"The Perfect Murder" by J. Archer is a suspenseful short story that portrays the intricacies of a well-planned murder. The story begins with an unnamed protagonist, who is a successful businessman, but deeply unhappy with his marriage. The protagonist discovers that his wife is having an affair with his best friend and decides to murder her, thinking that it would be the perfect crime. Archer uses several literary devices to highlight the protagonist's feelings of anger and bitterness. For example, when the protagonist discovers his wife's infidelity, he describes the emotions as "a white-hot anger filled me, coupled with a feeling of disgust and betrayal." This language showcases the intensity of the character's emotions, and helps the reader understand why he feels compelled to take such drastic action. The protagonist's plan to execute the "perfect murder" is well-planned and executed with precision. He carefully chooses the time and place of the murder, and creates an airtight alibi to avoid suspicion. He also uses a combination of physical force and psychological manipulation to make his wife's death seem accidental. However, despite the protagonist's meticulous planning, the story takes an unexpected twist when his wife's lover returns to the scene of the crime. The protagonist is forced to improvise and ends up killing his friend to cover up his tracks. Archer's story is a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger and jealousy. It also raises important ethical questions about the morality of murder. Is it ever justifiable to take another person's life, even if they have wronged us? From a psychological standpoint, the protagonist's behavior can be analyzed through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Studies have shown that jealousy and anger are common responses to romantic infidelity, as it threatens our chances of reproductive success (Buss, 2003). In the case of the protagonist, his desire to eliminate his wife's lover is driven by a primal urge to eliminate competition. In conclusion, "The Perfect Murder" is a well-crafted story that highlights the complex emotions associated with jealousy and betrayal. Through the protagonist's actions, Archer raises important ethical and psychological questions that prompt readers to reflect on the nature of human behavior.