The novel also explores the theme of obsession, as both the jackal and Lebel become increasingly fixated on their goals. The jackal’s obsession with completing the assassination, and Lebel’s determination to stop him, drive the plot forward and create a sense of tension and suspense.
The story begins with the failed assassination attempt on de Gaulle’s life in 1962. The would-be assassin, a young man named Bastille, is quickly captured and executed. However, the French government soon learns that a second plot is in the works, and that a professional hitman, known as the jackal, has been hired to carry out the job.
The Day of the Jackal explores several themes, including the nature of violence, the power of the state, and the morality of assassination. Forsyth raises questions about the legitimacy of violence and the role of the state in maintaining order.
The Day of the Jackal, a novel by Frederick Forsyth, has become a classic of modern thriller literature. Published in 1971, the book tells the story of a professional assassin, known only as “the jackal,” who is hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. The novel’s success can be attributed to its meticulous research, detailed plot, and the author’s ability to weave a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
