A recurring theme in American literature is the importance of the individual and of individuality. The American character is seen as unique in that the individual is able to tap inner resources allowing a singular view of the world and enabling the individual to overcome great obstacles. However, there is a duality to the image presented of what might be called the intuitive ability of the individual in fiction. Imagination is seen in some ways as empowering, as giving the individual greater capabilities than are possessed by others. At the same time, the imagination can be seen as inducing illusion so that the individual fails to see reality. These two aspects of the American imagination can be seen in the character of Auguste Dupin in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Purloined Letter," in which the character uses imagination to achieve success.
Poe shows one aspect of his own character and interests in his stories of detection, such as "The Purloined Letter." He may have lacked control in his own life, but through the detective character Dupin he is able to show a hero who is in control and who can understand the seemingly inexplicable in the world. In truth, Poe himself managed to show the same abilities when he brought his mind to bear on such problems, and in his story "The Mystery of Marie Roget" he provided the solution to a real-life crime that was probably the correct one. In addition to these two stories, his "Murders in the Rue Morgue" featured the same character in a bloodier crime with more fantastic and bizarre elements recalling his more macabre fiction.
In "The Purloined Letter," Poe creates a story of ratiocination, presenting a mystery which reason alone has been unable to solve. The usual methods of police logic have failed, and C. Auguste Dupin is asked to lend his expertise to finding the stolen letter. In the introductory scene, the Prefect of Police tells Dupin how they have already searched...