EXPLANATORY NOTES

1. Poe had a peculiarly keen, analytic mind. At one time he announced in a paper that he could solve within a short time any puzzle submitted to him. And he did. This interest of his mind in intricate problems led him to the construction of his stories of mystery. Probably you have already studied some of them. A person can hardly grow up without knowing one, at least. As Poe could solve a problem he could invent one for solution in a story. If you were asked suddenly where is the best place to hide a letter you would very likely reason exactly as the Prefect of the Paris police reasons. If you consider and weigh chances of discovery you will very likely come to the same conclusion as did the Minister and Monsieur Dupin. Poe understood the feelings of the reader well enough to realize that he would not be satisfied until the mystery was explained. Poe knew that the end of the adventure would not be a sufficient conclusion for his readers. They would not be content to be told merely that the letter was recovered and restored; they would desire to know all the steps of reasoning by which its hiding place was ferreted

out.

2. Poe's skill in choice and use of words is peculiarly illuminating. You should notice his words and phrases with the view of adding to your own vocabulary and improving your style. It is asking too much of you to do this the first time you read these pages. You should read "The Purloined Letter" twice-the first time for the story, the second time for the definite purpose of analyzing the style and vocabulary. If you use a notebook your memory may be made more retentive. If you can fix the words and phrases in your consciousness without writing them in a book, strengthen your memory in that manner. The most vivid strokes by Poe are the result of his use of the first person. We feel that the man who has done something can tell about it most convincingly. He should know what happened, because he was there. Poe uses this device so frequently that it is one of his distinctive traits, as is well illustrated in "The Purloined Letter." There are two main threads to be related. Poe has each actor narrate his own part to the third man. This makes the entire story narrated action which occurred before the telling. Poe uses three narrators, all of whom employ the first person; all tell of exactly what they did or heard; and the reader almost believes he has heard their recitals.

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS

1. What information is conveyed by the very first paragraph? Does it interest you? Why did Poe choose this season of the year? Would a modern author use dashes for names? Do you like it? Explain any advantage it may have. How does Poe cleverly and delicately suggest that the two other men consider the Prefect a man of no account? Where does Poe very plainly state the simple explanation of the entire story?

2. Pick out instances of irony used with good effect. Show that Poe considered every detail very carefully. Is there any portion that you can criticize as being not accurate and logical? How do you reconcile lines 2-3, page 279, with line 7, page 283? Which speech of Dupin astonished you most? Why? What was its effect upon the Prefect? What is the purpose of the Prefect's second search? What do you think of the reasoning in the "odd and even" game? What do you believe concerning the claim that mathematics develops the reasoning faculty? Do you agree with Dupin? Such discussions as this have resulted in some changes in school curricula during the past few years. Can you cite any such changes? What game do you know which somewhat resembles the map game described by Dupin? 3. Which part of the story did you enjoy more-the search for the letter and its amazing appearance, or the explanation of the method used by Dupin? Let the pupils vote on their answers to this question, then orally give their reasons and describe their feelings.

4. Do you know of any other story by Poe in which the plot is finished in the middle of the tale, yet in which the interest is sustained by the explanation of what came before the conclusion of the adventure? Compare the two stories, showing in how many respects they are quite similar. In "The Purloined Letter" how does Poe secure variety by introducing humor? Is the intention better than the result?

5. By his frequent use of the first person what effect does Poe secure? This identification of himself with the characters of his tales has resulted in what rather widelyspread, yet exaggerated, impression of Poe's own nature and character? Is this a tribute to the reality of his art, or a discredit?

6. In what kinds of surroundings do you like to read Poe? Describe one such scene, trying to make your account as vivid and impressive as Poe might have made it. About what will you have to think very carefully? How

many words will you borrow from Poe's own stories to use in your description?

7. Make a list of new yet suitable words or expressions you have learned from Poe. Would you use as many foreign terms? Define style in writing. Have you a style? What would you say is your most marked characteristic trait in style of speaking or writing? What should you correct? What do you honestly think you might develop? How does your style depend upon your thinking?

8. When is the better time to think about a school composition: when you sit at a desk with paper before you to write it, or long before then? How can you "write a composition" as you walk home from school?

