Jane

Response Essay #3

Classic vs. Hardboiled Detective Fiction

The classic stories of Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle laid the foundation for detective fiction. Hardboiled detective fiction came along later and expanded on the classics to develop its own distinctive style and framework to entertain readers. After reading selections of both, it is evident that there are several differences between classic and hardboiled detective fiction. Differences exist in the setting, the language, the complexity of the plot, the methods used for solving cases, and most importantly the persona of the detective. These differences do not make one style better than the other. Both have characteristics that make them entertaining to read. Detective fiction like all literature is a reflection of the times and evolves with the creativity of its writers.

The setting of classic detective fiction is often the English countryside or cities of Britain with the gothic elements of old mansions, isolated victims, locked room crimes, and supernatural aspects. This setting is very different from the corrupt streets of large American cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles in hardboiled detection. Poe and Conan Doyle’s characters speak a language that is proper and sophisticated. The detectives of hardboiled fiction have their own language that enhances their “tough guy” image. Classic detective fiction is written in the third person with the narrator being the assistant or associate of the main detective. The reader only sees the clues through the narrator’s eyes and experiences. The reader is kept guessing as to what the detective is thinking. On the other hand, some hardboiled fiction is in the first person such as __the Big Sleep__ where the reader gets to know the detectives thoughts.

Classic detective fiction’s plot is straightforward and uncomplicated. The plot includes the detective, the victim(s), and the murderer or protagonist. There is rarely an underlying theme other than solving the case or problem. For example, in Poe’s “Murders of the Rue Morgue__,__“ the detective is Dupin, the victims are the two women who were murdered and the ape is what committed the crime. The plots are usually a “who dun it” or a “where is it.” The plot of hardboiled fiction is much more complex. In the __Maltese Falcon,__ the plot progresses from a missing person case to a murder case to a missing object case and finally back to a murder mystery. These twists make the story extremely compelling to readers. The reader is kept guessing as to what needs to be solved. Gore and police incompetence are present in Poe’s stories but hardboiled detective fiction incorporates sex, homosexual inferences, and police corruption. There is more action in hardboiled detective fiction. The detective is always pursuing the action and putting himself in harms way in order to solve the crime. After escaping from Canino, Marlowe knows he needs to lure Canino outside so he can kill him in order to free Silver Wig. “All I had to do was wait for him to come out. I couldn’t do it I shifted the gun to my left hand and leaned down to scoop up a handful of gravel. I tossed it against the screen of the window” (200). Action and suspense take place as Canino and Marlowe confront each other. Poe’s Dupin solves mysteries for his amusement. The reader does not feel that Dupin is ever in danger while investigating a case.

The main detective character of classic detective fiction relies heavily on his skills of observation, deduction and analysis to solve the crime. Sherlock Holmes never fails to impress the reader with his keen observation skills and ingenuity in solving a case. In “The Case of the Speckled Band,” he remarks about the presence of the ventilator in Miss Stoner's sister's bedroom:" 'Very strange' muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. 'What a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated with the outside air!' " (Wiki). By Holmes’ comment, the reader realizes that the ventilator must be an important clue to solving the case. Dupin also uses his intellect and analytical skills to solve the crime in " Murders in the Rue Morgue.” The analytical skills of these classic detectives are greater than those of the reader. The reader knows from the beginning of the story that the detective’s superior mind skills will help him solve the puzzle. In contrast, hardboiled detectives rely on their instinct and intuition to solve cases. In the __Maltese Falcon,__ Sam Spade was not even interested in observing the body of his murdered partner Miles. Nelson in “Murder at the Automat,” acts on his instinct when he suspects Avram’s wife of murder and luckily realizes that she is trying to poison him while they are having coffee.

Every detective, whether in classic or in hardboiled fiction, has a persona and code that portrays his character. Sherlock Holmes is an admirable yet eccentric character that readers can depend upon to find the criminal and restore order. He is a likeable character and his clients are his main concern. Dupin may not be as likeable as Holmes but he is also a straightforward character. He likes the competitiveness of solving crimes and does so for his amusement. There is no mystery to the characters of Dupin and Holmes. The reader knows what to expect from them. On the other hand, the persona of hardboiled detectives is more complex. These detectives are tough guys and men of action who live by their own “code.” They operate on their own and tend to circumvent the law in order to solve a case. It is not always clear where the detective stands. For example, the reader wonders if False Burton Combs is part gangster or not. He feels it is acceptable to kill someone if you give them proper warning. He repeatedly says that women are not to be trusted but in the end accepts the fact that Marion saves his life. Sam Spade appears to fall in love with Brigid O’Shaugnessy, but turns her over to the police in the end. He “won’t play the sap” and be controlled by his feelings for a woman. He explains to Effie that he has to turn over O’Shaugnessy: “I am a detective, she planned the murder of Miles.” It does not matter that he was attracted to her. He can’t deny that she murdered his partner. Spade uses his instinct and bluffs to get answers. In the final scene of __Maltese Falcon,__ Spade convinces Gutman that he’s on his side by insisting they need a “fall man” for Mile’s murder.

