A Cage Of Butterflies Essay

Words: 820
Pages: 4

Brian Caswell integrates a variety of features in his novel ‘A Cage of Butterflies’, typical of the crime fiction genre, such as the archetypal antagonists, setting and themes. Nevertheless Caswell modifies many elements of the detective genre, for instance the structure, perspective, and ‘hard-boiled’ detective. These elements of crime fiction can be used to conclude whether ‘A Cage of Butterflies’ is typical or atypical of the genre.

A majority of crime fiction novels are set in a believable place and time frame. These factual details help create credibility and authenticity. Caswell also fulfils this component, typical of the detective genre, as he sets the story in Sydney, Australia. He also includes the ‘bad manor’, an urban evil metropolis
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Likewise, Caswell incorporates these themes in his novel ‘A Cage of Butterflies.’ Susan and Larsen constantly outwit each other in order to obtain their desired outcomes. This can be seen from the quote by Susan, “If Larsen had suspected my real motives for being at the farm, he would have never allowed me…” (Page 21). The text also focuses on the theme of ‘good versus evil’ as Susan strives to protect the Babies from Larsen’s inconsiderate and harmful actions. ‘A Cage of Butterflies’ explores a range of themes common in the crime fiction …show more content…
Having said that, ‘A Cage of Butterflies’, Caswell disregards this element of the genre. Unlike most crime novels, Susan investigates and solves the mystery to prevent a foreshadowed crime from occurring rather than confronting and punishing the criminal after the crime has been