Jonathan Gragnano

English B1-B2

November 26, 2013

What fictional detectives can teach us.

Though a character may be fictional, there are still things that can be learned form them. One of the most important lessons that can be learned is the traits that make up any good detective. An example is illustrated with two of the most famous fictional detectives, Mr. Monk and Sherlock Holmes. At first glance, it may seem like these two characters are completely opposite. However, after a closer look, one can find that they have much in common in their methods. The most important quality for any detective, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is the power of observation. A detective needs to be able to see differences in things, and needs to be able to make observations in people. Sherlock Holmes has very astute powers of observations. He is always notices little things about places or people, regardless of whether they seem important at the time. He is also able to recall these at later times if they turn out to be very important. A prime example of this is when he is able to recognize word clippings form newspaper articles. yesterdays TimesBy thunder your right! Well isnt that smart! (Doyle, 46.) Mr. Monk is very similar to this. He notices things about crimes that arent right, and he notices things about people that help him understand them. For example, in one instance, while examining a crime scene in an apartment, discovers several clues that other officers do not catch. Observation helps to get facts that lead to solving a case. However, sometimes detectives need someone to help them sort out theses clues. An important similarity in Mr. Monk and Sherlock Holmes methods is the fact that both have assistants and how they use teamwork. They also have to be team players (although Holmes is not always good at that). These assistants are helpful to the detectives because they help to stimulate their minds. For example, Holmes once commented that Watson youwithout

Jonathan Gragnano

English B1-B2

November 26, 2013

possessing power, have a remarkable ability to stimulate it, (Doyle, 10). Also, Mr. Monks assistant, Natalie Teeger, helps Mr. Monk by giving him ideas, which sometimes turn out to be correct, but most of the time is not. However, these ideas can lead to Mr. Monk thinking of better ones or Mr. Monk having a sudden epiphany. Also when chasing a suspect, or investigating, Natalie develops ideas that help them to get what they need. For example, in Mr. Monk and the Bad Girlfriend, Natalie develops a diversion to allow Monk time to search a suspects apartment. Though it may not be as important as some others, the fact that both Mr. Monk and Sherlock Holmes have assistants is definitely a trait that helps them in their crime solving. Both of these detectives also seem to have the ability to come through in times of need. A similarity that undoubtedly is an important part of these two detectives is their ability to come through in times of need. However, the two detectives do differ in their bravery, as one has much and the other has a very reserve amount. For example, Sherlock Holmes always seems to be able to do things that help save the day, or contribute to the case. He is a man of wit, with no real known fears. For example, he was able to come through and save Sir Henry from certain death from the hound, even though it was very dark and the beast was ghastly. It was very critical at that point that he not freeze up. However, Mr. Monk has a tendency to freeze up in critical situations, due to his many phobias (312, to be exact). For example in the episode Mr. Monk and the Candidate, Mr. Monks fear of heights causes him to freeze up while attempting to catch Ian Sykes, an assassin who is on the run. However, when he is later in a sewer, Sykes has Monks assistant captured, but Monk manages to overcome his extreme fear of germs and shoot Sykes, causing him to fall and release Natalie (and it was in the dark). As seen here, both of these detectives are capable of overcoming obstacles to come through in hard circumstances, even if they have personal obstacles to overcome.

Jonathan Gragnano

English B1-B2

November 26, 2013

The three traits examined here are just three of many traits that make up any good detective. The importance of all of them is undoubted. It is not saying that every detective must have all of these traits to make themselves good at what they do. But these traits are very vital to any detective. So in conclusion, the most important skills for any detective are 1) the power of observation 2) having a thought provoking and helpful assistant and 3) having the ability to come through in difficult situations. All three of these together will ensure that a detective is the best they can possibly be.

Work Cited Doyle, Arthur. The Hound of the Baskervilles. New York City: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Groups, Inc., 1959. Print. Monk. USA Network. Ion Television, Virginia Beach. Television.