Brian Caswell's A Cage Of Butterflies

905 Words2 Pages

Brian Caswell adheres to several elements of the crime fiction genre in his novel ‘A Cage of Butterflies’. These include the archetypal antagonists, ‘bad manor’ and the conventional ‘battle of wits’ between criminal and detective. Although the text has certain features which appeal to the crime-fiction genre, it cannot be fully categorised as crime fiction since Caswell modifies several typical features. These include the structure, perspective, and ‘hard-boiled’ detective.

A key element which distinguishes crime fiction texts from other genres is their realistic setting and time period. This component is critical to the genre as it assists the readers to appreciate the inner world of the detective. Caswell incorporates this element through the setting of the text in a remote scientific research institute, colloquially referred to as “…the farm. An advanced learning facility” (Page 9), located in Sydney, Australia. This urban evil metropolis setting within the text is based on the conventional ‘bad manor’ prominent in the crime fiction genre. Furthermore, the enclosed isolated and secluded environment of the ‘Farm’ plays a significant role in creating suspense and tension for the audience.

Another element central to the crime fiction …show more content…

The use of first person also allows the reader to investigate the crime through the detective’s mind. Caswell, however, in ‘A Cage of Butterflies’ uses polyphonic perspective, allowing the audience to discover the thoughts of the other main characters such as Mikki, Greg, Erik and Myriam. The polyphonic perspective also enables the readers to interpret the situation from different angles and solve the mystery alongside the characters. The variety in perspective provides the audience with an innovative and exciting

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