes the entire scandal because Roddy is not threatened by the loss of anyone or anything. In an exchange with his sister, Jetta, she says, “our lot in this life is not a happy one,” to which Roddy affirms “it is not” (Burnet 123). There is little chance of Roddy achieving more than an inheritance of the croft, and those abysmal prospects do not deter [KI4] him from committing a crime like he did.

Chronologically, in considering where the maltreatment began for Roddy, it can be traced back to his schooling. He notes that “from the age of eight or so, [he] attended school at Camusterrach” (Burnet 20). Per his account, Roddy appears to have portrayed a shyness in his childhood that was a palpable marker to most for his otherness. He mentions that he was given to standing or crouching in the corner of the playground during recess. Although Roddy’s reservations did not stem from shyness, his quiet nature and willful isolation likely added to his perceived otherness by his peers. Miss Galbraith, one of his teachers’, observations included the cheeky remark that he would “climb inside the pocket of [his] sister’s apron if [he] could,” suggesting he liked to recede to the background (Burnet 21). Roddy’s most significant teacher, Mr. Gillies, observed him as being “a rather solitary boy, quite happy in his own company” (Burnet 187). They both corroborate Roddy’s own assertion that he was taciturn as a little boy. Psychologists Killen et al. have concluded that “children who are extremely shy ... are likely to be vulnerable to victimization” (772). Roddy’s isolation admittedly made him a target for harassment from his counterparts in school. He includes details regarding his proficiency in the classroom, implying that he was often the brightest in the room. Despite his intelligence and social ability, he was unsuccessful in forming any friendships because of the negative reputation that preceded him.

“The Black Macraes” is a taunt used in lieu of his father’s low profession as a crofter, and as his son, Roddy soon became “Roddy Black” (Burnet 21). Roddy is aware of his social status because his counterparts never let him forget it. The bullying is not limited to the schoolground, although “sometimes [their] classmates would gather round [them] in the playground and chant: Here stand the Black Macraes, the dirty Black Macraes” (Burnet 21). Because he then continues to write that “it was a source of amusement in the village,” it constitutes the bullying as a scandal within the village (Burnet 21). When everyone indulges on such an injustice, or no one extends themselves to prevent it, they are therefore approving of and subsequently endorsing the behavior. Roddy states that he “felt it to be a particular injustice that [the taunt] was attached to [his] sister,” and it can be inferred that he does not receive the insult warmly either (Burnet 21). According to researchers from the Journal of Research and Treatment, dealing with the backlash of Roddy’s impoverished family and becoming isolated as a result is an “important factor, describing the sexual sadist who kills [because they are] typically introverted, timid, overcontrolled, and socially isolated” (Milsom et al. 286). In conversation with Milsom et al., Yelderman et al. propose that “environmental and social variables should be identified ... to explore the extent to which social isolation and exclusion relate to increased violence” (220). Their insight works to offer an explanation regarding why the nature of Roddy’s eventual murder of the Mackenzies and Flora Mackenzie’s sexual assault may have been predisposed. Having been othered by being subjected to humiliation initially affected his perception and judgment.

The community-wide name-calling evidences a substantial impact on Roddy’s perception of himself at such an impressionable age. However, the cruelty was not confined to verbal offenses. Roddy also mentioned the frequency of being “pushed to the ground and [accepting] the kicks and blows of the other boys” (Burnet 21). This physical and verbal abuse began at the age of eight, and the resultant recurring detail evidences that Roddy has internalized this. When prompted by his schoolmaster, Mr. Gillies, about his future, Roddy replies that “[he] was surprised ... of course, [he] had considered no such thing” (Burnet 41). Psychologists Hall-Lande et al. found that “higher levels of loneliness have been consistently associated with significantly lower levels of self-worth in adolescents,” and Roddy evidently has no great ambitions for himself (qtd. in Qualter & Munn, 2002). This is likely because he was negatively impacted by the bullying he endured in school and in the community. Roddy discusses his self-image in no great detail, but per his meager existence and lack of ambition, it can also be inferred that he has low self-esteem as a result of these circumstances.