Classic and hardboiled detective fiction are very different and have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing to readers. Classic detection offers the straightforward plot and the analytical detective who will use his keen observation and clever deduction skills to solve the case. Hardboiled detective fiction has the suspenseful, action packed plot with the intriguing “tough guy” detective who will stop at nothing to solve his case. The differences are what make both types of detective fiction very enjoyable to read.

Response Essay#2-Revised ** __WOMEN OF MYSTERY__ ** Detective fiction is entertaining literature. But it is not only the exciting plots and twists that make the story enjoyable. It is also the appeal of the main detective character. The personality, actions and language of the detective can make a story memorable or not depending upon the reader’s likes and dislikes. The introduction of female detectives who have different characteristics from their male counterparts may be the reason for an increased readership of detective novels among women. One major difference is that the female detective is not usually the self-absorbed “tough guy” who exudes an air of superiority. Female detectives do not follow the cookie cutter mold of hard-boiled male detectives who are handsome, single, drinkers, and loners. Also, female detectives exhibit more emotion towards their case and clients and may even be emotionally changed by their case. This emotional component usually gives more depth to the story. Finally, the first female detectives represented a new modern woman who was smart, independent and courageous. For these reasons, I think that female sleuths appeal more to female readers. Female readers can emotionally connect and identify with the character and will be more apt to want to read and enjoy female detective stories.

Physical attributes and personality traits are obvious but significant differences that set female sleuths apart from their male counterparts. In “Missing Page Thirteen,” Ms. Digby is at first surprised by Violet’s youth and appearance but then sees Violet’s intelligence shine through: “After the first inevitable shock which the latter felt at sight of the beauty and fashionable appearance of the mysterious little being who was to solve her difficulties, her glance, which, under other circumstances, might have lingered unduly upon the piquant features and exquisite dressing of the fairy-like figure before her, passed at once to Violet's eyes, in whose steady depths beamed an intelligence quite at odds with the coquettish dimples which so often misled the casual observer in his estimation of a character singularly subtle and well-poised” (Wiki). Violet does not command the authority of Dupin but she is certainly capable of solving the case. In the end, it is her slight stature that allows her to investigate the hidden room for the missing page as well as unlock the mysterious disappearance of Van Broecklyn’s parents. As readers, we question, “Can this young girl really solve the mystery?”

Emotion is an important aspect of female detective fiction. In “The Long Arm,” Sarah Fairbanks shows emotion when greeting Mr. Dix, the detective sent to help her find her father’s murderer. “I felt the tears coming to my eyes.” ‘You are very kind to come,’ I managed to say” (Wiki). These are not the expressions of tough guy detectives such as Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. She welcomes help as opposed to feeling superior to everyone else involved in solving the case. Sarah is a likeable character who is more concerned with others than her own well being. Although she loves him, she tells Henry, “If you should see some good woman whom you could love, it will be better for you to marry elsewhere”(Wiki). It is easy for the reader to become emotionally concerned for Sarah and wish her to find the murderer so she is no longer a suspect.

In “A Jury of Her Peers,” Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are sympathetic to Minnie Foster’s situation. They are able to accurately read the real clues to what happened in the Wright home such as the untidy kitchen, the broken birdcage, and the dead bird. The men act as if they are in charge but in reality they have overlooked the relevant clues to the cause of John Wright’s death. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters quickly become emotionally connected to her. They compare Minnie to the caged bird. She is unable to happily sing after her marriage to the domineering John Wright. Upon seeing the dead bird, they know exactly what took place in the Wright home: “And then again the eyes of the two women met--this time clung together in a look of dawning comprehension, of growing horror. Mrs. Peters looked from the dead bird to the broken door of the cage”(Wiki). They identify and empathize with Minnie’s sad and desperate situation and decide to help her by covering up any incriminating evidence. Their “code” is to band together as women against the injustice of the male dominated world they live in. “A Jury of Her Peers” can be considered a feminist statement as well as a detective story.

