The question of whether Ben Harmon deliberately killed Hayden McClaine in the first season of American Horror Story is a complex one, mired in ambiguity and subjective interpretation. While the show never explicitly confirms Ben’s intent to murder Hayden, a strong case can be made, based on his actions, the surrounding circumstances, and the unreliable nature of his character, that he contributed to her demise, even if unintentionally.
The Case Against Ben Harmon
The narrative surrounding Hayden’s death is shrouded in manipulation and deceit, primarily orchestrated by Constance Langdon and Moira O’Hara. However, Ben’s culpability stems from his consistent lying to Hayden, his desire to protect his marriage at any cost, and his ultimately passive role in her burial, which effectively sealed her fate as a resident ghost of the Murder House.
Ben’s affair with Hayden was a significant catalyst for the events leading to her death. He repeatedly misled her about the true nature of his intentions and his commitment to his marriage with Vivien Harmon. When Hayden threatened to expose their affair and potentially destroy his family, Ben was visibly desperate to silence her.
The actual moment of Hayden’s death is pivotal. Constance Langdon, motivated by her desire to protect her grandson Tate and eliminate Hayden’s potential to disrupt the family, struck Hayden over the head with a crowbar. Ben was present during this event, but he claims to have been in shock and unable to prevent it. However, his subsequent actions – or rather, inaction – are deeply incriminating.
Instead of reporting the murder to the authorities, Ben, along with Constance and Moira, conspired to bury Hayden’s body on the Murder House property. This act of concealment demonstrates a clear awareness of his own potential liability and a willingness to participate in covering up a crime. By choosing to bury her instead of seeking help, he effectively condemned her to an afterlife of torment within the house. While Constance physically struck the blow, Ben’s actions following the event are indicative of guilt and complicity in covering up what happened.
FAQs: Decoding the Death of Hayden McClaine
FAQ 1: Was Constance Langdon solely responsible for Hayden’s death?
While Constance physically struck the fatal blow, responsibility is shared. Constance provided the act, but Ben’s desire to silence Hayden, his failure to report the crime, and his involvement in concealing the body all contribute to the circumstances of her death. He created the situation that enabled Constance to act.
FAQ 2: What was Ben’s motivation for burying Hayden instead of calling the police?
Ben’s primary motivation was self-preservation. Reporting the murder would have implicated him in an affair, destroyed his marriage, and potentially led to criminal charges for accessory to murder or obstruction of justice. He chose to protect his reputation and family, even at the cost of Hayden’s life and her eternal rest.
FAQ 3: Did Hayden deserve what happened to her?
No. Regardless of Hayden’s actions and threats, she did not deserve to be murdered. Her death was a tragic consequence of a complex web of relationships, lies, and selfish motivations. Blaming the victim is never the answer.
FAQ 4: How did Moira O’Hara factor into Hayden’s death and burial?
Moira, bound to the Murder House, was complicit in the cover-up, assisting Constance and Ben in burying Hayden’s body. Her motivation stemmed from her own desire to escape the house and her loyalty to Constance, who offered her the possibility of freedom. She was essentially a reluctant participant.
FAQ 5: Would Ben have killed Hayden himself if Constance hadn’t intervened?
This is a point of speculation. While Ben never explicitly voiced an intention to kill Hayden, his desperation and willingness to compromise his moral compass to protect his family suggest that he was capable of extreme measures. Whether he would have crossed that line is ultimately left to the viewer’s interpretation. The writers purposefully created ambiguity surrounding his true intentions.
FAQ 6: What legal ramifications would Ben have faced if he had reported Hayden’s death?
Ben would have faced significant legal ramifications, including potential charges for accessory to murder, obstruction of justice, and possibly even manslaughter if his actions were deemed to have contributed to Hayden’s death. His affair would also have been exposed, leading to professional and personal consequences.
FAQ 7: How did Hayden’s ghost impact the events of American Horror Story: Murder House?
Hayden’s ghost became a vengeful presence within the Murder House, tormenting Ben and Vivien, and contributing to the overall chaos and malevolence of the house. She actively sought to disrupt their lives and prevent them from finding happiness, driven by her anger and resentment over her murder and betrayal.
FAQ 8: Was Ben aware that burying Hayden on the property would trap her soul?
While Ben may not have been fully aware of the specific ramifications of burying her on the Murder House property, he would have understood that it was a permanent and irreversible act, preventing her body from being properly discovered and laid to rest. This awareness contributes to his culpability.
FAQ 9: Could Ben have avoided Hayden’s death entirely?
Yes. If Ben had been honest with Hayden about his intentions and ended the affair properly, the chain of events leading to her death could have been avoided. His lies and manipulation created the volatile situation that ultimately resulted in her demise.
FAQ 10: How does Ben’s character evolve after Hayden’s death?
Ben’s character deteriorates significantly after Hayden’s death. He becomes increasingly paranoid, guilt-ridden, and emotionally unstable. He struggles to cope with the consequences of his actions and the haunting presence of Hayden’s ghost, ultimately contributing to his own downfall.
FAQ 11: Is there any redemption for Ben Harmon after his actions in Murder House?
Redemption for Ben is debatable. While he displays moments of remorse and attempts to protect his family, his initial actions and subsequent complicity in the cover-up cast a long shadow over his character. Whether he deserves forgiveness is left for the audience to decide.
FAQ 12: What is the ultimate message about morality and responsibility presented through Hayden’s death?
Hayden’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of infidelity, lies, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves. It highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the devastating ripple effects that can result from moral compromises. It showcases how self-preservation can lead to terrible outcomes for all involved.
Conclusion: The Murky Waters of Moral Complicity
Ultimately, while Ben Harmon may not have directly wielded the crowbar that killed Hayden McClaine, his actions leading up to and following her death make him a significant contributor to her demise. His desire for self-preservation and his willingness to conceal the truth paint a portrait of a man deeply complicit in a terrible crime. He may not be a murderer in the strictest sense, but he certainly bears a heavy burden of guilt and responsibility for the tragic fate that befell Hayden McClaine in the infamous Murder House. The ambiguity surrounding his intentions is precisely what makes his character so compelling and raises profound questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of our choices.