Perception is everything, and for Roddy, his perception of himself is entirely dependent on what those around him thought of him. It seems as though Roddy has internalized his mistreatment from being lower class, assuming that being “a person from [their] parts” meant he wasn’t going to amount to much, and couldn’t escape Culduie (Burnet 23).  Having been a hardworking crofter, the Macraes had an existential weariness that stifled their ambitions. Roddy sees it happen firsthand to John, marking “it was not the land that was exhausted, but [his] father” (Burnet 83). Additionally, Roddy hears recurring snide comments in reference to them such as “it is easy to forget that such primitives still exist in [their] country” (Burnet 97). Even if Roddy was unaffected by the single remarks, it would be easy for him to internalize something that seems to matter so much to everyone else around him—something that has been deemed scandalous by the rest. Researchers from Oxford Developmental Studies argues that “being poor contributed to isolation and shame,” and despite his best efforts, Roddy appears to have adopted the shame everyone else inflicted on him (Samuel et al. 84).  Roger Jones, a literary reviewer, equates that to “unbending Victorian, religious, and societal prejudices, the Orwellian ascendancy of the landowning classes, and its Kafka-esque consequence” (179). That instillation of low self-esteem may have had stock in separating Roddy from his counterparts, further solidifying his state of otherness rather than endorsing him.

Roddy also endures abuse by the hands of his father, John Macrae, which serves as a reinforcement of his lack of worth. Receiving a “thrashing” was a motif throughout Roddy’s account, and it was John’s primary form of punishment. During the trial, the Lord Justice-Clerk interrogated John about his physical punishments to which he attested to the type and frequency of them. He answered that he struck him with his fists around the body on a weekly basis because “the boy needed disciplining” (Burnet 193). With respect to the time period, the late nineteenth century, this was not atypical punishment. However, prolonged and recurring physical abuse has the potential to negatively influence development. BMC Public Health researchers claim that “for some individuals, exposure to harsh physical punishment may set the stage for acceptance regarding the use of physical force in relationships and establish some degree of tolerance of violence perpetration” (Afifi et al. 7). Considering Roddy’s tumultuous upbringing, it should not come as a shock the ways he chose to retaliate. With a limited availability of alternative ways to channel and/or express his anger, Roddy was forced to release it in the only forms of aggression he had grown to know. Without posing as an apologist for his heinous crimes, it is good practice to consider all of the elements of otherness that could have motivated his resulting decision.

John Macrae’s choice to repeatedly strike Roddy may have played a role in not only Lachlan Mackenzie’s murder, but also Flora Mackenzie’s sexual assault. Roddy falsely associates physical punishment with wrongdoings because he learned it from his father. According to Milsom et al., sadistic fantasies originate “in childhood, noting ‘childhood disturbance’ ... due to parental infidelity or divorce or a history of physical or sexual abuse” (286). Therefore, it is feasible to deduce that Roddy’s abuse at home reinforced the idea that transgressions directly against him or at his expense should be met with violence. It is unlikely that Roddy could adversely affect everyone in Culduie who had wronged him, but by concentrating his offenses into one perverse aggressor, he is able to find an adequate release.

Raping Flora Mackenzie is arguably another way to punish Lachlan Mackenzie. In Roddy’s account, he documents having seen “two legs projecting from either side of Lachlan Broad’s hips,” which he discerns thereafter “belonged to [his] sister” (Burnet 57). Although Roddy makes no gesture towards recognizing the event as witnessing the rape of his sister, Jetta makes sure he does not call attention to it as she allegedly “told [him] not to say nothing to Father about what [he] had seen” (Burnet 58). Subsequently, when Jetta is admonished for thinking that “by swaddling [herself] like an old woman [she] can conceal [her] condition” by John, it seems to occur to Roddy her unwilling role in the resulting pregnancy (Burnet 122). In the height of his disappointment, John tells Jetta that it was her “wickedness that has brought [them] to this,” referencing their eviction notice and overall misfortune (Burnet 122). The encounter happened before Roddy, and it is plausible that he interpreted impregnating or pursuing a sexual encounter with a woman was damning and shameful. While Roddy shows no indication that he understood the scene as a nonconsensual sex act initially, the image obviously stuck with him as he replicated it with Flora Mackenzie.

