Piccadilly street happens to be a street on the west end of London that connects to the east via the river smack in the middle of London but is closest to the North. On this street there happens to be a high concentration of burglaries and murders that occur frequently.

According to the Old Bailey online database, there a many article references that explain various situations in which people have been mugged or murdered along that street; some of the crimes were committed by workers themselves, and others by children. In one instance, an 11 year old boy came into a shoemakers shop and took some boots. As the shoemaker chased him out, many witnesses had stopped the boy from escaping and once the boy was caught he went to trial. That boy was on trial until age 13 when they finally locked him away for 7 years (is that harsh in this time period? Um, yes, he was a boy who stole once, and he was in prison for 7 years). But on this database there are many other instances in which these events and everyday crimes ensued, and these crimes were apparently taken very seriously.

The murder instances are also prominent: In one article, a man was driving over the speed limit, but no more than he did every day, meaning, he always drove over the limit, but now it seemed to be a big deal and get on everybody’s nerves. Anyway, this man was confronted by a bystander  decided he shouldn’t be allowed to drive anymore, but instead of reporting him, he beats him up, break his legs and leave him to die. A local surgeon came to help him by bringing him inside and preparing to operate, but in the end, the man died. Quite a harsh article, and very prominent in today’s society especially surrounding all the cold blooded murders that happen in contemporary America. But the man responsible for his death was indicted and sent to prison; that man was 18.

I suppose this all connects to “Dull Brown” because of the oppression and never ending violence that occurred. The murders and burglaries are prominent in this era and specifically in this location; but they leave a lasting mark on society as it leaves a trail of uncertainty and horror to the inhabitants. Furthermore, I am sure that since this is on the West end, the richer end, the people are even more worried than usual since there are places in such districts that occur, thus threatening the lifestyle and safety of all the rich. But I believe that this is to be expected, especially since this was an era that was vibrant and revolutionized, as well as “dull”. In this story, Jean talks about how unlovable the unattractive people are and how separating their lives from her own is for the best, which could mean, those that are poor and steal possibly get what they deserve in her eyes. She is aware of the pain and suffering that is prominent in London but she chooses to ignore it since it doesn’t concern her. But as put before, the effects of such a society can last an impression on those who are not affected, and create a negative effect, just as it did in this story. I guess the lesson is, dull and brown, is as bad as violent and poor, if there is no balance between them. At least that is what I think.  This is my screenshot of Piccadilly Circus. Looks like a nice street.

A contemporary image of Piccadilly Circus.

Works Cited:

“The Proceedings of the Old Bailey.” Results. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2015

“The Yellow Nineties Online – Search the Archive.” The Yellow Nineties Online – Search the Archive. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2015.