Stereotypes In Detective Fiction

The genre of Detective Fiction not only gives the reader an intellectual challenge, but also brings up significant stereotypes in society. Detective Fiction allows the reader to explore a new realm of mystery while also being guided by the detective to uncover the suspects and clues. Underneath the mysteries lays a deeper look into the structure of society. In the novels, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and The Big Sleep, there are multiple cultural narratives through which the novel recognizes. One of which is women and femininity in society. Throughout history, women have often been under the supervision of men and considered to be at a lower standard. Women were thought of as quiet, helpless, and dependent

on men. Detective fiction provides a cultural narrative in which women have not only gained a more prominent role in society, but also progressed towards gender equality. By portraying numerous female characters as inferior to male characters, Detective Fiction is able to challenge assumptions by giving women more qualities of independence.
Starting in the Victorian Era with Arthur Conan Doyle, gender stereotypes start to arise in society. One of the most significant characters in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is Irene Adler. Irene is unlike other women at the time because she is not afraid to stand up for herself and stick to her morals. Due to Irene’s strong, or even masculine characteristics, Sherlock Holmes has given Irene the name of “the woman”. He names her this because she is the only woman who has met the standards of Sherlock’s wit and intellectual substance. In A Scandal in Bohemia, Sherlock has a plan to deceive Irene and take a photo of hers in order to help the King. Meanwhile, Irene catches on to his trickery and fools Sherlock in the end, leaving him perplexed that a woman was able to beat him at his own game. Irene represents Sherlock’s female counterpart in terms of intellectual ability and confidence. The King of Bohemia knew of Irene’s personality and says, “She has a soul of steel...the mind of the most resolute men” (SH Scandal). The King compares Irene to a man because in the Victorian Era women were typically reserved, quiet, and dependent on men. Irene defies the presumed assumptions of women by proving herself to be equal to someone as astute as Sherlock. Similarly, Irene is able to stand up for herself while most women remain behind the man’s control. The King of Bohemia has an arrangement to marry a princess; however, Irene does not support this and thus threatens the King by telling him she has a picture of herself and the King that will ruin his future relationship. Previously, the King had had an affair with Irene and he was not willing to make this information public. Irene may be blackmailing but her actions prove that she is not afraid to challenge someone above her, who in this case is a man of royalty. It is rare that a woman would ever stand up to a man, let alone question his intentions or blackmail. Society believed women were meant to follow the man’s lead and always stand by his side no matter the situation. Irene Adler demonstrates that women should not be viewed as inferior to men and that they rather hold a certain feminine power. Lastly, Irene challenges the assumption that women always need an arrangement of marriage to be happy or to find love. During Sherlock’s investigation Irene constructs a relationship with lawyer, Godfrey Norton. After, Irene leaves the country with Norton and lives a happy life. Irene shows that women do not need the assistance of men to find love or happiness; Irene was able to follow her values to find something worthwhile. Irene Adler sparked the rise of feminism, while another female character, Caroline Sheppard, was also able to challenge more of the generalizations in society.
Caroline Sheppard justifies that women are more than society assumes them to be. Agatha Christie provides various examples in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, that portray women as having an equal or more advanced mind than men. For example, Caroline Sheppard believed Mrs. Ferrars had poisoned her husband because he was an abusive alcoholic and then committed suicide after. Also, Caroline claims that their new neighbor is not a hairdresser because he has straight hair. James Sheppard, her brother, constantly criticizes her for her thoughts and presumptions because he does not think women know things just from observing or gossiping. As they soon figure out, many of Caroline’s figurations turn out to be correct and James feels threatened by her knowledge. Caroline trusts her intuition and is able to prove men, such as James, wrong. While James Sheppard deeply looks into situations and finds just the facts and evidence, Caroline trusts her gut intuition and finds more truth than her brother. Thus proving that female intuition may be stronger than the masculine thought process. In the same way, Caroline turns out to be Hercule Poirot’s arm chair detective. Although Caroline may seem young and not valuable to the investigation, she proves to be one of Poirot’s helpful assistants. Caroline carries all the gossip in town and it can be very beneficial. Men often assume gossip is a worthless act that females often devote to; however, in this novel, gossip provides relevant information to the case. As a result, Caroline can link certain people to different actions. One way Caroline was helpful to Poirot was by determining the color of Clark Kent’s boots. The people in King’s Abbot and the rest of society underestimated Caroline due to her appearances, gender, and age. People can not always assume that one’s appearance matches their personality or gives any substance about his or her character. Caroline is also able to lower Sheppard’s masculinity due to her constant questioning of his intentions. Her powerful mind allows her to follow her instincts and not be subdued by Sheppard, thus making her a feminine power. In addition to Caroline, Monda Grant, also demonstrated the significance of women’s roles in Detective Fiction.
Mona Grant is independent and does not conform to her society of overpowering masculinity and seductive temptresses.

Mona Grant is honest and does not allow other people to control her. Most of the women in the Hardboiled Tradition are insecure and need men to make them feel wanted and accepted. Women also often use their sexually and appearence to attract men. However, Mona is different. Mona wears a silver wig to disguise herself for her husband, not because he makes her, but because she loves him. Most women have a nice appearance with a cruel heart but Mona has a rather unique appearance and a purely good heart. Similarly, Mona does not let the men in her life control her. It was her choice to hide away in order to protect Eddie Mars, her husband. She believes Eddie did not kill anyone; therefore, she follows this instinct and tries to protect him. She also does not let Marlowe persuade her to go with him; she stands her ground and stays independent. Loyalty is another characteristic that Mona pertains to. When Marlowe is in trouble, Mona helps him to escape. Later, she tricks Canino into thinking Marlowe is dead, which then allows Marlowe to kill Canino. She is brave enough to deceive a man in order to help someone she knows is a good person. Also, she is not helpless and helps men, rather than men helping her. Mona Grant symbolizes a feminine power that challenges the hierarchy of male and female

roles.
Throughout history women have proven to be more than just an accessory to men; they are a symbol of strength and femininity. With Irene’s independence, Caroline’s powerful intuition, and Mona’s loyalty, women are challenging the assumptions given to them by society. Detective Fiction allows readers to explore beneath the surface of plot and characters; readers are able to see the function and relationship of the characters within a community. The authors of these novels want to show that there is more to society than just what the plain eye can see. Women are not in these stories to add to the male characters, but rather to show how women themselves are significant in their own ways. In the process, cultural narratives of gender and stereotypes will be challenged in order to show the function of society.