Perhaps the sexual assault was born out of a lack of intimacy with women because Roddy had recently experienced the death of his mother, Una Macrae. Roddy attributes the very first instance when he could see no other option than killing Mackenzie to her passing. He claims that “the point at which Lachlan Broad’s death became inevitable ... [was] with the death of [his] mother” which had occurred eighteen months prior (Burnet 24). While that is certainly believable and undoubtedly a pivotal factor, that is not the sole component; it was but another catalyst. Her death prompted Roddy, Jetta, and John into isolation. This is namely because Una was the force that bound their family together and better integrated them into their neighborhood. Roddy includes the detail that “there was a general outpouring of grief in [their] village, [his] mother’s presence having been akin to the sunlight that nurtures the crops” (Burnet 25).  Including a lofty statement that suggests she was a woman of great importance implies the ultimate loss for their intimate society.

Una was the link between her isolated, introverted family and the rest of the crofters in Culduie. Without her, they receded into further isolation and shrunk as an entity until they were virtually forced off of their land. However, the phrase “further isolation” is used deliberately because the status of otherness of the entire family preceded her death. Milsom et al. surmise that the “most significant characteristic of men who had killed was their lifelong isolation and a lack of heterosexual relationships” (286). Objectively, Roddy has grown up with only the company of his mother and sister; by the time the murders were committed, he had dwindled down to only an estranged relationship with his sister. Unlike the others in Culduie, Roddy has no group to rely on and is afforded no opportunities for interactions beyond his family; he is forced to brood within himself.

One deterrent for Mackenzie’s murder could have been Roddy’s development of friendships. Having access to at least one other individual outside his family that might hold him accountable for his feelings and actions could have greatly altered his plan. If he had made one friend, or had been mutually romantically invested in anyone, Roddy may not have decided upon that course of action. His lack of meaningful relationships is not for lack of effort, however. His ineffectiveness at forming and maintaining relationships is thought to be a large portion of the reason he lashed out the way he did. There is a much larger conversation regarding interpersonal relationships that indicate and reiterate the same ideas of needing a support system to function at the fullest potential. Researchers from the journal, Adolescence, propose that “one of the strongest indicators of psychological health in adolescents is a sense of meaningful connection with peers,” but Roddy missed this crucial step in development (qtd. in Boivin et al. 265). 

Roddy had a few positive influences to rely on in Culduie, although he neglected to properly cultivate his relation to them. Roddy believed his transient friendship with Flora Mackenzie might blossom into a romantic relationship, as he “found [himself] yearning for her company,” but she did not view him equally (Burnet 80). His yearning for her suggests no abnormalities in Roddy’s perception of his counterparts; he longed for the connections he was never successful in making. Additionally, with Archibald Ross, Roddy mentions that he was “so delighted to be in the company of such a fine fellow” and that grants him a favorable disposition toward his distant acquaintance (Burnet 99). Mr. Gillies, the schoolmaster, may have been the only positive adult influence Roddy had because he invested faith in him, sharing with him that “God has granted [him] some uncommon gifts” (Burnet 23). In fact, “strong connections to school exert a powerful influence in the lives of students. For some, relationships with educators are among the most meaningful in their lives” (Hall-Lande et al. 269). However, Roddy was not open to his influence and thus despite his meaningful interactions with these people, Roddy never acquired a “meaningful connection,” as proposed by Afifi et al. (7). Afifi et al. and Hall-Lande et al. both work to delineate that forming and maintaining relationships are most important in the greater conversation of what constitutes mental health. DeWilde et al. join the conversation, asserting that “social structures that disempower can create and sustain otherness[KI5] ” (479). The murder was committed at the age of seventeen, and Roddy still had no meaningful connections with anyone his age or otherwise. Roddy’s otherness was sustained because he never curated any of his acquaintanceships to evolve to friendships.

Nonetheless, Roddy’s affiliation with Archibald Ross is the closest he came to authentic companionship. It is implicit in the text as well as explicitly stated when Roddy introduced him to Jetta as “my friend, Mr. Archibald Ross” (Burnet 101).  He began a tender friendship with Archibald, but his relation proved to be fleeting. Roddy realized that Archibald was a perfunctory counterpart at the Summer Gathering when he besmirched Jetta’s creation. Roddy thought highly of him for purchasing it, but when Archibald promptly “took the shawl he had bought, bundled it up and stuffed it into a bush,” his faith in him diminished (Burnet 102). Furthermore, when he said he “only purchased it so that [Jetta] might have a little money to buy herself some less dreary attire,” it only made matters worse (Burnet 102). Roddy admitted to having ill feelings towards him, and it was clear that they were not well acquainted.

