John Dillinger Biography Essay

The Great Depression era saw some of the most notorious criminals and outlaws, and John Dillinger was most certainly among them. His felonies captured the public’s imagination, and to this day, there is still an aura of mystery and excitement associated with him. He was a crime genius and certainly proved it. Dillinger was able to prosper as a criminal due to his hardened upbringing, his support and involvement in gangs, and the public’s perverse encouragement towards him, in a time where they desperately needed a hero figure. Dillinger’s childhood was anything but painless, and did nothing to deter him from a criminal path. He was born in the heat of summer on June 22, 1903. The first three years of his life seemed pleasant; however, the passing of his mother when he was three was the beginning of his turmoil. The eventual remarrying of his father, six years in the future, filled the maternal role in the family. Unfortunately, for Dillinger, he detested his new step-mother (Fischer 713). There is no doubt that this hatred grew up with the young boy, spurring more crimes later in life. Dillinger showed signs of corruption early on in his youth, carving the route of his destiny. He committed …show more content…
If spotted, most people would turn a blind eye to him. They never reported his whereabouts to police, helping him elude them for as long as possible. However, Anna Sage, afraid of being deported, tipped off the FBI. She told authorities that Dillinger would be going to the Biograph Theater on July 22, 1934. It was here that he was shot to death (“Dillinger”). When the public became aware of Sage’s help in capturing and killing Dillinger, she became a hated public figure (“John” 9). Dillinger managed to be a savage criminal, yet still acquired sympathy and support from the people. It is doubtful that he would’ve flourished as a criminal, had it not been for the very strong reinforcement of