Dr Watson is usually seen as Sherlock Holmes's less intelligent helper. However, Watson adds more to the "Sherlock Holmes" canon than one might expect because of the twisted views created by...Show moreDr Watson is usually seen as Sherlock Holmes's less intelligent helper. However, Watson adds more to the "Sherlock Holmes" canon than one might expect because of the twisted views created by Hollywood movies. Watson is a unique, likeable and round character whose imperfections help provide a contrast between him and Holmes. Close reading analysis has shown that Watson’s presence is important to the stories (especially The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes), as it adds dimension and depth as well as a close connection to the reader. The variety in Watson's character is shown by his ability to change Holmes, but also by his allowance to be changed by Holmes. Watson is the only character in the "Sherlock Holmes" canon to have multiple roles (narrator and character), which makes him a unique character.Show less
This thesis illuminates the idea of a cross-cultural genre comparison within the field of Literary Studies. Commonly, this means focussing on a certain genre and its characteristics within the...Show moreThis thesis illuminates the idea of a cross-cultural genre comparison within the field of Literary Studies. Commonly, this means focussing on a certain genre and its characteristics within the literatures of two or more different cultural contexts. However, as an experiment, this thesis assumes the narrative status of literature and contemporary popular culture to be similar. This would mean that it is possible to compare genres cross-culturally within literature and within other types of media. After discussing the field of World Literature and the existence of transcultural narratives, the thesis will move on to a case study between American and Japanese authors. To clarify the potential and usefulness of cross-cultural genre comparisons, three genres will be looked at: gothic, mystery/detective and Lovecraftian weird tale literature. The first two will be explored in short stories by American author Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) and those by three Japanese writers, namely Tanizaki Junichirō 谷崎潤一郎 (1886-1965), Akutagawa Ryūnosuke 芥川龍之介 (1892-1927) and Edogawa Rampo 江戸川乱歩 (1894-1965). The third genre will be used to see how the literary characteristics of weird tales by American author H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) have been used, not only in Japanese literature, but also in Japanese popular culture, like manga and anime. As such, it will eventually show how key conventions within the genres of gothic, mystery/detective and Lovecraftian weird tale literature cannot be explained from within one national or cultural context alone and how cross-cultural and cross-media studies add to the international potential of Literary Studies.Show less
