Cut out the Middleman
Throughout the three Dupin stories it is not exactly clear what the role of the Prefect actually is. Sure, he heads the investigations and gets the ball rolling, but what does he actually do. He can never seem to solve a mystery, yet continues to be paid. You are supposed to receive payment for a job well done, not for calling up some smart French guy that you know and having him solve all of your mysteries for you.
Also, if everyone knows that Dupin is really the intellect behind these mysteries getting solved, why don't the just hire him in the first place? In "The Purloined Letter" it is said that the Prefect receives a significant sum of money for solving the case. This sum is so large that he is not the slightest bit affected by Dupin asking for a 50,000 franc cut of his reward. I think the Parisian police system should just fire the Prefect because he's gonna go to Dupin for help anyway and hire Dupin instead. It'd save them a lot of money since Dupin's willing to work for cheaper.
Also, if everyone knows that Dupin is really the intellect behind these mysteries getting solved, why don't the just hire him in the first place? In "The Purloined Letter" it is said that the Prefect receives a significant sum of money for solving the case. This sum is so large that he is not the slightest bit affected by Dupin asking for a 50,000 franc cut of his reward. I think the Parisian police system should just fire the Prefect because he's gonna go to Dupin for help anyway and hire Dupin instead. It'd save them a lot of money since Dupin's willing to work for cheaper.
Although I do that that'd be a smart financial move by the Parisian police (damn you, Prefect-----G), I'm unsure whether Dupin is the type of character who would trade his freedom (albeit a I-sit-in-the-dark-and-read-for-fun freedom) for money. Whatever he earns from his "side" amateur detective work seems to be keeping him financially afloat.
ReplyDeleteI think the character exists to emphasize two things: the intelligence of Dupin and also his isolation from society. It shows the reader he does not solve mysteries because of a sense of duty or for payment. He solves mysteries because he is an incredibly peculiar man who is fascinated by intellectual challenges. At some point we have to remember the story is fiction, and it's probably more entertaining and interesting for the reader to have Dupin do everything for the prefect and then not demand anything in return.
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