A well told mystery with no conclusive ending always leaves room for a listener to form their own conclusions. As an active participant in society, we subconsciously pick up on small details to form conclusions about a situation. Especially in the form of written mysteries, the most miniscule of details make all the difference in the world to the reader. In the excerpt, "The Curse of the Poisoned Pretzel", the author strongly suggests that Skidmore is guilty of murdering his brother, Manchester, through the use of emphasizing their differences, stating that most everyone assumed his hatred, as well as indicating the massive family fortune was involved. To begin with, Skidmore is described as a vastly different character than his brother, and slight nuances between their personalities is exemplified. Manchester is described as a rather jolly but fat man, saying that Manchester weighed nearly three hundred pounds, had thick sideburns, and a bright, open smile. In comparison, his thin brother, Skidmore, always dressed in black, never showing his eyes. This is practically the polar opposite description of his brother, Manchester. Including these details appeals to our subconscious warning systems. Between the two, Skidmore will most likely be treated more cautiously from those around him. He shows many subtle signs of being …show more content…
Despite this widely held opinion, this statement is backed up by thin evidence, saying that not a single person knew why Skidmore hated his brother. Instead of providing a genuine reason, it is theorized that Skidmore hated the fact that he was allergic to bubblegum, and Manchester practically made a name for himself out of the substance. While it does not provide genuine evidence, this shows that the general population believed Skidmore to be guilty, and this comforts most hesitations within our mind as to Skidmore's
Poisoning was a big problem in the 1920s of America. “The Poisoner's Handbook” tells a fascinating tale about the early men of toxicology, Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler, in criminal investigations and public health. Produced and directed by Rob Rapley, the film, "The Poisoner's Handbook," shows many poisoning stories together which tells a mix of mysterious and heartbreaking deaths. This is evident that humans will use accessible items, including everyday household products, to kill each other. The film integrates the birth of forensic science with the rise of big businesses and local politics. Many murderers roamed free until enough political will was assembled to implement a new medical examiner system in the 1920s.
Godbeer follows the incident without any bias and looks into how the accusations and trials are handled by the townspeople and the people in charge of handling the trails. Godbeer’s purpose of writing this book is to prove that Salem was not the norm. Godbeer’s approach of only one using one case, slightly weakens his effectiveness that Salem was not the norm.
The way in which Manchester died was written to evoke a sense of suspicion. His brother gives him a new snack he invents, the pretzel, even though pretzels were already invented. This alone is cause for suspicion, as it makes no sense to claim such a popular food as your own invention, as you
In paragraph 3 and 4 the narrator explains, “ And every night, about midnight, I turned the latch of his door and opened it. . . I did this seven long night-every night just at midnight. ” This shows that he was a calculated killer because of the time he took to watch the man before killing him. It shows how the narrator thought it through. Also shows how he was going to have to study the old man's sleeping behaviors in order to have to kill him.
Critics pose interesting views concerning the identity and significance of the mysterious third murderer. Henry Irving provides an adamant argument as to how the Attendant could be the third murderer. Irving uses multiple cases in the story where, when interpreted a certain way, one can see how the Attendant is a prime suspect. This man's knowledge of and comfort with the structure and surroundings of the castle shows that he would be a valuable asset to the murderers.
Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most celebrated literary authors of all time, known for writing very suspenseful, dramatic short stories and a poet; is considered as being a part of the American Romantic Movement, and a lesser known opinion is he is regarded as the inventor of the detective-fiction genre. Most recognized for his mystery and macabre, a journey into the dark, ghastly stories of death, deception and revenge is what makes up his reputation. The short story under analysis is a part of his latter works; “The Cask of Amontillado”, a story of revenge takes readers into the mind of the murderer.
More than three centuries ago, an entire community in Salem, Massachusetts, just 5 miles from Salem Town fell victim to what would become the most notorious instance of witch hysteria in United States history. The infamous witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts remain one of the most unscrupulous and inexplicable phenomena in the United States, having resulted in a total of 20 deaths and 165 accusations related to Witchcraft within the span of four months. [3] The brief, but tumultuous period has long been a source of debate amongst historians. For nearly a century, it was widely accepted that social tensions and Puritan religious beliefs were the primary cause of the trials, but in the 1970’s, a college undergraduate suggested ergot poisoning might be to blame. Ergotism – ergot poisoning – is born from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which is known to infect rye and other cereal grains, it produces a chemical known as ergotamine which is the base for toxic hallucinogenic chemicals such as LSD. [2] Studies have shown that the consumption of ergot-contaminated food results in symptoms much like those associated with the afflicted girls in Salem, 1692. [2] Collectively, Ergot poisoning, and the implication Puritanism and Puritan values had on the genuine fear of witches, and socioeconomic tension caused the events that would become the Salem witch hysteria of 1692.
