The Purloined Letter Cunning and Cleverness Quotes Page 1
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| Quote #1 "Why, yes; and not exactly that either. The fact is, we have all been a good deal puzzled because the affair is so simple, and yet baffles us altogether." (9) |
Well, how's that for cunning? G— has already worked with Dupin on two cases, so he know perfectly well that Dupin won't be able to resist showing off and solving the case.
| Quote #2 "Perhaps the mystery is a little too plain," said Dupin. (12) |
Seriously? It seems to us that the mystery isn't actually plain at all. A card-holder dangling from a fireplace isn't actually an obvious hiding place—not to mention that the letter has been disguised. Dupin only finds it because he knows it's in a place that G— and his force didn't look.
| Quote #3 "Its rightful owner saw, but of course dared not call attention to the act in the presence of the third personage, who stood at her elbow." (28) |
Tricky D— cunningly anticipates that the royal lady won't call him out in front of the royal man and risk having her secret betrayed. So far, it's a win for D—.
