*This was published in the September 27th edition of the Biola University Newspaper
The modern detective story has captured the attention of American entertainment unlike many others. A barrage of movies, books and TV shows, most mimicking each other, draw on America’s fascination with mystery and keep their audiences’ guessing with every twist of the plot.
Though the popularity of the modern detective story is due to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his creation of the well-loved fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, credit is owed to Edgar Allan Poe for introducing the detective story.
In Poe’s celebrated short story, “The Purloined Letter,” a letter is stolen from a royal personage resulting in an investigation as to where the Minister has hidden the letter.
Despite a meticulous search of the Minister’s apartment, the police are unable to locate the missing letter. In despair, the Prefect confides in a dilettante detective and his friend, the narrator of the story. The Prefect divulges the facts of the case and asks for advice. The detective, Auguste Dupin, responds coyly, giving the Prefect no advice other than to repeat his steps.
A month later the Prefect returns, lamenting that the case is still unresolved. Dupin asks what the reward for the letter is, and after receiving a check from the Prefect, produces the missing letter.
Dupin epitomizes the role of an emotionally detached, egocentric genius with a penchant for solving crime. Using his powers of deduction, Dupin solves the crime, baffling even the most experienced in Parisian law enforcement. Combining observation, logic and a vague sense of intuition, he finds where the Minister has hidden the letter, and successfully purloins it for himself.
This style of detective story is known as a ratiocinative tale. In this form, the central character seeks answers to the mystery using observation, logic and intuition, while the story exclusively follows the main character, giving clues along the way to stimulate the audience and pique their interest. Poe successfully established this genre with stories such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Mystery of Marie Rogệt.”
Since Poe’s pioneering of detective fiction, a wealth of imitations has surfaced. From Sherlock Holmes to the popular CBS show “CSI,” entertainment has capitalized on audiences’ attraction toward mystery and intrigue.
Despite Poe’s integral role in creating detective fiction, he is rarely recognized. Commendation is reserved for more recognizable mystery authors. Though his work may not be as polished as his successors, it is wildly entertaining and thrills the reader from start to finish.
Try piecing the clues together and discover what you find. Read “The Purloined Letter,” knowing it was one of the first of its kind, and marvel at the ingenuity that has sparked a 160-year phenomenon.
The modern detective story has captured the attention of American entertainment unlike many others. A barrage of movies, books and TV shows, most mimicking each other, draw on America’s fascination with mystery and keep their audiences’ guessing with every twist of the plot.
Though the popularity of the modern detective story is due to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his creation of the well-loved fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, credit is owed to Edgar Allan Poe for introducing the detective story.
In Poe’s celebrated short story, “The Purloined Letter,” a letter is stolen from a royal personage resulting in an investigation as to where the Minister has hidden the letter.
Despite a meticulous search of the Minister’s apartment, the police are unable to locate the missing letter. In despair, the Prefect confides in a dilettante detective and his friend, the narrator of the story. The Prefect divulges the facts of the case and asks for advice. The detective, Auguste Dupin, responds coyly, giving the Prefect no advice other than to repeat his steps.
A month later the Prefect returns, lamenting that the case is still unresolved. Dupin asks what the reward for the letter is, and after receiving a check from the Prefect, produces the missing letter.
Dupin epitomizes the role of an emotionally detached, egocentric genius with a penchant for solving crime. Using his powers of deduction, Dupin solves the crime, baffling even the most experienced in Parisian law enforcement. Combining observation, logic and a vague sense of intuition, he finds where the Minister has hidden the letter, and successfully purloins it for himself.
This style of detective story is known as a ratiocinative tale. In this form, the central character seeks answers to the mystery using observation, logic and intuition, while the story exclusively follows the main character, giving clues along the way to stimulate the audience and pique their interest. Poe successfully established this genre with stories such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Mystery of Marie Rogệt.”
Since Poe’s pioneering of detective fiction, a wealth of imitations has surfaced. From Sherlock Holmes to the popular CBS show “CSI,” entertainment has capitalized on audiences’ attraction toward mystery and intrigue.
Despite Poe’s integral role in creating detective fiction, he is rarely recognized. Commendation is reserved for more recognizable mystery authors. Though his work may not be as polished as his successors, it is wildly entertaining and thrills the reader from start to finish.
Try piecing the clues together and discover what you find. Read “The Purloined Letter,” knowing it was one of the first of its kind, and marvel at the ingenuity that has sparked a 160-year phenomenon.
2 comments:
The title itself was what caught my attention. You had kept this post short and to the point. The sentences were not extended and they were also clear. I enjoyed reading your post. I'm learning alot this week from reading other blogs. I actually told that to Matt as well. I didn't catch it in the Biola University Newspaper, maybe next time I should look at the articles alittle closer. Oh and...wouldn't it be better if you call it "Chimes"?
Your writing is so interesting and informative. You have some great gifted writers in your family. So glad you are enjoying this avenue of expression !
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