Roddy’s unsuccessful excursion with Flora was done per Archibald’s instruction although the prospect of it was beyond Roddy’s comfort zone. Often when Archibald spoke to Roddy, “his words seemed quite hollow” and failed to indicate any deeper understanding of him (Burnet 110). Albeit, Archibald was observant enough to address how Roddy had “erected so many obstacles in [his] mind that [he has] quite defeated [himself] before [he has] even begun” (Burnet 106). That insight was not enough for their friendship to thrive. Roddy knows their relationship is superficial, and he substantiates the claim from Hall-Lande et al. that “adolescents who do not report having close friendships consistently have lower levels of self-esteem and more psychological symptoms of maladjustment” (267). Because of that knowledge, Roddy neglected to engage with Archibald in order to build their relationship because he got nothing beneficial out of their interactions. Roddy had no social circle to vent about “the general atmosphere of oppression under which [they] lived,” thus he harbored all of his negative emotions and they manifested in violence (Burnet 91). Such heavy and nuanced emotions need to be expelled through the proper channels, but Roddy was not privy to such luxuries.

Roddy attempted to engage with one person from Culduie who might have been aware of his unfortunate situation, but she did not indulge him as he wanted her to. Flora Mackenzie was Roddy’s romantic item of interest, but she did not return his affections; that rejection furthered his status of otherness. Love and romantic associations can be difficult enough in adolescence, but Roddy’s circumstances were accentuated by his strenuous expectations as a crofter. When considering the stress he was under from his discrimination, compounding that with romantic rejection likely worsened his fragile mental health. Evaluating all of his stressors at that time helps constitute the observation that “psychosocial functioning and self-esteem are so dependent upon peer relationships in adolescence that it is difficult to separate these constructs” (Hall-Lande 278).

Despite Flora’s perceived flirtation, it was not mutual. In a bold claim, Roddy admits “it is not Culduie to which I wish to be married, but you,” to which he was promptly dismissed with, “it will not be me” (Burnet 109). Because of her overall rejection, Roddy “felt terribly downhearted by what had occurred,” and, being unable to express himself properly to anyone, stowed away that aggression (Burnet 110). In a study conducted by Milsom et al., their findings suggested that “in adulthood, [sexual murderers] had few meaningful relationships with women and that any relationships formed tended to be superficial, shallow, and lacking in depth” (286). Roddy’s relationship with Flora fits the description of what inclines sexual murderers to commit their heinous acts. While it does not justify the behavior, it merely offers another lens to view the factors leading him to do it.

All of these aforementioned obstacles Roddy has experienced must have overwhelmed him with frustration. Psychologist Lawrence Climo indicates that “an overpowering and unbearable frustration” is at the forefront of responsibility for undesirable actions (2). In Roddy’s case, frustration has been amalgamating for seventeen years without any resolution. Being unable to combat an abusive constable and feeling stifled by his power, knowing he has none of his own to threaten it, is an extreme source of frustration. That single facet of frustration is then immediately augmented by knowing his life is monotonous and knowing he has no friends or romance to relieve the weight of it. The circumstances of targeted harassment against John Macrae and his children were an open secret in Culduie, it was their unspoken scandal. Because no one acted against Mackenzie’s controversial methods of wielding his power over the Macraes, the perception was that it was acceptable to the other residents. Lachlan Mackenzie’s harassment was not responsible for Roddy’s breaking point. It was, however, one of an abundance of things that slowly disposed Roddy to the actions he eventually took.

            The Macraes are amongst, if not the poorest crofters in Culduie. Lachlan Mackenzie knows it is easy to take advantage of people who are already indebted to him, and that abusing his power would come at no real consequence. Roddy shows an awareness of the inequities as he writes that he “was discomfited at this admission of [his] father’s limitations and protested that he was the equal of the factor, or anyone else for that matter” (Burnet 84). However, John disagreed by admitting “[they] both know that is not true” (Burnet 84). Although fundamentally, Roddy’s disposition is right, socially and realistically, they are second-class citizens and will always be treated as such. This imbalanced relationship produces a feeling of helplessness within the Macraes that Roddy soon tired of succumbing to. Roddy attempted a diplomatic route of addressing their issues to the highest power, but came to the dejected conclusion that “to these important men [their] actions were of simply no consequence” (Burnet 91).

