Reimagining Sherlock Holmes: Why Crime Fiction is Popular?
The modern retelling of "Sherlock Holmes" (starring "Doctor Strange" star Benedict Cumberbatch) is a sign of the growing popularity of Crime fiction. On the other hand, Kenneth Branagh's decision to reboot Agatha Christie's novels could be interpreted as neglect of this literary genre. This should be an interesting topic for a debate, if not lengthy essay after seemingly days of plodding research. Save your energy for both.
Some critics would point out that Crime fiction has been around during the dawn of civilization. For instance, some tragic Greek plays (like the case of Jason and Medea) have all the attributes of a standard crime tale. Someone would be killed, and the unfortunate events might (or might not) reflect the particular attitude of Greeks on crime. Not a few disagree with it, pointing out that it would be the inverse. It hardly matters at all, as succeeding generations of authors have perfected the genre. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle comes to the fore, with Agatha Christie not far behind. It shouldn't be surprising that English literature is the leading reference when it comes to Crime fiction. It doesn't mean that American literature should be overlooked.
Edgar Allan Poe would present a unique case, such as his unsettling stories didn't take place in America. It does imply that the analysis of his works must not be taken literally IF you look at his short stories as samples of Crime fiction. (Poe's spooky features could be interpreted as Gothic.) Could it mean that American society wasn't ready to embrace the likes of Poe? Perhaps. Further discussion would lead to another genre, though.
You have read the introduction. The next step is to understand (and appreciate) this unique genre.
How to Analyze the Scene of the Crime
Understand the how and why. It wouldn't take long for film enthusiasts to guess the motives of some authors. They could be leading uneventful lives, so they imagine what would it like to be a bad guy. Humphrey Bogart fans should like it, but film noir may be seen as a (visual) playground for polite, if not straitlaced, viewers. A better approach would be a slow read of the first few chapters. Authors would take their time in describing the place, which should give you plenty of clues. You can figure out your argument (for your assignment) if you're sharp enough to anticipate the next one.
What is the motive of the criminal? A series of unfortunate circumstances could snap up the last of the character's moral fiber, and there are instances when the act is done without planning. In the case of Christie's (crime) stories, the cases have been planned all along. The Grand Dame of Crime fiction would relish on describing the suspects while being questioned by Hercule Poirot (or Miss Marple). The red herring wouldn't be far away. Keep in mind that Christie was novelizing crime, not glamorizing it. Some might put John Grisham on the latter, but there should be enough space for him. The next item could be a make-or-break for you.
Whose crime is it anyway? You hardly penned a compelling essay if you haven't answered this question in great detail. Remember that everyone would be a suspect including the omnipresent narrator. It should make you wonder why not the first-person point of view (POV). (This approach would turn "And Then There Were None" into a chilling, if not shocking, mystery novel.) The answer is quite obvious to those who are familiar with a number of popular works in Crime fiction: Readers would be forced to pay attention to the story. This is the biggest fault of readers (if it's not criminal enough). Writers like Christie wouldn't lay all the facts on the first few chapters, and she might be seen as a mean person for taking her time. Pausing and assessing the facts might be good enough to skip the next chapters, but don't.
The choice of murder weapon. Most readers won't pay attention to this aspect of Crime fiction while some might think too hard. These readers might even give it some (cultural) significance, which the authors may have intended it. If you're suggesting a high murder rate, then you may have wasted your time. Think of the accessibility. Notice the desperation. (It must not be mistaken with despair, which could act as a catalyst.) And take note of the time. The outcome might startle you, but make sure that your professor would react the same.
Don't forget the detective. The Affairs at Styles would turn Poirot into a celebrity in his circle, yet Christie had something in her sleeve. The Belgian's final case should bring him back to the scene of his first case, and the mastermind didn't have a direct part in the crime. A similar scenario would be thought by Doyle, as Holmes must contend with a shady villain like Professor Moriarty. Coincidence or something else? There's a gray area between it, but you could get the top mark if you look at it in a black-and-white way.
An Opportunity for More Questions (and Course Review)
You would want your essay to come to a nice conclusion, probably thinking of your next assignment. A good crime story would lead to more questions, though. Your professor won’t be disappointed it you conclude your argument with one more question mark. It doesn’t mean that your presentation of ideas (to support your argument) isn’t convincing enough. You want to know more about the author. A case of art imitating life? You may need more time for research.
