75.7k views
2 votes
What's the difference between a whodunnit and playing God in the con of literature?

a) A whodunnit is a genre focused on solving mysteries, while playing God refers to the manipulation of characters by the author.
b) Whodunnit is a term for a detective story, and playing God is a literary technique involving unpredictable plot twists.
c) Whodunnit explores mysteries, while playing God involves moral dilemmas and authorial control over characters' fates.
d) Whodunnit refers to science fiction, while playing God is a term used in fantasy literature.

User Jacksonsox
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

A 'whodunnit' is a mystery genre focused on solving a crime, while 'playing God' refers to a narrative technique where characters or authors exert control over others' lives or environments, often raising ethical issues. The correct answer to the difference between the two is 'c) Whodunnit explores mysteries, while playing God involves moral dilemmas and authorial control over characters' fates.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'whodunnit' refers to a subgenre of mystery fiction in which the primary goal is to solve a crime, usually murder. It is characterized by the investigation process, often led by a detective or an amateur sleuth, and it revolves around discovering the perpetrator's identity. The narrative is typically focused on collecting clues, interviewing suspects, and the final unveiling of the criminal, commonly through a logical and satisfying resolution.

On the other hand, the concept of 'playing God' in literature does not refer to a genre but rather to a narrative technique or theme. It involves scenarios where characters or authors have the power to manipulate events, other characters' lives, or the environment in profound ways, often raising moral dilemmas and questions about the limits of human control. This technique is evident in various genres, from science fiction, where characters might create life or alter ecosystems, to tragedies that explore the consequences of such godlike powers.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: c) Whodunnit explores mysteries, while playing God involves moral dilemmas and authorial control over characters' fates.

User DrDonut
by
7.9k points