            Roddy’s belief that his actions bred no consequences is perhaps the most important realization that he had. In evaluating his social class, the fact that he would have nothing (relationship or materialistic) to sacrifice, and an overall feeling of recklessness from living under a tyrant, Roddy’s choice to murder Mackenzie and the others was infallible.

            An overwhelming lack of friendships, a stifling hindrance by his class, and the torment from the constable with no support from his community force Roddy deeper into otherness, but what if things had gone differently? Perhaps if Archibald had invited him to Canada, Roddy would have some sort of distant goal he would be afraid to jeopardize. Maybe if Flora had entertained his fantasy a little while longer, or introduced him to a friend of hers, he might have resisted murder because it would threaten the budding relationship. If Roddy himself had taken advantage of the educational opportunities provided to him by Mr. Gillies, the events possibly would have fared differently. While these acts of indifference sometimes contribute to suicidal tendencies and dispositions, Roddy became homicidal.

The important sentiment is to extend kindness to those who seem to need it. One person’s kindness could have coddled Roddy in a way that might have made him forget about the persistent abuse he endured everywhere else. One person’s inclusion could have placated the angry boy and nursed him into a gentler person. One person’s attention could have provided him a means of expressing himself justly so he would not have had to resort to murder. While Roddy’s actions are undoubtedly his to remain accountable for, there were alternative options and the inhabitants of Culduie failed him in that way[KI6] ; it is not their fault that Roddy acted homicidally, but they do reserve some accountability in ostracizing him. Their lack of involvement did not help the scandal itself. That is not to say that this is merely a cause and effect relationship, but rather another component of his deterioration.

 Lachlan Mackenzie, Flora Mackenzie, and Donny Mackenzie’s murders could have all been prevented had the inhabitants of Culduie accepted and integrated the Macraes more fluidly into their community. Inclusion of any form may have been the pivotal factor in how Roddy went about his payback. Accountability for frustration, anger, and indignancy could have been resolved in a simple venting conversation, but Roddy was provided no positive outlets for his emotions. Intentionally excluding someone has the potential to damage their emotional, physical, and mental esteem. This scandal may serve as a cautionary tale to those who have exclusionary tendencies about what they might be contributing to below the radar. [KI7] 

Works Cited

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Burnet, Grame Macrae. His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae. Contraband Publishing, 2015.

Climo, Lawrence H. “What Do Mass Murderers Have in Common?” Psychiatric Times, vol. 36, no. 10, October 2019, pp. 1-2.

DeWilde Christine, et al. “Structural Stress and Otherness: How Do They Influence Psychological Stress?” Journal of Transcultural Nursing, vol. 30, no. 5, 2019, pp. 478–491.

Hall-Lande, Jennifer, et al. “Social Isolation, Psychological Health, and Protective Factors in Adolescence.” Adolescence, vol. 42, no. 166, Summer 2007, pp. 265-286.

Jones, Roger. “His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae: Mad or Bad?” The British Journal of General Practice: The Journal of The Royal College of General Practitioners, vol. 67, no. 657, April 2017, pp. 179.

Killen, Melanie, et al. “Social Exclusion in Childhood: A Developmental Intergroup Perspective.” Child Development, vol. 84, no. 3, May 2013, pp. 772-790.

Milsom, Jacci, et al. “Emotional Loneliness in Sexual Murderers: A Qualitative Analysis.” Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, vol. 14, no. 4, October 2003, pp. 285-96.

"Otherness, n." OED Online, Oxford University Press, December 2019, www.oed.com/view/Entry/133232. Accessed 22 November 2019.

Samuel, Kim, et al. “Social Isolation and Its Relationship to Multidimensional Poverty.” Oxford Development Studies, vol. 46, no. 1, 2018, pp. 83–97.

Yelderman, Logan A., et al. “Mass Shootings in the United States: Understanding the Importance of Mental Health and Firearm Considerations.” Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, vol. 25, no. 3, Aug. 2019, pp. 212–223. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1037/law0000200.