Classic detection has women as the victims and men as the intelligent, superior detectives. With the arrival of female sleuths, the main character could now be a confident, intelligent, courageous modern woman. Violet, in “Missing Page Thirteen,” is a young, smart, aristocrat who likes to make extra money solving cases. She displays courage when she knows she’s the only one who can enter the small room into which the missing page passed. She has never felt fear like this before. “Violet in her short career as an investigator of mysteries had been in many a situation calling for more than womanly nerve and courage. But never--or so it seemed to her at the time--had she experienced a greater depression of spirit than when she stood with Miss Digby before a small door at the extreme end of the cellar, and understood that here was her road--a road which once entered, she must take alone”(Wiki). Violet's bravery is admirable and her fear adds suspense to the story. Sara Fairbanks shows courage when she is determined to find out what happened to her father even though she has been considered a suspect. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters subtly assert their independence over their husbands and the male dominated society they live in when they cover up the clues of John Wright’s death.

What’s the appeal of women of mystery? Female sleuths display many differences from their male counterparts. Their physical nature and personality do not fit the mold of the tough guy detective. They use their intuition, intelligence and emotion to solve their cases. They represent the modern woman who is independent and courageous. These differences are what make female detectives so appealing to women readers. These characteristics enable female detective fiction to elicit deeper emotion and thought that extends beyond the basic crime solving detective story.

Response Essay#2 ** __WOMEN OF MYSTERY: WHAT’S THE APPEAL?__ **

Detective fiction is entertaining literature. But it is not only the exciting plots and twists that make the story enjoyable. It is also the appeal of the main detective character. The personality, actions and language of the detective can make a story memorable or not depending upon the reader’s likes and dislikes. The introduction of female detectives who have different characteristics from their male counterparts may be the reason for an increased readership of detective novels among women. One major difference is that the female detective is not usually the self-absorbed “tough guy” who exudes an air of superiority. Female detectives do not follow the cookie cutter mold of hard-boiled male detectives who are handsome, single, drinkers, and loners. The “code” of females and males may be ultimately the same but they show it in a different manner. Also, female detectives exhibit more emotion towards their case and clients and may even be emotionally changed by their case. This emotional component usually gives more depth to the story and offers the reader more than just “good guy/bad guy” crime fiction. Finally, the first female detectives represented a new modern woman who was smart, independent and courageous. For these reasons, I think that female sleuths appeal more to female readers. Female readers can emotionally connect and identify with the character and will be more apt to want to read and enjoy female detective stories.

Physical attributes and personality traits are obvious but significant differences that set female sleuths apart from their male counterparts. In __Missing Page Thirteen,__ Ms. Digby is first surprised by Violet’s youth and appearance but then sees Violet’s intelligence shine through. “After the first inevitable shock which the latter felt at sight of the beauty and fashionable appearance of the mysterious little being who was to solve her difficulties, her glance, which, under other circumstances, might have lingered unduly upon the piquant features and exquisite dressing of the fairy-like figure before her, passed at once to Violet's eyes, in whose steady depths beamed an intelligence quite at odds with the coquettish dimples which so often misled the casual observer in his estimation of a character singularly subtle and well-poised” (Wiki). Violet does not command the authority of Dupin but she is certainly capable of solving the case. In the end, it is her slight stature that allows her to investigate the hidden room for the missing page as well as unlock the mysterious disappearance of Van Broecklyn’s parents. As readers, we question, “Can this young girl really solve the mystery?” On the other hand, Miss Marple in __The Blue Geranium__ may be an old spinster but she utilizes the same analytical skills as the younger, stoic Sherlock Holmes.

Emotion is an important aspect of female detective fiction. In __The Long Arm,__ Sarah Fairbanks shows emotion when greeting Mr. Dix, the detective sent to help her find her father’s murderer. “I felt the tears coming to my eyes.” “You are very kind to come,” I managed to say”(Wiki). These are not the expressions of tough guy detectives such as Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. She welcomes help as opposed to feeling superior to everyone else involved in solving the case. Sarah is a likeable character who is more concerned with others than her own well being. Although she loves him, she tells Henry, “If you should see some good woman whom you could love, it will be better for you to marry elsewhere”(Wiki). It is easy for the reader to become emotionally concerned for Sarah and wish her to find the right murderer so she is no longer a suspect.

In __A Jury of Her Peers,__ Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are sympathetic of Minnie Foster’s situation. They are able to interpret the real clues to what happened in the Wright home such as the untidy kitchen, the broken birdcage, and the dead bird. The men act as if they are in charge but in reality they have overlooked the relevant clues to the cause of John Wright’s death. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, who had lost touch with Minnie over the years, quickly become emotionally connected to her. They compare Minnie to the caged bird. She is unable to happily sing after her marriage to domineering John Wright. Upon seeing the dead bird, they know exactly what took place in the Wright home “And then again the eyes of the two women met--this time clung together in a look of dawning comprehension, of growing horror. Mrs. Peters looked from the dead bird to the broken door of the cage”(Wiki). They identified and empathized with Minnie’s sad and desperate situation and decided to help her by covering up any incriminating evidence. Their “code” was to band together as women against the injustice of the male dominated world they lived in. __A Jury of Her Peers__ can be considered a feminist statement as well as a detective story.

