"Murder is unique in that it abolishes the party it injures, so that society has to take the place of the victim and on his behalf demand atonement or grant forgiveness; it is the one crime in which society has a direct interest"

This quote by W. H. Auden talks to the distinct nature of murder and its ramifications for society. Auden suggests that murder stands out from other criminal activities in that it gets rid of the victim, leaving society to take their place and demand justice or forgiveness. In this way, Auden argues that society has a direct interest in the criminal offense of murder, as it is the only crime in which society is directly affected. This quote highlights the value of society's function in responding to and dealing with the criminal offense of murder, in addition to the requirement for justice and accountability for those who devote such a heinous act. It likewise serves as a tip of the gravity of the crime of murder and the need for society to take a stand against it.