An Analysis of Hoederer's Murder in Sartre's Dirty Hands

       Dirty Hands, a play written by philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre in the 1940s, which details a political assassination and its motivations. Hugo, a communist in an imaginary country called Illyria, is ordered to kill Hoederer, a member of the party who is viewed as a traitor to many. One of the most significant moments during this play is the murder scene itself. Although this scene makes up only one page of the entire play, its symbolic significance is great.

        Hugo is reluctant to kill Hoederer initially. Hugo asked his comrades for this mission, but when he arrives at Hoederer's office to work as an under-cover secretary, he begins to have second thoughts. Hugo ends up deeply conflicted. He desires to prove himself to those who have sent him on the mission, while he wants to please his wife. Jessica, who has begged him to not kill Hoederer. In the final act of the play, Hugo goes into Hoederer's office with the intention to kill him. Hugo ultimately cannot kill Hoederer, and Hoederer agrees to work with Hugo to fight in the communist party. Hugo goes on a walk, and when he arrives back at the office the story reaches its climax.

        Jessica is with Hoederer in his office. She mentions that "when I was kissed I always wanted to laugh," an indication that she is not happy with her relationship with Hugo. (Sartre, 132). In response, Hoederer kisses her, and Jessica says that "I didn't feel like laughing" (Sartre, 132). At this moment Hugo bursts into the door, and is deeply changed. It seems now that he has lost respect for Jessica and Hoerderer. Hugo is permanently changed, and it seems that in some sense he is freed. Immediately, Hugo is able to admit to his wife that "we weren't really in love" (Sartre, 132). Hugo is also angered with Hoerderer, as he is quickly able to denounce him. Although Hoerderer appeared to want to fight with Hugo, it seems his motivation was simply to get to Jessica. According to Hugo, Hoerderer "didn't give a damn" for him. (Sartre, 132).This is the first time Hugo is clearly seen as angry within the story, and it is difficult to interpret this correctly. 

         Luckily, Sartre makes clear the significance of this moment. Hugo, a character constantly concerned with others judging the motives of his actions, now no longer is afraid. Hugo had previously mentioned that killing another scared him, because he would no longer be able to know what their thoughts were. Now, his attitude seems quite different, as he is concerned with his own actions. As Hugo announces, "You see, Hoederer, I am looking you straight in the eyes and I'm aiming and my hand's not shaking and I don't give a bloody damn for what's going on in your head" (Sartre, 132). Hoederer asks for Hugo's forgiveness, but he refuses to budge. He refuses the apology as he says, "don't apologize. On the contrary, I should thank you" (Sartre, 132). Hugo, right before he pulls the trigger announces his freedom as he shouts, "you have freed me" (Sartre, 132). 

         Sartre goes to great length to make the meaning of this scene clear. Hugo, a character who is constantly concerned with the thoughts of others, can finally focus on his own actions because he is no longer concerned with those others. He is acting for himself. This idea is deeply connected with the rest of the play, which is a discussion of freedom of action. This idea will be further discussed in a later post about existentialism.