The Lack of Evolution in the Detective Genre Essay Example for Free

The Lack of Evolution in the Detective Genre Essay Sherlock Holmes is probably the most famous detective in literary history. Therefore, it is not surprising that many authors in the 20th century have followed Sir Arthur Conan Doyles template when writing detective stories. For example, Agatha Christies character Hercule Poirot is nearly identical to Holmes. In this essay, I will compare The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Hercule Poirots Christmas by Agatha Christie, two basically similar novels, which are clear examples of the detective genre. In doing so, I hope to prove that the basic elements of detective stories, such as the detective, his methods and the feeling of suspense, have remained unchanged over the years. Firstly, the most obvious point of comparison lies in the many similarities between the two main characters, the detectives, Holmes and Poirot. Both of them are quite vain and self-obsessed. Near the beginning, they are constantly taunting or bragging to their companions. For example, when Holmes proves that one of Watsons theories is incorrect, he says No mention of that local hunt, Watson with a mischievous smile, gently mocking him. Earlier on, he also says in noting your fallacies, I was occasionally guided towards the truth. Although this might be interpreted as a compliment, I believe that this is a very pretentious remark, which reflects Holmes vain and egotistical nature. Poirot on the other hand, does not taunt Colonel Johnson as Holmes taunts Watson. However, he does have a very high opinion of himself, and is just as arrogant as Holmes if not more so. When Colonel Johnson says that they ought to be safe enough (from murder cases) during your (Poirots) visit, Poirot begins to reply My reputation- before he is interrupted by Johnson mentioning Christmas time, peace, goodwill-and all that kind of thing. Poirot clearly believes that it is his reputation which will prevent any murders from being committed, when Johnson actually means that the goodwill of the people is what will prevent them. This is an interesting contrast in the depiction of the two detectives vanity. Doyle, through Watsons eyes, shows his idol, Holmes to be infallible, but shows Holmes vanity in his criticism of Watson. Christie on the other hand, shows Poirots vanity by creating a situation where he almost makes a fool of himself. Johnson however, does not respond to Poirots comment. Clearly, Christie does not want to openly humiliate Poirot.