In "The Executioner's Song" by Norman Mailer, the author reflects on the complex emotions surrounding the death of Mr. Gilmore, emphasizing his deep sorrow for the families of the two victims. Mailer suggests that the impact of violence and loss resonates far more significantly with the loved ones left behind than with the execution of the perpetrator himself.

Through this perspective, Mailer highlights the ongoing grief experienced by victims' families, drawing attention to the emotional aftermath of crime. He conveys that while the death of Gilmore may close one chapter, the pain for those affected continues, illustrating the broader consequences of violence beyond the immediate act itself.