The end of the novel has always surprised me. Why did Highsmith choose to end the book with no clear answer as to whether or not Tom gets caught? This ending is not what we typically see in murder mystery novels. Usually, the detectives solve the case and the murderer is punished. By leaving the ending open ended, the reader can use their imagination to guess what could possibly happen. In a way, we do see Tom’s success in the case. In the end, he is granted with Dickie’s freedom and wealth. That was all he ever wanted. Regardless of what the police and detectives uncover, Tom has successful manipulated Mr. Greenleaf and Marge in believing Dickie’s death was a suicide.
This open ending leaves Highsmith room to write sequals, which could continue the mystery of Dickie Greenleaf and Tom Ripley. In reading a biography of Highsmith, I come to find out she has wrote four more books that continue Tom Ripleys story.
Highsmiths Biography: http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/highsm.htm
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