Detective Genre

Question 1

A Crime

Answer 1

A crime is committed by one (or more) of a small number of people, each who seemingly have a motive for the crime.

Question 2

An isolated setting

Answer 2

The settings are normally isolated which restricts the range of possible subjects and makes it harder for them to escape - it also is a gothic convention.

In Sign of Four, London obviously doesn’t fit this criteria but some of the scenes (i.e on the Thames) seem very isolated (and Sholto’s terraced house).

Question 3

Red Herrings

Answer 3

The author deliberately tries to fool the reader so they get a surprise when the mystery unravels.

Question 4

The detective

Answer 4

Usually seen to have superior minds, and also typically people who solve crimes for fun and are more able than the police (link this to how Conan Doyle satirises the police)

Question 5

Detective’s Friend

Answer 5

Detectives typically work alongside someone of great value to them but of inferior detective abilities (Watson) to highlight the detectives abilities.

Question 6

The Innocent Accused

Answer 6

All the evidence points to this person, although it is clear to the reader and the detective that they are innocent.

Question 7

The Police

Answer 7

Often presented as bumbling and inadequate, the Police, who do things ‘by the book’ are normally made to look deficient by the detective.

Question 8

The Climax

Answer 8

Normally, the detectives gather together all of the suspects for a final dramatic explanation of the murder, which normally ends in a confession.