7.2.2

Structural Patterning & Ambiguity in Crime Texts

Test yourself

Structural Patterning in Crime Texts

In your exam, you could discuss the structural placement of the crime(s) in Atonement and other set texts.

Illustrative background for Pre-narrative crimes Illustrative background for Pre-narrative crimes  ?? "content

Pre-narrative crimes

  • In texts such as Hamlet, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and The Ballad of Reading Gaol, the crimes that propel the action have taken place before the narrative begins.
  • This means the texts focus more on the consequences of these crimes and the process of detection than the actual crimes themselves.
Illustrative background for Crimes during the narrativeIllustrative background for Crimes during the narrative ?? "content

Crimes during the narrative

  • In texts such as Atonement and Porphyria’s Lover, we see the events which lead up to these crimes.
    • How does this affect our response to them, and to the characters involved?
    • Do we ‘understand’ the crimes or criminals better, having witnessed the motivations which led to these acts?

Ambiguity/Doubt in Crime Texts

In your exam, you could discuss the ambiguity audiences feel about the nature of the crimes in Atonement and other set texts.

Illustrative background for *The Murder of Roger Ackroyd*Illustrative background for *The Murder of Roger Ackroyd* ?? "content

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

  • In The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie intentionally withholds the identity of the murderer to create suspense and place the reader in the role of detective until the shocking revelation in the final chapter.
Illustrative background for *Hamlet*Illustrative background for *Hamlet* ?? "content

Hamlet

  • In Hamlet, the audience (and Hamlet himself) are initially unsure about whether they should trust the Ghost – is it telling the truth or is it an evil spirit which seeks to lure Hamlet to his destruction? Also, to what extent is Gertrude complicit in her husband’s murder?
Illustrative background for *Peter Grimes*Illustrative background for *Peter Grimes* ?? "content

Peter Grimes

  • In Peter Grimes, Crabbe also creates ambiguity around the precise details of the boys’ deaths with the full extent of his guilt only revealed by the torment he endures before his death.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction to Atonement

2Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part One

3Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Two

4Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Three

5Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Four

5.1Epilogue: London, 1999 - Pages 353-371

6Key Character Profiles

7Key Themes

8Writing Techniques

9Context

10Critical Debates

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