The GSG. What Does It Mean??

Yes it would, but it may also be blurred if it had been there for some time. But all is speculation, and blurred writing, I would venture to say, could not be described as fresh anyway. I am not so sure that we can assume that the surface would have been wet or damp anyway. It can teem with rain and brick areas, especially ones that are not outward, facing like this still remain dry. As far as rain getting to the inscribed surface is concerned, a lot would depend on wind direction, assuming there was a signifucant wind in the first place. It had hardly been a raging storm that night, but it was unlikely that there would have been any condensation in such an open area.

Very fair points Stewart. I wonder though if the combination of rain with the cooler Fall air might provide more moisture in the air generally. But as you say, blurred does seem to be specific, could be due to age, and the comment cannot be dismissed.

My best regards Mr Evans.

[Stewart P Evans]

Insightful

Hi Paul,I'm arguing that the "pattern" of playfulness and subtlety is a largely modern perception, and that there's a danger that our view of his character may be distorted by looking at the case through modern eyes.
One of the biggest influences on our imagination was surely the "Joker" depicted in the "Maybrick" diary with its punning, badly-written "comic" rhymes and the tedious repetition of "funny little this" and "funny little that". Prior to this we had Steven Knight really laying it on thick, with his "Riddler" leaving convoluted clues wherever he could near the crime scenes. Added to which Knight regales us with the notion that the Riddler's buddy embedded similarly wacky messages in his paintings.
I've not read any popular books prior to those two that so heavily promoted the idea of Jack delighting in cryptic messages of one form or another. I'd wager that books such as these have had a huge influence on the way we've viewed the case in the past three decades or so.

A very insightful post Gareth. I have always argued that fanciful and romantic Ripperologists yearn for the correspondence to be genuine. It is the only way to imbue the totally unknown murderer with any sort of character or even black humour. This was exploited at great length by our old friend Donald McCormick in 1959 - and he has been hugely influential.

[Stewart P Evans]

Yes...

Thanks for that post Stewart.
Wouldnt a chalk message written on a damp brick surface, maybe not as a result of direct rain but condensation or damp air, blur rather quickly? It was raining earlier.
Best regards

Yes it would, but it may also be blurred if it had been there for some time. But all is speculation, and blurred writing, I would venture to say, could not be described as fresh anyway. I am not so sure that we can assume that the surface would have been wet or damp anyway. It can teem with rain and brick areas, especially ones that are not outward facing like this, still remain dry. As far as rain getting to the inscribed surface is concerned, a lot would depend on wind direction, assuming there was a signifucant wind in the first place. It had hardly been a raging storm that night, but it was unlikely that there would have been any condensation in such an open area.

[Sam Flynn]

Hi Paul,

I feel that if the legend comes from two corespondences, but a closer look at the larger picture gives other instances of playful and subtle, then that is another reason that the letters might be legit. They fit the pattern.

I'm arguing that the "pattern" of playfulness and subtlety is a largely modern perception, and that there's a danger that our view of his character may be distorted by looking at the case through modern eyes.

One of the biggest influences on our imagination was surely the "Joker" depicted in the "Maybrick" diary with its punning, badly-written "comic" rhymes and the tedious repetition of "funny little this" and "funny little that". Prior to this we had Steven Knight really laying it on thick, with his "Riddler" leaving convoluted clues wherever he could near the crime scenes. Added to which Knight regales us with the notion that the Riddler's buddy embedded similarly wacky messages in his paintings.

I've not read any popular books prior to those two that so heavily promoted the idea of Jack delighting in cryptic messages of one form or another. I'd wager that books such as these have had a huge influence on the way we've viewed the case in the past three decades or so.

[Celesta]

I would be interested to know what others theories may be concerning the GSG and what it means assuming that JTR wrote it.

Right now I have four running theories about it. Ill list them in the order I feel most likely.

1: JTR was a Jew who has for some reason been rejected by his Jewish community. Could be some form of trauma he experienced as a child.

2: JTR was not a Jew and attemps to blame the Jews miserably.

3: The message was meant for Schwartz.

4: JTR was not responsible for all of the murders. He believes the person who is reponsible for the murders he did not commit, was a Jew.

They all open up the remote possibility that Strides murder was intended to point to a member of the IWEC.

Of course this is all assuming JTR wrote the GSG wich doesnt seem likely.

So.... Anyone else have a pet theory?

Hi Mitch,

I once had a friend who was a member of a minority. She was absolutely adamant in her rejection of this group of people. It has occurred to me that this might be possible with JtR, as well. Of course, there's not a hint of proof for this!