Torment Saint

Synopsis

Elliott Smith was one of the most gifted songwriters of the nineties, adored by worshipful fans for his subtly melancholic words and melodies. The sadness had its sources in the life. There was trauma from an early age, years of drug abuse and a chronic sense of disconnection that sometimes seemed almost self-engineered. Smith died violently in Los Angeles in 2003, under what some believe to be questionable circumstances, of a single fatal stab wound to the chest. By this time fame had found him, and record buyers who shared the listening experience felt he spoke directly to them from beyond: lonely, lovelorn, frustrated, fighting until he could fight no more. And yet, although his achingly intimate lyrics carried the weight of truth, Smith remained unknowable. In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz gives us the first proper biography of the rock star, a decade after his death, imbued with affection, authority, sensitivity and long-awaited clarity. Torment Saint draws on Schultz's careful, deeply knowledgeable readings and insights, as well as on more than 150 hours of interviews with close friends, lovers, bandmates, peers, managers, label owners, and recording engineers and producers. This book unravels the remaining mysteries of Smith's life and his shocking, too-early end. It will be an indispensable examination of his life and legacy, both for Smith's legions of fans as well as readers still discovering his songbook.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Devil's Daughter

* Summary:
* Introduction of Torment, a young woman cursed with supernatural abilities that make her an outcast.
* She is feared and reviled by the villagers of Bethel, who believe her to be the spawn of the devil.
* Real Example:
* Torment is often compared to the biblical figure of Lilith, who was said to be Adam's first wife and a demon.

Chapter 2: The Village of Bethel

* Summary:
* Torment is confined to the outskirts of Bethel, where she lives in isolation and poverty.
* The villagers are cruel and unforgiving towards her, constantly tormenting and abusing her.
* Real Example:
* The prejudice and persecution faced by Torment is similar to the historical experiences of marginalized groups, such as witches or lepers.

Chapter 3: The Trial

* Summary:
* Torment is accused of witchcraft and put on trial by the villagers.
* Despite her innocence, she is found guilty and sentenced to death by burning.
* Real Example:
* The Salem witch trials, in which innocent women were accused of witchcraft and executed, are a harrowing example of the dangers of mass hysteria and prejudice.

Chapter 4: The Execution

* Summary:
* Torment is led to the pyre and set alight.
* As she burns, she unleashes her supernatural powers, unleashing a storm of fire and brimstone upon the village.
* Real Example:
* The idea of a martyr or holy figure sacrificing themselves to protect the innocent has been a recurring theme in mythologies and religions throughout history.

Chapter 5: The Aftermath

* Summary:
* The village of Bethel is destroyed by Torment's powers.
* The surviving villagers flee in terror, fearing that she will return.
* Real Example:
* The consequences of persecution and hatred often lead to violence and destruction. The destruction of Bethel serves as a warning against the dangers of intolerance.

Chapter 6: The Torment of Eternity

* Summary:
* Torment's soul is condemned to wander the Earth for eternity, cursed to torment those who have wronged her.
* She becomes a vengeful spirit, inflicting pain and suffering upon the descendants of the villagers who killed her.
* Real Example:
* The idea of a tormented spirit seeking revenge is a common trope in horror fiction. Torment's eternal torment serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of injustice.

Chapter 7: The Redemption

* Summary:
* Centuries later, a young priest named Father Michael is sent to Bethel to investigate the legend of Torment.
* He encounters her spirit and learns the truth about her past.
* Real Example:
* The theme of redemption is often explored in stories of tragedy and loss. Father Michael's attempt to seek justice for Torment offers hope that even in the darkest of times, healing and forgiveness can be found.