CRIME FICTION
What is Genre Fiction? Genre fiction is the term used to describe books written with the intent to fit into specific categories that readers find familiar due to a similarity in structure and theme. Genre fiction is often contrasted with literary fiction, which aims for artistic merit over mass appeal and commercial success. That is not to say that genre fiction doesn’t have artistic merit, but rather that abiding by the parameters of the genre is top priority.
Examples of Genres Western Inspirational Historical Fiction Horror Science fiction Fantasy Romance Erotica Crime Thriller Hard-boiled Noir
What is Genre Fiction? Genre fiction often meets the expectations of the reader. An optimistic ending (Romance) Asks thought-provoking questions (Sci-Fi) Provides escapism (Fantasy) Genre fiction often aims to elicit specific emotions from the reader. Fright (Horror) Curiosity (Crime) Hopefulness (Inspirational)
Literary Fiction (Briefly) Often literary fiction is more complex and has ambiguous objectives. Literary fiction isn’t easily categorized because it usually involves artistic exploration and experimentation. Some examples of literary fiction: Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time James Joyce’s Ulysses Gabriel García Márquez’s 100 Years of Solitude
Crime Fiction Crime fiction is an umbrella category encompassing various genres (or subgenres) that fictionalize crimes and, often, their detection. For example: The hard-boiled detective novel The psychological thriller The noir short story Suspense, mystery, surprise, and problem solving are often key elements in crime fiction.
Early Popular Authors Edgar Allan Poe Arthur Conan Doyle
The Sherlock Formula Watson narrates and describes Holmes’s eccentricities. A person comes to Holmes with a problem that the police can’t or won’t solve. Sherlock listens to the details of the mystery, analyzes the situation, and develops a theory. Holmes and Watson travel to the scene of the crime. New clues are discovered. Holmes tricks the criminal into revealing himself.
Adaptations of the Detective Crime Story
Plot Devices Used in Crime Fiction Setting up the mystery Playing with Chekov’s Gun Red herring Deus ex machina Denouement Suspense and catharsis
A Theory About the Popularity of Crime Fiction Crime fiction often focuses on problem solving and critical thinking. Science and innovation also requires these skills. Perhaps crime fiction became popular because, between the 19C and now, we have lived in the aftermath of the Scientific Revolution, the Age of Enlightenment, and the advent of capitalism. What do you think?
Discussion About the Stories Death Wish by Lawrence Block Death on Christmas Eve by Stanley Ellin The Heroine by Patricia Highsmith Ride the Lightning by John Lutz The Lipstick by Mary Roberts Rinehart Lazy Susan by Nancy Pickard The Gutting of Couffignal by Dashiel Hammett