C. Auguste Dupin | Novels | By Edgar Allan Poe
C. Auguste Dupin is a detective created by Edgar Allan Poe. He appears in three stories that are often considered the first modern detective stories. Here’s a brief synopsis of each:
1."The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841)
Synopsis: The story follows C. Auguste Dupin and his unnamed friend (the narrator) in Paris as they investigate a brutal double murder in the Rue Morgue. The victims, Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter, are found dead in their home under mysterious circumstances, with no apparent motive and with evidence that seems impossible to decipher. The police are baffled, but Dupin uses his analytical skills to piece together the clues. He discovers that the murders were committed by an escaped orangutan, which climbed through an open window, revealing how observation and reasoning can solve even the most perplexing mysteries.
2. "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt" (1842)
Synopsis:In this sequel to "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," Dupin is tasked with solving the real-life-inspired murder of Marie Rogêt, a young woman whose body is found in the Seine River. The story is based on the real-life murder of Mary Cecilia Rogers, a case that was widely publicized at the time. Dupin meticulously analyzes newspaper reports and pieces together a timeline of events and motivations to uncover the truth behind Marie's death. The story showcases Dupin's methodical approach to solving crimes using existing evidence.
3. "The Purloined Letter" (1844)
Synopsis: In the final Dupin story, Dupin is asked to recover a stolen letter that is being used to blackmail a member of the royal family. Unlike the previous stories, this case involves a more intellectual and psychological challenge. The letter has been hidden in plain sight by the cunning thief, Minister D—. Dupin's insight into human nature allows him to outsmart the minister and retrieve the letter. This story highlights Dupin's skill in understanding the criminal mind and solving crimes without physical evidence.