The genre of detective stories comprises a long history of the evolution of formats and themes. In today’s cultural environment, such works are highly popular as authors continue to extend the limits of the genre. Nevertheless, in spite of the abundant history of detective stories, many of their elements can be traced back to two personalities who laid the foundation for this type of literature. Edgar Allan Poe holds the reputation of the person who invented the genre in the 19th century. At the same time, while he was the first author to venture into the uncharted territory of detective stories, it was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who established them as a heavily popular genre. To this day, the latter’s Sherlock Holmes remains the primary figure that defines detective stories. In fact, many of today’s works within this genre attempt to mimic the plots and images of Doyle’s writing. This essay argues that the factor of time, allowing Doyle to appease a craving audience at the right moment, was pivotal in this process.
The works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe are separated by nearly half a century, but they are united by the genre. The latter’s story titled The Purloined Letter pioneered this direction of literature in the United States. Written in 1844, this piece does incorporate major gothic elements, which are characteristic of Poe’s prior works. His Auguste Dupin demonstrates many striking similarities with the subsequent adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Both detectives are presented as smart and observant, devoting sufficient attention to even the smallest details (Burrow 17). At the same time, Dupin and Holmes are portrayed as eccentric and mysterious, which adds an enigmatic dimension to the characters. However, while the similarities are evident, the deductive methods of both detectives vary in details. More specifically, Auguste Dupin actively uses his intuition in solving crimes. He trusts his feelings, thus relying on informed assumptions. The deduction demonstrated by Sherlock Holmes borrows many elements from Dupin, but the role of intuition appears less significant. The British detective concentrates on pure facts in an attempt to deduce the most logical solution based on evidence.
On the other hand, the similarities of the two detectives’ styles remain considerable, outweighing the differences. In a way, Sherlock Holmes often appears to be a logical evolution of Dupin’s character. The former has remained widely associated with detective fiction, in general, even though he appeared several decades later (Burrow 16). As a matter of fact, it is possible to assume that the time difference served as the primary component of Holmes’ resounding success, both contemporary and subsequent. Edgar Allan Poe wrote his stories at the time when this genre was non-existent.
In other words, the status of the pioneer implies the lack of an established audience. Once Poe introduced his Dupin to the public, the genre of detective stories emerged and gained its devoted readers. Nevertheless, the process was gradual, and it took the genre some time to become popular. Sherlock Holmes appeared on the foundation laid by Auguste Dupin, as the public craved more stories in the genre (Burrow 18). Doyle responded to the emerging demand, providing readers with fresh material. In addition, his works were more abundant, keeping the audience engaged at a longer distance.
Ultimately, Sherlock Holmes cast a shadow on his predecessor, becoming the ultimate manifestation of the genre. The analysis of both authors’ works yields striking similarities, implying that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle relied on Poe’s material as a source of inspiration. At the same time, the former had the unique opportunity to develop the plots and characters based on the experience of prior works in the genre. He had a better understanding of the public’s expectations in regards to detective works, emphasizing the crucial elements and omitting the less desired ones. Overall, Sherlock Holmes appeared at the perfect moment when the audience for the genre had been established, and the demand was on the increase. Combined with the literary talent of the author, the time factor contributed to the immense, lasting popularity of the character.
Work Cited
Burrow, Merrick. “Holmes and the History of Detective Fiction.” The Cambridge Companion to Sherlock Holmes edited by Janice Allan and Christopher Pittard, Cambridge University Press, 2019, 15-28.