An Analysis of the Detective Genre
Sherlock Holmes, is a fictional yet convincing character created by
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With plots bizarre, singular and tantalising,
Doyle has created of one of our most popular genres.
The heroes in the detective genre often display the best of human
qualities, and are aware of the idolised role they have been placed in
by their closest companions. In the adventure of The Speckled Band the
hero, Sherlock Holmes, reveals his concern for his clients and
comforts the victim by informing her, "You must not fear". This
allows, the reader to understand the distinction between the emotional
and professional side of his occupation. During the same conversation
Holmes' phrases such as , "I am all attention" indicate his
conscientiousness and professionalism. His powers of observation are
able to pinpoint a minor flaw in appearance to which others are
oblivious, "all comprehensive glances" and "I observe the second half
of a ticket". Holmes conveys his equanimity, when threatened his
reaction is to chuckle "heartily" and only is insulted when he is
associated with the, "official force". In doing so he warns his
opponent that intimidation is not enough to put him off. Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle has created not only an idol but a hero respected by those
who know him best for his wit, his methods and his amiable character.
Heroes in the modern day version of the genre come from many
backgrounds and cultures. This new variety contrasts the Victorian
stereotype of a strong and witty character such as Sherlock Holmes. In
The Devil's Foot and The Man with the Twisted Lip the hero, Holmes is
again portrayed as both judge and jury. Holmes is, "without rest"
until a clear picture of...
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... in the modern detective genre is a major contrast to earlier
detective fiction and has improved the view of women to which others
take. The new role of women can be proven in the TV series, "Randall
and Hopkirk Deceased" as one of the detectives, Genie is a woman.
Although it has taken a hundred years, time has successfully altered
the role of women.
Whilst comparing modern detective fiction with the works of Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle I have learnt that time has transformed from the
prescriptive possibilities for ingredients essential of a detective
genre. Such ingredients have been altered by a change in society
opinions on various matters from the discrimination of gender to
stereotyping characters. From observing fiction such as comic or
dramatic I have found that the techniques and plans originate from
Holmes himself have nevertheless stayed the same.
top of a police hat. This can be seen as one of the obvious symbols of
Stephen King says “We make up horrors to help us deal with the real ones” and Heidi Strengell wrote an essay called “The Monster Never Dies” were she discusses the gothic double. She says “the gothic double reveals our inability to evolve past our base instincts, to purge them form the human psyche.” A gothic double is something found in all sorts of literature. A gothic double would be opposites that are related, whether it be a person, a setting, a group, ect. For example good and evil, or right and wrong. They are connected because they have some form of conflict or tension with one another but also share a commonality. There are examples of gothic doubles everywhere. One example that first pops in my head that people should know is Dr Jekyll
main character as is Brad Pitt but we also learn that this is a crime
With producing reality shows comes producing inaccuracies in portrayals in order to reach as many viewers and gain as high ratings as possible every week with each new episode. Every day life is boring, yet people tend to be attracted to the relatable shows that portray real life in eccentric ways – ways that they believe could be imitated by the average person. In many cases, these shows could remain harmless, as it is entertainment. No matter how crude or erroneous, it is just television. However, what happens when these sources of amusement actually start being damaging? Research has shown that crime shows like the ever popular CSI: Crime Scene Investigation have started becoming significantly detrimental to criminal cases, influencing a juror's perception of what should realistically be going on with acquittal rates and wrongful convictions, but researchers have also started to find a rising fault in the prosecution, using this false perception to their advantage.
Mysteries have always held great fascination for the human mind, not least because of the aura that surrounds them and the realm of the Unknown into which they delve. Coupled with the human propensity of being particularly curious about aspects which elude the average mind, the layer of intrigue that glosses over such puzzles makes for a heady combination of the literary and the popular. In the canon of detective fiction worldwide, no detective has tickled the curious reader’s imagination and held it in thrall as much as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. The 221-B, Baker Street, London ‘amateur’ detective combines a rare blend of intellectual prowess and sharp wit to crack a series of baffling riddles.
This paper will explore the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and his companion and friend Dr. John Watson. What is the relationship between Holmes and Watson? Are they compatible or are their differences to great for them to overcome. Looking at how they work together will also be a key factor in how well the relationship works between the two of them. Do their own interests and abilities get in the way? Does the time period in which they live factor into the environment of their communication styles?
For Sherlock Holmes, his partner in crime is Dr. John H. Watson. Not only is he a trusted friend, but also he is Holmes’ associate and the first person narrator of the Sherlock tales. The stories of Sherlock Holmes are a collection of short stories and fictional novels created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories are based on a famous and most notorious detective all throughout London, Sherlock Holmes. Along his side, Dr. Watson narrates his and Holmes’ detective cases and reveals Sherlock’s abilities and knowledge of solving cases and fighting deadly crimes. For the duration of the stories, Watson and Holmes share a particular relationship where Holmes verbally dominates Watson, “You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is very clear” (Doyle 241). When he isn’t insulting Dr. Watson he talks about how much he relies on his partner, “I am lost without my Boswell” (Doyle 243).
