Allusion in The Purloined Letter

Translated from French, the words mean "so baleful a plan, if unworthy of Atreus, is worthy of Thyestes." The phrase is taken from Atree et Thyeste, a play by French poet Prosper Joylot Crébillon (1674–1762). The play is based on a Greek myth in which Atreus exacts a horrible revenge upon Thyestes, his brother. In writing the phrase in the fake letter he left for Minister D—, Dupin knew that he would understand the allusion and recall that he had once wronged Dupin; Dupin finds satisfaction in Minister D—’s realizing that it was Dupin who had found the purloined letter and engineered his downfall.

“Monstrum horrendum” is an allusion to Virgil’s description of the murderous cyclops Polyphemus in the Aeneid. Through the allusion, Dupin emphasizes the minister’s moral depravity and his danger to society.

An allusion to Virgil’s Aeneid, the Latin quotation can translate to “the road to evil is easy.” “Catalani” alludes to Angelica Catalani (1780–1849), a famous Italian singer. Dupin’s many literary, historical, scientific, philosophical, and cultural allusions throughout the story are significant in his characterization; the breadth of his knowledge contributes to the depth of his insight—the very qualities he previously pointed out as lacking in Rochefoucauld, Machiavelli, Campanella, and Bruyère, who is misidentified as “La Bougive.”

“Chamfort” refers to Nicholas Chamfort (1741–1794), a French writer known for his sarcasm and witty humor. Translated from French, the quotation reads as follows: “There it has to be that any public idea, any formal convention, is a stupidity, because it was appropriate for the greatest number.” This quote illustrates how Dupin rejects conventional thinking, indicating that he values unconventional methods of reasoning, a key to his success in solving crimes.

Regarding a line of reasoning, “spurious” means that something is seemingly sound but not actually valid, and “profundity” refers to deep insight or a great depth of knowledge or thought. Dupin believes his reasoning and insight are superior to those of several celebrated European writers and thinkers of the 16th and 17th centuries: François de La Rochefoucauld, Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli, and Tommaso Campanella. “La Bougive” is a printing error; Poe wrote “La Bruyère,” referring to Jean de la Bruyère, but the printer misread his handwriting.

“Abernethy” is an allusion to John Abernethy (1764–1831), a prominent British physician and surgeon at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, who also lectured at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. Dupin’s purpose in mentioning Abernethy becomes clear as his conversation with Monsieur G— continues.

The passage alludes to two previous Poe stories featuring Auguste Dupin, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt.” The allusions place this story in the context of Dupin’s previous crime solving and his relationship with Monsieur G—, who is now introduced into the text.