7.5.2

Detection in Crime Texts

Test yourself

Detection in Crime Texts

When thinking about the significance of detection in Atonement and other set texts, you could discuss the representation of the detective and the point of view from which we observe the detectives.

Illustrative background for Agatha Christie's detectivesIllustrative background for Agatha Christie's detectives ?? "content

Agatha Christie's detectives

  • The detective figure is often an outsider, someone who works independently of the police. Police inspectors are commonly portrayed as ineffective.
    • For example, Agatha Christie contrasts the comical ineptitude of Inspector Raglan with the brilliant figure of Hercule Poirot.
Illustrative background for *Brighton Rock* & *My Last Duchess*Illustrative background for *Brighton Rock* & *My Last Duchess* ?? "content

Brighton Rock & My Last Duchess

  • Brighton Rock’s Ida Arnold’s is another outsider who discounts the official version of Hale’s death and sets out to hunt down his murderer.
  • In My Last Duchess, the detective figure (the Duke) is an obvious villain and delivers his own punishment for what he sees as his wife’s infidelity.
Illustrative background for Our perspective on detectivesIllustrative background for Our perspective on detectives ?? "content

Our perspective on detectives

  • In Atonement, Briony is often the focalizer from whose perspective we witness events. However, we soon learn that Briony misunderstands the world around her and that her piecing together of the clues is highly flawed.
  • In Brighton Rock, the detective and criminal alternate as focalizer, helping to build tension as the hunter closes in on the hunted.

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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