Whodunit vs. Thriller
Prior to reading "The Typology of Detective Fiction", I had never actually classified the Thriller genre under mystery or even detective fiction. Though there are novels and movies that fit into those categories, there are still novels that keep you on the edge of your seat without involving a detective. Though they still follow the outline of the "detective thriller: in that they follow the main character throughout the story in the present and their are twists, turns, and near death experiences along the way, I do not classify every Thriller in the same way.
I see the Whodunit stories as the true mysteries/detective fiction novels. In these stories, there is actually an issue to be solved instead of simply guessing what is going to occur next. Also, wishing Whodunits there is already a sense of suspense as the reader is on the tale of the criminal. Because of this, I see a clear separation between Whodunits and Thrillers because if suspense is truly all that makes a Thriller, Whodunit novels already have that aspect covered.
I see the Whodunit stories as the true mysteries/detective fiction novels. In these stories, there is actually an issue to be solved instead of simply guessing what is going to occur next. Also, wishing Whodunits there is already a sense of suspense as the reader is on the tale of the criminal. Because of this, I see a clear separation between Whodunits and Thrillers because if suspense is truly all that makes a Thriller, Whodunit novels already have that aspect covered.
I definitely agree on the preference for whodunit novels as apposed to thriller novels. Personally, I enjoy following a detective as he traces the steps his culprit to ultimately discover his connection and motive for killing the victim. However, I do believe that thriller mysteries contain aspects that separate it from other adventure stories. As Torodov explains, thrillers "keep their autonomy" as the "narrative coincides with the action." The reader can feel more present in the story because there is "no point reached where the narrator comprehends all past events."
ReplyDeleteThis is nicely written. I wonder what you classified the thriller as? Of course Torodov would tell you to hesitate before classifying it as one specific genre.
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