The Purloined Letter d'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.

Foire aux Questions sur la Lettre Volée D'Edgar Allan Poe

Qui sont les personnages principaux de « La lettre volée » ?

Il y a trois protagonistes principaux dans « La Lettre volée » : C. Auguste Dupin, l'enquêteur, le ministre D..., le méchant qui a volé la lettre, et la demoiselle (royauté), l'auteur de la lettre. Dupin aide le préfet en tant qu'enquêteur privé à retrouver la lettre volée qui servait à faire chanter la reine.

Quel rôle la lettre joue-t-elle dans le récit ?

Parce qu’elle contient des informations susceptibles de nuire au destinataire, la lettre est importante. Bien que le récit ne révèle pas son contenu, il symbolise l’autorité, le secret et la capacité de manipuler le destinataire. Tout le récit tourne autour de la recherche de la lettre en raison du contenu important qui y est mentionné.

Quelles idées centrales font partie intégrante de l’histoire ?

Le récit aborde un certain nombre d'idées centrales, telles que la valeur de l'intelligence, l'idée de vérités cachées et l'utilisation de l'information à son propre bénéfice. Le récit explore également la notion de regards trompeurs et de chantage.