Queer Investigations

In his essay subtitled “Notes on the detective story, from an addict,” no less a queer literary icon than W.H. Auden claims that a successful detective must be either married or celibate. Beginning our investigation by considering the potential meanings of this “celibacy,” this course explores queer characterizations of both detectives and criminals, as well as considering how the status of queerness is in itself an incitement to suspicious investigation. In doing so, we will explore mystery literature and its cinematic adaptations, ranging from the modern genre’s origins in Victorian England to today.