After reading "It Had to Be Murder" the question of "Is this considered literature?" was proposed in class, & a few of us were puzzled when attempting to answer. We all assume, "well if its being read in an atmosphere of learning- well then why wouldn't it be literature", right?
But literature doesn't consist of just words on a paper. Literature in the context of this college level English course is defined as written works, especially those of superior or lasting merit, that include the prominent literally elements and devices.
In my opinion, "In Had to Be Murder" is indeed literature due to the fact that the story posses a few key literary devices. Through these literary devices and tools the story is easy for the reader to follow, and even more tempting for the reader to dive into.
A few literary devices used by;
Satire: The story has a slight satirical element to it. Its overall surface read portrays a man who is basically a peeping tom, but could the nuclear objective of the piece be to really bring awareness to how much we assume when watching others? Could it be a poke at the idea of peeping? What was Whoolwrich trying to tell us is the real question! Either way the story invites you to even consider the possibilities- that's literature.
Situational Irony: The casual tone of the narrative leads the reader to believe that this is a mundane story about a man watching people and then suddenly you can see that Jeff was consistently poking fun at the way in which Mr. T was assumably killing his wife all while he himself was in an unfortunate space in his life as well(not able to be mobile)
Description: so eloquently provided examples of writing for literature through short story. One example is the way in which woolwrich is able to deliver descriptive suspenseful sentences. Each line of description invites the reader deeper and deeper in to the story. The scene when Jeff describes pulling the dresses and packing his wife's clothes so much descriptions is provided. Even the "heaping" of Mr. T He gives notice to placement as well, while telling the story he also reminds the reader of his own presence and location in the situation.- that's good descriptive literature, I was there.
All and all the ending was a tad bit corny, but when reading this piece through a lens of literary knowledge it is clear to see that its make up is an example of literature. A writer can learn from the way in which Whoolwrich structures his story and that I feel is the craft of literature. Is it possible this piece is a nontraditional one, yes- but literature non the less.
Ciara, I hope you don't mind that I went ahead and published this entry. You had it saved as a draft, but it's really quite good. I like the way you confront the question of Literature. In asking that, I was kind of playing a trick -- anything that is successful can be called literature, I think. The designation has a certain level of snobbery attached to it, and traditionally it has excluded genres like "mystery." You are arguing for the legitimacy of that genre, and that is a very worthy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI thought I did publish it, But i was doing it at the wee hours of the morning so it is possible i didn't and just forgot. lol
ReplyDeleteYes I am a advocate for justification of various genres, but as you said anything that is successful is considered literature in my book. The determination all comes from the points of: tools are used properly, an aspiring writer can learn from it, and above all if the reader can relate mentally through vivid descriptions, and literally tools. This piece was done in such a way.