These two lines specifically seem to hold foreshadowing elements that are important to how the rest of the story will unfold. Upon bringing up this simple but odd case, Dupin makes comments that imply he may know something the Prefect doesn’t: “Perhaps it is the very simplicity of the thing which puts you at fault … Perhaps the mystery is a little too plain,” (Poe, 1845). By this point, we know that the Prefect has come to seek out the opinion of Dupin on official business that has baffled himself and his colleagues because it seems too easy to solve, but has proven to be more difficult than expected. Shortly after, the Prefect is implied to lack extensive comprehension skills, by his supposed excessive use of the word “odd” to explain anything “that was beyond his comprehension” (Poe, 1845). From this interaction, we can conclude that the Prefect is also a very good friend of the two. We gave him a hearty welcome…” (Poe, 1845). We’re given similar information with the arrival of Monsieur G, when he enters the apartment without invitation: ”…the door of our apartment was thrown open ad admitted our old acquaintance, Monsieur G–, the Prefect of the Parisian police. Friends who are able to be in each other’s company in a comfortable silence tend to be very close, and this often also indicates their friendship has been longstanding. The text states “For one hour at least we had maintained a profound silence…” (Poe, 1845). Auguste Dupin are by how they keep each other company. In the beginning of Poe’s short story, we are almost immediately given information of how good of friends the narrator and C. Removing unnecessary details and context leave the raw elements behind. The structure of the work itself and how the specific details function together are typically the primary aspects of this kind of analysis.

I find literary theory to be really interesting, especially seeing how different a piece can become by looking at it from a different perspective.įor a brief overview of the theory: New Critical analyses focus on the specifics, and not the general details of a work. I’ve already posted one analysis of this piece, but I’d like to share my New Critical analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, The Purloined Letter. Bc if you’re taking Lit Theory, you’re likely an English major or are even a writer like me, and guess who tweets about it all the time! Me, it’s me.)

Not really…unless 0.0 my CashApp is $NikkiFantasea OR you could just follow me on Twitter You know, whichever works. Also remember plagiarism is unacceptable and please do cite me if you use any of my words.

(Update: hello from future Nikki! If you’re a student struggling with this theoretical lens, I do sincerely hope this post will help you understand.

The purloined letter summary