Auguste Dupin is a man in Paris who solves the mystery of the brutal murder of two women. Numerous witnesses heard a suspect, though no one agrees on what language was spoken. At the murder scene, Dupin finds a hair that does not appear to be human.
As the first fictional detective, Poe's Dupin displays many traits which became literary conventions in subsequent fictional detectives including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Many later characters, for example, follow Poe's model of the brilliant detective, his personal friend who serves as narrator, and the final revelation being presented before the reasoning that leads up to it. Dupin himself reappears in "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt" and "The Purloined Letter".
Even though I did read this earlier in the year, I felt as though I didn't thoroughly read it enough. I recently went over the piece and actually tried to comprehend Edgar's words. I have a hard time following along with some of his works, but if I put my mind to it I can come to a lucid understanding! I also looked at this piece as a piece of writing instead of an assignment, which also helped. I have continued to read Untraceable and found that it is really good. Hershey got a little too boring for me so I believe I'm going to drop that for a little while, and read tidbits of it as time goes along.
ReplyDeleteHow many characters in the book or short story are there? Do you like any of them, dislike them, why? Do you feel they all are necessary? Any favorite characters? Is this story something you would want to read again? Is this similar to anything you have previously read? Anyway, it sounds cool. :D
ReplyDeleteEchoing what Kahla asked; how does the detective elements compare to more modern stories in that genre if you have read any? Or even modern tv shows that seem to be obsessed with detectives and violent crime (CSI, Law and Order, Criminal Minds, etc.)
ReplyDeleteAlso what did you think of the twist with the orangutan?
Do you feel if the story was told by another writer besides Poe, the story might loose some of its effect on the reader? In some ways, it may be easier to comprehend, but in others you might loose his touch. How do you feel about this?
ReplyDeleteI felt that the detectives were somewhat different. In modern day we take many precautions and study every little thing. I feel as if the cops in the story were not thorough enough in their investigation, even though they got to the bottom of it. I feel as if the twist gave it sort of a unique feeling. Of coarse we hear of people fatalities everyday, but something we definitely don't hear about is orangutans killing people.
ReplyDeleteI am not really sure about it being written by someone else. I feel as if Poe tells it well, but just confusing some of the time. If Poe didn't write it then I don't think it would require much thinking, therefore not being as good.