Well, there has been a shift in the narrative style of detective fiction. Earlier, it was more linear, with the detective gradually uncovering clues and leading to the solution. Now, non - linear narratives are common, with multiple timelines and perspectives. Moreover, the relationship between the detective and the criminal has also changed. It's not just a simple 'good vs. bad' anymore; sometimes there are moral ambiguities and the criminal might have a sympathetic backstory.
Society's changes have had a profound impact on detective fiction. The increasing complexity of modern society has led to more intricate plots. With globalization, detective stories can involve international settings and cross - cultural elements. And as society has become more technologically advanced, detective fiction has incorporated new technologies like DNA testing and surveillance systems into its stories.
The tensions in detective fiction often involve the race against time. The detective has to solve the case quickly before more harm is done or evidence is lost. There is also the tension between truth and deception. The criminal is trying to deceive everyone, and the detective has to cut through all the lies. And, the tension between the known and the unknown. Every clue discovered reduces the unknown, but new questions always seem to pop up.
Typical conventions include a mysterious crime, often a murder. There's a detective figure, who is intelligent and observant. Clues are scattered throughout the story for the detective and the reader to pick up on. And there's usually a process of elimination as the detective rules out suspects.
Well, changes to fiction can include shifts in audience preferences, advancements in technology influencing the way stories are told, and cultural and social changes impacting the content and themes explored.
Soviet detective fiction also had a distinct narrative style. It tended to be more descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the Soviet landscape, society and the people. The pacing could be different from Western detective fiction, sometimes taking more time to develop the setting and characters before delving fully into the mystery - solving aspect. And there was often a sense of moral and social responsibility in the stories, with the detective not just solving the crime for the sake of it, but also for the betterment of society.
One main element is the detective character. There are the hard - boiled detectives like Sam Spade, who are tough and cynical. Another element is the mystery itself, which can range from a simple murder in a small town to complex conspiracies. Also, the setting is important. It could be a gritty urban environment or a peaceful countryside village, each adding different flavors to the detective story.
The main characteristics include the subversion of traditional detective fiction tropes. In postcolonial detective fiction, the idea of the all - knowing, white detective is often challenged. Instead, we might have a detective from the postcolonial society who has a different perspective. The themes also revolve around issues like identity. Characters are constantly grappling with their postcolonial identities, whether it's related to nationality, ethnicity, or class. Moreover, the language used can be a blend of local dialects and the colonial language, which reflects the hybrid nature of postcolonial cultures.
In '20 rules of detective fiction', there are important aspects like the criminal must be someone mentioned in the early part of the story. This gives a sense of fairness as the reader can suspect those characters from the get - go. Also, the means of detection should be rational. No far - fetched or illogical methods should be used to figure out who the culprit is. And the detective himself should not turn out to be the criminal in a way that is not hinted at all through the story.
The setting is often an important convention. It could be a fog - filled London street in the Victorian era, like in many classic detective stories. This creates an atmosphere of mystery and danger. Red herrings are also common. These are false clues that mislead the detective and the reader. They add to the complexity of the plot. And the resolution at the end, where the detective reveals how the crime was committed and who the culprit is, is a key part of the convention. It should be logical and satisfying to the reader.
One of the main aspects of the convention of detective fiction is the detective's method of investigation. They use logic and deduction to solve the case. Another is the revelation at the end, where the detective explains how they figured out the solution. The characters are often well - developed, with the detective having some unique quirks or traits that help them in their investigations. For example, Sherlock Holmes' incredible powers of observation and his use of deductive reasoning are iconic in detective fiction.