The Literary Life Podcast Episode 245: "Murder Must Advertise" by Dorothy Sayers, Ch. 17-End
16 snips
Oct 8, 2024 The discussion wraps up the intricate narrative of a famous murder mystery while uncovering Alice in Wonderland references throughout Sayers' works. They explore the symbolism of a cricket match and how it ties into character development and societal themes. The hosts also challenge the stigma surrounding dark narratives, emphasizing their deeper insights. A whimsical metaphor linking justice and consumerism adds a layer of satire, ultimately celebrating Sayers' literary genius and the complex interplay between crime, morality, and hope.
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Detective Novels As Romantic Form
- Detective stories invite readers to suspend ordinary realism and enjoy the shape of the tale itself.
- Northrop Frye argues the form is comic/romantic, so judge it by conventions not real-life likelihood.
Alice References Everywhere
- Angelina discovered direct Alice in Wonderland references scattered across Sayers' novels using searchable e-books.
- She connects Lord Peter's name and family motto to Alice's parody-quest pattern in the series.
Sport As Story Microcosm
- Sporting episodes often act as microcosms revealing character and plot dynamics.
- The cricket match exposes Lord Peter's heroic role and Tallboy's accurate aim, foreshadowing outcomes.
