Mystery Morphology
An understanding of the morphology or structure of a detective story is another insight necessary for my students and will provide a framework for review as they read the Holmes' stories. Having the Marxist's ability to see this configuration in action, this thread which is capable of leading them through the confused labyrinth of events, of the complex processes of society, of economics, of the struggle of classes, of politics, will provide an additional focus and a deeper understanding of the Doyle story structure. It is through this morphology that my students can discuss plot, characterization, setting, and other basic elements of the short story as well.
1 The introduction or opening: Finds a happy setting that will soon be disrupted or, perhaps, accompanying a victim to his or her death.
2 The crime: The crime is reported or discovered. In the Holmes's stories the crime was not always a murder, in fact, many of them were not. Usually this crime is reported by a victim or interested party.
3 Problem-Solver introduced: Sherlock Holmes usually appears in the opening along with his trusty partner, of lesser wit, of course, Dr. Watson. These first plot steps usually take place at 221B Baker Street, Holmes apartment, where Holmes and Watson are discussing a topic of interest and a client is about to arrive to present them with a mystery to be solved.
4 Interested party appears: This person has been wronged or is in fear for some unknown reason. The mystery is laid out before Holmes and Watson.
5 Successive interviews: Holmes and Watson begin their investigation into the unsolved case.
6 Additional threat of crime: This is where the plot thickens and the suspense builds. Other lives may be threatened or additional crimes may be committed.
7 Clues are gathered: While Holmes is gathering proof through deductive and inductive reasoning, Watson plays a supportive role.
8 Entrapment: Dénouement or the wrap-up where the action leads to the capture or exposure of the criminal, sometimes one outside the human species.
9 Aftermath: This is where Holmes explains how he solved the mystery and where Watson sits with his mouth opened in amazement. At times, it can be a humorous ending.
There should also be mentioned the fact that, in other detective stories, subplots can come into play. There might be a love interest or family home life that gets entwined into the story. There could be tensions that mount within the investigative team. There may be other crimes that divert our attention, intentionally placed, to hide the truth of the story. These sub plots are not found in the Holmes' stories.
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