Classic detection has women as the victims and men as the intelligent, superior detective. With the arrival of female sleuths, the main character could now be a confident, intelligent, courageous modern woman. Violet, in __Missing Page Thirteen,__ is a young, smart, aristocrat who likes to make her extra money solving cases. She displays courage when she knows she’s the only one who can investigate the small room where the missing page passed through. “Violet in her short career as an investigator of mysteries had been in many a situation calling for more than womanly nerve and courage. But never--or so it seemed to her at the time--had she experienced a greater depression of spirit than when she stood with Miss Digby before a small door at the extreme end of the cellar, and understood that here was her road--a road which once entered, she must take alone”(Wiki). Sara Fairbanks shows courage when she is determined to find out what happened to her father even though she has been considered a suspect. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters subtly assert their independence over their husbands and the male society they live in when they cover up the clues of John Wright’s death.

What’s the appeal of women of mystery? Female sleuths display many differences from their male counterparts. Their physical nature and personality do not fit the mold of tough guy detective. They use their intuition, intelligence and emotion to solve their cases. They represent the modern woman who is independent and courageous. These differences are what make female detectives so appealing to women readers. These characteristics enable female detective fiction to elicit deeper emotion and thought that extends beyond the basic crime solving detective story.

Jane Tresnan English 3221-Detective Fiction May 23, 2010 Response Essay –Murders in Rue Morgue “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” by Edgar Allen Poe, is considered to be one of the first stories to represent the detective genre. “Murders in the Rue Morgue” does not exceed my expectations but it does correspond to my notion of detective fiction because it contains specific elements that I would expect to find in a detective story. First, this mystery has a brilliant detective as the central character. Dupin is superior to everyone else in the story and the only one capable of solving the mystery. Secondly, “Murders” appeals to the reader’s curiosity and challenges the reader to want to find the murderer. Finally, the solution at the end of the mystery is completely unexpected. The reader is baffled and could not have guessed who murdered the women without the help of Dupin’s deduction and analysis. “Murders” begins with a lengthy introduction to Dupin’s brilliant character. So that the reader will be able to understand and respect the analytical mind of Dupin, Poe likens Dupin’s mind to that of a chess player. “But it is in matters beyond the limits of mere rule that the skill of the analyst is evinced. He makes, in silence, a host of observations and inferences.” (3) Dupin possesses traits that make him a genius when it comes to solving mysteries. He has a keen sense of observation, is a logical thinker and has an extraordinary imagination. Poe elaborates these traits by having the narrator recall when Dupin was able to read his mind. The reader gains a sense of what motivates Dupin when the narrator, speaking about Dupin’s “analytical mind,“ says “He seemed, too, to take an eager delight in its exercise—if not exactly in its display—and did not hesitate to confess the pleasure thus derived.” (6) By the time the murders are introduced, the reader regards Dupin as a superior intellect who will be able to solve the mystery. Good detective fiction grabs the reader’s attention. While Poe’s introduction to the character of Dupin is lengthy, he does use gory, shocking details of the murder to peak the reader’s curiosity about who could have committed such an awful crime. The newspaper account of the murdered women was very graphic. “The body, as well as the head, was fearful mutilated – the former so much so as scarcely to retain any semblance of humanity.” (9) From that account, the reader cannot help but be drawn into the “whodunit” aspect of this detective story. The reader embarks on the same journey as Dupin to analyze the clues and solve the murders. Whether the reader realizes it or not, his/her curiosity is challenged and he/she is drawn into the game to find the solution. Good detective stories usually keep the reader guessing and have an unexpected ending or solution that only the detective could have figured out. “Murders in the Rue Morgue” is a locked room mystery that puzzles the police and the reader from the beginning. Dupin is the only one who observes the clues outside the room where the murders took place. The reader is amazed how Dupin solves the riddle of entry with the broken nail and the locked window and how he figures out the descent of the intruder. When analyzing the unusual voices heard at the time of the murder, the story takes on an unexpected twist. Not until the narrator exclaims, “this hair is most unusual—this in no //human// hair” and “This is the mark of no human hand” (23) does the reader have a clue that an animal may have committed the murders. Although I do prefer the Sherlock Holmes detective stories and modern day mysteries to this particular Edgar Allen Poe story, I do think that “Murders in the Rue Morgue” provided a good template for the development of detective fiction. The key elements of detective fiction are evident in this story. The central character is the brilliant detective with an analytical mind. The gory plot grabs the attention of the reader. Furthermore, the solution to the mystery is unexpected and only the detective is capable of solving the crime.