9. Did Poe plan before he sat down to finish his story? What makes you believe so? Can you point to anything late in the story that you know was in his mind while he was

composing the early part? Prove that your choice is supported by the story itself. Can an author plan "backwards"? Explain and illustrate, using any material from school or outside reading. Make your analysis clear and convincing.

Theme Topics. 1. Arrange a class discussion in explanation and illustration of the following: (a) Genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains; in art, nothing merely happens. (b) Mathematics is not necessary to a well-trained mind. 2. Choose a proposition similar to the preceding and conduct a class discussion or debate on it. 3. Work out a detailed solution for a newspaper mystery, telling it from the viewpoint of the detective.

Library Reading. "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," Poe; "The Diamond Lens," O'Brien (in Poems and Stories).

I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year, and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman, with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw, when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room, and closed the door behind 10 me. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson," he said, cordially.

"I was afraid that you were engaged."

"So I am. Very much so."

"Then I can wait in the next room." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, 20 and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also."

The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick, little, questioning glance *Reprinted from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by permission of the author and the publishers, Messrs. Harper and Brothers.

from his small, fat-encircled eyes. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair, and putting his finger-tips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share 30 my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures."

"Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I observed.

"You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination."

"A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting."

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"You did, doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be 10 one of the most singular which I have

listened to for some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected, not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have heard, it is impossible for me to say 20 whether the present case is an instance

of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. I ask you, not merely because my friend, Dr. Watson, has not heard the opening part, but also because the peculiar nature of the 30 story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which

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occur to my memory. In the present

instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique."

The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride, and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head. thrust forward, and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man, and endeavored, after the fashion of my companion, to read the

indications which might be presented 50 by his dress or appearance.

I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average, commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy gray shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy, brassy Albert 60 chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.

Sherlock Holmes's quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labor, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else."

Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon the paper, but with his eyes upon my companion. "How, in the name of good fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did manual labor? It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carpenter."

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"Your hands, my dear sir. Your 90 right hand is quite a size larger than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more developed."

"Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?"

"I won't insult your intelligence by

60. Albert chain, watch chain named after Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria (1819-1901).

telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you use an ark-and-compass breastpin.”

"Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?"

"What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches,

and the left one with the smooth patch 10 near the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?"

"Well, but China?"

"The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your wrist could

only have been done in China. I have made a small study of tattoo marks, and have even contributed to the liter

ature of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a delicate 20 pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter becomes even more simple."

Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that there was nothing in it, after all."

"I begin to think, Watson," said 30 Holmes, "that I make a mistake in explaining. Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?"

"Yes, I have got it now," he answered, with his thick, red finger planted halfway down the column. 40 "Here it is. This is what began it all. You just read it for yourself, sir."

I took the paper from him, and read as follows:

TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE:

On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pa., U. S. A., there is now another vacancy open which

31. Omne ignotum pro magnifico, whatever is not understood seems greater than it really is.

entitles a member of the League to a salary of four pounds a week for purely nominal services. All red-headed men 50 who are sound in body and mind, and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope's Court, Fleet Street.

"What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated, after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement.

Holmes chuckled, and wriggled in 60 his chair, as was his habit when in high

spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch, and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, doctor, of the paper and the date."

"It is The Morning Chronicle, of 70 April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.'

"Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?"

"Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two so assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him, but that he is willing to come for half wages, so as to learn the business."

"What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes.

"His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter assistant, Mr. Holmes; and 90 I know very well that he could better himself, and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?"

"Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employee who comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement.”

"Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a fellow 10 for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault; but, on the whole, he's a good worker. There's no vice in him." "He is still with you, I presume?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking, and 20 keeps the place clean-that's all I have

in the house, for I am a widower, and never had any family. We live very quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more.

"The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in 30 his hand, and he says:

"I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.'

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"Why that?' I asks.

'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Redheaded Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the 40 trustees are at their wits' end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change color, here's a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.'

""Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to

43. crib, easy position.

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“Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one's other occupations.'

"Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. 70

""Tell me all about it,' said I.

"Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself red- 80 headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; so, when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that color. From all I hear it is splendid pay, and very little to do.'

"But,' said I, 'there would be mil- 90 lions of red-headed men who would apply.'