Why did Simon Armitage write The hitcher?

Answer 1

He didn't. He wrote "Hitcher". Since the film "The Hitcher" gained fame/notoriety/popularity it's been easy to confuse the two, but the accidental connotation isn't unhelpful. As Armitage doesn't make his purposes overtly clear, we're drawn to speculate. Maybe the inclusion of Carol Ann Duffy's "Education for Leisure" in the AQA Anthology of a few years ago makes it easier as each focuses on a character who is initially disconcerting and who commits an act or acts of violence. In each case the perpetrator selects a victim randomly and appears to be driven by an unjustified, irrational (?) sense of their own superiority.

That each of the characters operates unnoticed within society is what is lastingly disturbing. The arbitrary nature of becoming a victim and the elements of personality which contribute to the decision to attack undermine any sense of personal security/ safety.

Armitage also leaves us to consider whether or not his character is sane, providing a few oblique hints ( "the same age, give or take a week") of the empty arrogance. His character plans the attack, though without pre-selecting a specific victim. BTW, those evaluating Anders Breivik's state of mind have pointed to his ability to plan carefully as an indication of sanity/ ability to stand trial. Armitage's attacker has no remorse - rather, a vapid celebration of his 'skill' ("didn't even swerve").