The Ambivalent Detective in Victorian Sensation Novels: Dickens, Braddon, and Collins (Routledge Studies in Nineteenth Century Literature)

Synopsis

The Ambivalent Detective in Victorian Sensation Novels studies how the detective as a literary character evolved through the mid-nineteenth century in England, as seen in sensation novels. In contrast to most assumptions about the English detective, Yoon argues that the detective was more often tolerated than admired following the establishment of professional detectives in the London Metropolitan Police Force in 1842. Through studying the historical and literary contexts between the 1840s to the 1860s, Yoon argues that the detective was seen as a suspicious, even mistrusted and disdained, figure who was nonetheless viewed as necessary to combat rising levels of crime. The detective as a literary character responded to the often contradictory values and aspirations of the middle class, representing an independent masculinity and laying claim to scientific authority. This study surveys novels by Charles Dickens, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, and Wilkie Collins, alongside lesser-known writers like William Russell, James Redding Ware (pseudonym Andrew Forrester), and William Stephens Hayward. This book contributes to the study of mid-nineteenth-century Victorian culture and connects with broader studies of the detective fiction genre.

Copyright:

2024

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

176 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781003802761

Related ISBNs:

9781032439631, 9781003801368, 9781003369622

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Date of Addition:

04/02/24

Copyrighted By:

Sarah Yoon, The right of Sarah Yoon to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Romance, Literature and Fiction, Mystery and Thrillers, Language Arts

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.