Tuesday 12 March 2013

Why detail and accuracy matter:the ethics of detective fiction

This is a subject to return to in more depth. However, the internet search that resulted in finding the academic paper linked to here was inspired by the argument of a minority that the inaccuracies and general carelessness and stupidity in TV's Shetland 'don''t matter because it's television.' The Shetland of Shetland is not real, they argue. It's 'only' telly. You might as well say it's 'only' art.

Well, that leads us into all kinds of areas for discussion, including: how necessary is factual and historical accuracy in fiction? Is crime fiction/film an escape, or does it offer the possibility of real moral engagement?



As a beginning, this paper by Eleanor Bell on Ian Rankin and the ethics of crime fiction is a brilliant look at the very serious intent with which Rankin approaches his work. In which fastidious accuracy and respect for both sources and setting are paramount.

http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/16757/1/strathprints016757.pdf

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