A carta roubada por Edgar Allan Poe

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A Synopsis of “The Purloined Letter” by Edgar Allan Poe

The story begins in the home office of private investigator C. Auguste Dupin, while he and his friend, an unnamed narrator, entertain the Prefect of the Paris Police, Monsieur G. The Prefect has come to Dupin again in need of help. Monsieur G has a case which he cannot solve, involving a purloined (stolen) letter. Without hesitation, Dupin is able to tell the Prefect exactly where the letter is, solely based on the description of the case.

According to the Prefect, a young lady (it is implied she is royalty) was in possession of a letter which contained damaging information. As she read it in her suite, an “exalted personage” from whom she wished to hide the letter, and a certain “Minister D”, entered the room. While the letter almost went unnoticed, Minister D saw it and discerned that it contained damning information. The minister switched the letter with a similar one of no consequence, and has since been blackmailing her.

At the direction of this powerful lady, Monsieur G has repeatedly searched every inch of the Minister’s house and office, with no results. Without hesitation Dupin tells the Prefect that the letter is indeed still in the minister's apartment. With a large reward at stake for its return, the Prefect leaves Dupin to go search again. After a month the Prefect returns to Dupin’s and says he cannot find the letter. At which point Dupin produces the letter and explains how he retrieved it.

Knowing the minister, Dupin placed himself in the minister's shoes. He knew that he would keep it close to him and that he was intelligent to know where the police would look for it. Therefore, he hid it in plain sight, slightly disguised as a letter of his own. Dupin then went to speak with the minister, purposely leaving behind his tobacco box, so that he could return. When he did, he had arranged a commotion outside the minister’s window at the same time, so that he could swipe the letter and replace it with another, much like the minister did.

Essential Questions for “The Purloined Letter”

1. What are ways that an author can build suspense?
2. What are the qualities that make a good detective?
3. How does Poe's use of setting, symbolism, personification, and simile impact the story overall?

Don’t Let the Fun Stop There! Check Out Our Other Lesson Plan Ideas

1. By using a storyboard that just depicts the rising action, have students demonstrate how Poe built suspense.
2. Add a presentation to any storyboard project.

Perguntas Frequentes Sobre a Carta Roubada de Edgar Allan Poe

Quem são os personagens principais de “A Carta Roubada”?

Existem três protagonistas principais em "A Carta Roubada": C. Auguste Dupin, o investigador, o Ministro D—, o vilão que roubou a carta, e a jovem (realeza), a autora da carta. Dupin ajuda o prefeito como investigador particular a encontrar a carta roubada que estava sendo usada para chantagear a Rainha.

Qual o papel da carta na narrativa?

Por incluir informações que podem ser prejudiciais ao destinatário, a carta é importante. Embora a narrativa não revele o seu conteúdo, ela representa autoridade, sigilo e capacidade de manipular o destinatário. Toda a narrativa gira em torno de encontrar a carta por causa dos conteúdos significativos nela mencionados.

Quais ideias centrais são parte integrante da história?

A narrativa aborda uma série de ideias centrais, como o valor da inteligência, a ideia de verdades ocultas e o uso da informação em benefício próprio. A narrativa também explora a noção de que as aparências enganam e chantagem.