Роль детективного напарника в сюжетно-композиційній організації романів Роберта Ґалбрейта (АКА Дж. К. Роулинг)

Abstract

The article analyzes the image of Robin Ellakot in the context of its correspondence to the image of a classical detective partner. We consider this study relevant because there are currently no serious attempts to analyze the heroes of Galbraith's novels, at least not with regard to the canon of the detective genre. The subject of detective partners has not been adequately researched, and works have focused mainly on the character of the detective. A similar approach can be observed in individual samples of the analysis of Galbraith's works. Therefore, the present work makes an attempt to elaborate those features which allow to classify the novel heroes more clearly - either as detective assistants or as detectives. All previous mechanical attempts to reduce the main pair of characters to the classical canon, including Holmes and Watson, faced either their complete inconsistency or a change in their affiliation. For instance Strike, often identified with Holmes, is unexpectedly associated with Watson because of his military past in Afghanistan and leg injury. Therefore, the presented work formulates grounds for the unequivocal statement that the image of Robin cannot be interpreted as a representative of the classic detective partner, and this thesis is supported by more arguments from novel to novel. The most telling features that classify Robin Ellakot as a detective rather than an assistant are the following: a professional approach to various activities, the ability to disguise and pretend to be other persons, the ability to get to places inaccessible for other characters, the ability to intuitively grasp the truth. The article explains in detail the importance of these skills for the development of the plot and how they relate to the positive "game aspect" of detective novels. It is also emphasized that the positive "game aspect" allows us to balance its negative equivalent, which is always present in the works of R. Galbraith. It plays a key role in the development of detective intrigue. Thus, the article proves that the image of Robin Ellakot does not only balance the detective story but also allows the reader to choose which kind of detective story to read: Cormoran Strike procedural investigation with elements of intuitive guessing or Robin Ellakot intuitive-game investigation with elements of procedural investigation.