The Purloined Letter by: Edgar Allen Poe

Question

From The Purloined Letter at what moment in the story might he seem less than truthful.

Answer 1

The answer depends entirely on whom you are referring to. In the case of “The Purloined Letter”, I can only deduce one person, Dupin, to be somewhat dishonest in his dealing with G., the Prefect. Since, it is Dupin that retrieves the letter and wants a reward from the Prefect.

Authors usually allude to character’s traits in the exposition of the story, or the beginning. The author’s use of dialogue and actions will reveal the underlying motivations of the characters.

In this story, Dupin recounts his train of reasoning and secret meddling in the case to the narrator. It was at this point that I returned to the beginning and looked for instances of dialogue that would reveal his dishonesty. I believe a further reexamination of this section of the story will lend you the answer and deeper understanding you seek.

Please let me know if I have been helpful in answering your question.