The origins of the detective genre can be found both in ancient literature and in biblical texts. The first detective stories appeared simultaneously with the attempts of people to understand the reasons for the commission of crimes. Nevertheless, the American writer of the first half of the 19th century, Edgar Poe, is considered the ancestor of the detective genre in literature.
Instructions
Step 1
Edgar Allan Poe is one of those who stood at the origins of the national literature of the United States. His main merit is the creation of the novel genre. He was given the right to invent a detective long ago. The novels “Murder on the Rue Morgue”, “The Mystery of Marie Roger” and “The Stolen Letter” are considered the "first swallows" of the genre. In addition, 2 more stories can be added to it - "The Golden Beetle" and "You are the husband who did this." In these works, the writer managed to create a scheme for a new literary genre and its basic techniques. The fundamental novelty of the works of Edgar Poe was that he managed to use a criminal investigation as a plot basis. In addition, the detective became their central character for the first time.
Step 2
In his short stories, Poe laid the foundations for the most common detective stories that are still found in the pages of world literature: a domestic quarrel, a clash with a maniac killer, blackmail and espionage. He also used classic detective techniques: the use of a decoy duck, planted evidence, interception of encrypted messages, double play, substitution of the subject of blackmail.
Step 3
Of course, in Edgar Poe, who did not at all claim the laurels of the creator of a new genre, all these plots and techniques exist only in their infancy. Subsequently, many recognized detective masters had to work a lot on their development. In addition, both detectives and criminals in Poe's works are just amateurs, because they were invented at a time when forensic science was just in its infancy, and no one knew about fingerprinting at all. Therefore, in solving crimes, the characters mainly use the analytical method. The writer himself was naturally highly intelligent and was inclined to clearly exaggerate the ability of the human mind as a tool for solving crimes.
Step 4
In the short story "You are the husband who did this," the criminal turns out to be so dexterous and cunning that the reader may think that he will be able to escape retribution. However, there is a detective who manages to force him to confess. Thus, Edgar Poe approved one of the basic principles of the detective genre - good always triumphs over evil. Within the narrow framework of the novel, the writer managed to lay the foundations of the detective genre: he outlined the classic plots, techniques and characters. On the basis of the detective legacy of Edgar Poe, writers of subsequent generations created the genre of a detective novel.