The notorious witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts occurred from June through September. It is a brief, but turbulent period in history and the causes of the trials have long been a source of discussion among historians. Many try to explain or rationalize the bizarre happenings of the witch hunts and the causes that contributed to them. To understand the trials and how they came to be, we must first examine the ideals and views of the people surrounding the events. Although religious beliefs were the most influential factor, socioeconomic tensions, and ergot poisoning are also strongly supported theories. A combination of motives seems the most rational explanation of the frenzy that followed the illness of the two girls. This paper looks closely at the some of the possible causes of one of the most notable occurrences in history.
This story is very interesting, it pits two brother's together in a "sibling rivalry" for fame and riches. The older, more heavier and less healthy brother, Boddlebrooks, owned the Sluggers baseball team, and had manufactured his own bubblegum factory. He owned a very expensive mansion, and had more then enough money to buy more then the essential necessities to live This is a start of a certain chain of events that can lead one to believe his younger brother (Skidmore), was the cause of his death. Here are some reasons why one could believe how the younger brother's jealousy could have cost the older brothers life.
In “Witchcraft or Mycotoxin? The Salem Witch Trials” the discussion is held trying to determine the real underlying issue that caused the mass hysteria in the village that resulted in the loss of so many lives. One interesting theory that is presented is the possibility of the rye that was grown and used as a daily staple of food for the Puritans was tainted. The possibility of a cold harsh winter and moist humid spring and summer sets up a perfect petri dish for the fungus to grow uncontrollably. “A failed harvest had forced Salem villagers to turn to rye grain to make their bread” and Thomas Putnam became a primary source for the Puritans to receive their supply of rye. Putnam’s “swampy land supplied much of the colony's rye flour” and it was in these swampy conditions that could possibly allow the
Even though Dimmesdale never goes through public shaming, he is still affected by it since he buries his secrets and it makes him realize the downfalls of the strict Puritanical doctrines the town lives by. He buries the fact that he has committed adultery, and in doing so, he becomes acutely aware of his own and other’s
The plot is entertaining and suspenseful which allows it to hold up to the standards of the list. Foreshadowing maintains interest, and is a prominent part of the suspenseful nature of the plot. After the first murder of Mrs. Ascher, Hastings believed that the crime is a singular event, but Poirot stated, “This is only the beginning” (Christie 22). The author uses a delightful example of foreshadowing to hint to the later murders. This keeps the plot suspenseful which makes one want to continue reading. After discussing possible coincidences on the day of the murder with the victims’ friends and families, Poirot realized, “I tell you my friends, it cannot be a coincidence. Three crimes---and every time a man selling stockings and spying out the land” (Christie 211). The finding of clues allows the plot to continue, thus maintaining the reader’s interest and preventing the story from becoming too tedious to enjoy. While Monsieur Poirot finished pronouncing the name of the murderer, the narration stated, “Two detectives...
A few children fool around with something they know is wrong, they get caught, but are not brave enough to take the punishment, and so shovel the blame. Now this is where human nature is responsible. The adults of the town believe these children and set about punishing the accused, namely death. Now had these people had the character to think for themselves, to judge the situation for the evidence alone, nothing would have been worth writing about in Salem, 1692. Instead these people were weak, they thought only for themselves, and as a result, a tragedy that will go down in history occurred.
What makes a short story great? Great characters? A great plot? Whatever it is, it does not have as much time to develop as a novel does. However, in limited space, author Edgar Allan Poe creates a brilliant, suspenseful, and brain wracking story. "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" begins by comparing the analytical mind to the game of chess. Eventually, Poe ties in the occurrences of a bizarre incident with a flashback to 18--. Through analyzing the scene and using clues and witnesses' testimonies, a character of great analytical power solves a murder mystery that no one else can even remotely get a grasp on. The story may sound ordinary at first, but upon the completion of the novel, a doubtful reader can change his mind. Edgar Allan Poe's utilization of different literary and writing techniques and his unique development of the story allow readers to indulge in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue".
The Murders in the Rue Morgue is a mysterious short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. It is about a shockingly, drastic murder of a woman, Madame L’Espany, and her daughter, Mademouiselle Camille L’Espany. In the story, the police looks at the obvious and does not bother to really go in-depth to observe the situation, but arrest the clerk, Adolphe Le Bon, because he is last to see them alive. It goes to show that even the little things need to be accounted for when it comes to justifying and judging a crime.