Jack the Ripper's Blog

In this section you will find letters supposedly written by "Jack the Ripper". When analysing them, ask yourself the following questions:

 

• Is the letter dated? Who was it sent to? What colour is the ink?  How would you describe the handwriting in the letter? (E.g. neat, educated, scrawl etc) 

 

• How would you describe the writer’s use of grammar? (Consider spelling, use of sentences, accurate use of tenses etc) Are there any common phrases that match those in the first ‘Dear Boss’ letter?

 

• Is the letter illustrated? What message is the writer trying to convey through the illustrations?

 

• Does the letter reveal any information about society/ social tensions in existence at this time? (E.g. Does the writer blame the murders on a particular section of society, such as Jewish people? What is the author’s opinion of prostitutes or women?)