Joseph Straubhaar (2009) stated that television genres continue to develop over time in response to changes in audience tastes and original creative ideas. Indeed, television genres will keep on developing to meet the expectations and satisfaction of the audience. Crime drama series have become one of the most popular television genres within our society. It attracts the audience by dealing with themes and issues relating to the news and current affairs that the viewers are aware of. Crime fiction has various sub-genres including detective fiction such as Monk (2002-2009) where a detective investigates and solves a crime. Furthermore, Law & Order (1990-2010) represents the legal thriller and courtroom drama sub-genres as these crime dramas focus more on the struggles of the law and deal with many criminals such as rapists, murderers etc...and the strain of defending the innocent people.
In 1887, Sherlock Holmes made his first appearance in A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but only in 1891, in A Scandal in Bohemia that Holmes’ stories became very famous, and eventually, Holmes’ adventures got adapted for film. Lately, in 2010 BBC made a series called “Sherlock”, and the first episode is called “A Study in Pink” referring to the first book where Sherlock Holmes was introduced. The TV adaptation is significantly more effective in showing the relationship between Holmes and Watson with changes made to the plot and characters.
Sherlock Holmes, one of the most famous fictional characters in literary history is a detective capable of solving the most complex mysteries. The author behind the character, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a very successful British writer. The majority of his literary success is due to his crime-fiction tales such as the Sherlock Holmes series. However, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Holmes himself must not take all the credit because there is another character that plays a major role in the stories success. He goes by the name of Dr. Watson, Holmes’ sidekick. The importance of Dr. Watson is evident in many of Doyle’s stories such as A Scandal in Bohemia and A Study in Scarlett.
Every once in a while, a fictional character is created whose name will live on forever. There’s King Arthur, Scarlett O’Hara, Batman; the list goes on and on. However, there is one character in particular that not only became famous in literature and movies, but also shaped modern detective techniques. This character is Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes and his companion, Dr. John Watson, were created by the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a Scottish doctor and writer. In 1886, he wrote the first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet. The book was a success, and Doyle went on to write four novels and fifty-six short stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Even after Arthur Conan Doyle died in 1930, his iconic characters live on. The creation of Sherlock Holmes, who is one of the most prominent fictional characters in history, has influenced not only literature and entertainment, but also modern day crime solving techniques.
The Appeal of Sherlock Holmes The purpose of this assignment is to determine the appeal of Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective mastermind, first written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. Arthur Conan Doyle was in 1859 in Scotland, Edinburgh. Doyle's Irish mother and English father sent him to be raised and educated at very strict Jesuit schools Austria and Scotland. It was not until the year 1876 that Arthur Conan Doyle arrived at Edinburgh University with the passion of studying medicine in his mind. It was during his stay at Edinburgh University that he met Doctor Joseph Bell, one of the professors who taught him there.
“Mystery fiction is a game with rules, an intellectual competition between writer and reader. To keep the game honest, both writer and reader must be playing by the same rules” (Miller). Some of the conventional rules of detective fiction are listed in S. S. Van Dine’s “Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories” and Ronald Knox’s “10 Commandments of Detective Fiction.” However, some of the ‘rules’ Knox and Van Dine list do not extend to Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement in Stone and Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Despite Rendell and Christie not conforming to these ‘rules’ of detective fiction put forth by Van Dine and Knox, their novels challenge the reader, create thrilling suspense, and while unorthodox are extremely successful.
The most important part of any type of book or story is that it be interesting. This proves to be particularly important in detective fiction as well. What could be more interesting than having a crime committed in front of you, given all (or most) of the details and still not be able to figure it out? This is exactly how detective fiction authors draw people into these stories and books. By weaving an intricate and interesting plot full of fascinating characters, and all types of details about the crime, readers get drawn into the plot and cannot stop reading until they find out the solution to the mystery. Simply put, readers are drawn to detective fiction because it is so easy to become completely engrossed in the stories. The trick of the author is how to create such an environment to keep readers coming back again and again to the genre.
The iconic image of Sherlock Holmes as a suave English gentleman wearing a Deerstalker cap and a cape was portrayed in most of the feature films. He was created in the 19th century and was the prime figure in four novels and more than 50 short stories. For this reason of the continued popularity, the novels, comic books, television shows, theater movies and the newest T.V productions, Sherlock and his broad shoulders will continue to credit the writings of Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes has recently shifted from a Victorian image to a 21st century super hero. The star role continues to be inspiring and irresistible.