This paper is aimed at showing why it is correct to call Edgar Allan Poe the godfather of crime fiction, and how much of an influence he actually was.
When we think of crime fiction two names immediately come to mind: Sherlock Holmes and, although maybe to a slightly lesser extent, Hercule Poirot. Their cases have been published all over the world, were an immediate success, and have since been adapted countless times for theater, radio, cinema, and TV. Although the first Sherlock Holmes case was published 120 years ago and Agatha Christie’s Poirot had his first appearance in 1914, their popularity remains unbroken until today.
Agatha Christie’s play "The Mousetrap" is "celebrating the 64th year of a record-breaking run during which over 26,000 performances have been given", and until today holds the "world record for the longest continuous run at one theatre" ("The Mousetrap"). And the latest Sherlock Holmes series Sherlock and Elementary have been renewed for their fifth and sixth season respectively.
It is safe to say their names have become household words for detective fiction. The name C. Auguste Dupin on the other hand is – at least today – relatively unknown, familiar probably only to the ardent crime fiction enthusiast. Yet, in literary circles "[t]he general critical consensus is that the detective story begins with Edgar Allan Poe, the ‘father’ of the detective genre".
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Crime Fiction
- Content and Storytelling
- Character and Method
- C. Auguste Dupin
- Sherlock Holmes
- Hercule Poirot
- Plot Elements
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate the significance of Edgar Allan Poe and his detective, C. Auguste Dupin, as the foundational figures of crime fiction. It explores Dupin's influence on subsequent detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, highlighting the enduring impact of Poe's innovative approach to storytelling and character development.
- Historical development of crime fiction
- Comparative analysis of storytelling techniques in early crime fiction
- Character analysis of Dupin, Holmes, and Poirot
- Examination of recurring plot elements in crime fiction
- Assessment of Poe's lasting influence on the genre
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the enduring popularity of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, contrasting their widespread fame with the relative obscurity of C. Auguste Dupin. It establishes the paper's central argument: that Edgar Allan Poe, through Dupin, deserves recognition as the "godfather" of crime fiction. The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, previewing the analysis of the history of crime fiction, storytelling techniques, character studies of the three detectives, and common plot elements.
History of Crime Fiction: This chapter traces the evolution of crime fiction, linking its rise in popularity to socio-cultural changes during the 18th and 19th centuries. It discusses the influence of the Newgate Calendar and novels, highlighting their focus on romanticized criminals and their impact on shaping reader sympathies. The chapter then explores the emergence of more realistic detective fiction, with the rise of efficient police forces and detective agencies, culminating in Poe's creation of the detective story genre with "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and the archetype of the rational detective. It positions Poe's work as a pivotal point, moving away from the sensationalism of the Newgate genre to a more analytical and reasoned approach. The development of the "Great Detective" is also discussed, leading to the Classical Age.
Keywords
Crime fiction, detective fiction, Edgar Allan Poe, C. Auguste Dupin, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, storytelling, character analysis, plot elements, historical development, literary influence, logical reasoning, ratiocination.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Crime Fiction
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper focuses on the historical development of crime fiction and the significant influence of Edgar Allan Poe's C. Auguste Dupin on subsequent detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. It examines Poe's innovative approach to storytelling and character development and its lasting impact on the genre.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical development of crime fiction, comparative analysis of storytelling techniques in early crime fiction, character analysis of Dupin, Holmes, and Poirot, examination of recurring plot elements in crime fiction, and assessment of Poe's lasting influence on the genre.
What is the paper's central argument?
The paper argues that Edgar Allan Poe, through his creation of C. Auguste Dupin, deserves recognition as the foundational figure of crime fiction, significantly impacting the development of subsequent detectives and the genre itself.
Which detectives are analyzed in the paper?
The paper analyzes the characters of C. Auguste Dupin, Sherlock Holmes, and Hercule Poirot, comparing their characteristics and highlighting the influence of Dupin on the latter two.
What aspects of crime fiction are discussed?
The paper discusses various aspects of crime fiction, including its historical development, storytelling techniques, character archetypes, recurring plot elements, and the evolution of the "Great Detective".
What is the role of Edgar Allan Poe in the paper?
Edgar Allan Poe and his detective, C. Auguste Dupin, are central to the paper. The paper argues that Poe's work marks a pivotal point in the development of crime fiction, shifting from sensationalized narratives to a more analytical and reasoned approach.
What is covered in the "History of Crime Fiction" chapter?
This chapter traces the evolution of crime fiction, from its roots in the Newgate Calendar and novels to the emergence of more realistic detective fiction, highlighting the transition from romanticized criminals to the analytical detective and placing Poe's work as a crucial turning point.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, a chapter on the history of crime fiction, a section on content and storytelling techniques, a section on character analysis focusing on Dupin, Holmes, and Poirot, a section on plot elements, and a conclusion. A table of contents is provided for easy navigation.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Crime fiction, detective fiction, Edgar Allan Poe, C. Auguste Dupin, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, storytelling, character analysis, plot elements, historical development, literary influence, logical reasoning, ratiocination.
- Quote paper
- Nadja Niyaz (Author), 2017, Crime Fiction. Dupin vs. Sherlock and Poirot, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1289823
