“Well, then; I have received personal information, from a very high quarter, that a certain document of the last importance, has been purloined from the royal apartments... What is the meaning of the verb to purloin ?”
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Answer: B. To steal
Explanation
The lexical definition of the verb purloin is to steal or wrongfully take something through dishonest means. In Edgar Allan Poe's detective story, the stolen letter is secretly purloined from the royal apartments by a minister. Recognizing this precise vocabulary word is essential for understanding the plot mechanics of early detective fiction. The Purloined Letter was published in 1844 and features the brilliant amateur detective C Auguste Dupin. Poe is widely credited with inventing the modern detective fiction genre through these intricate analytical tales. The story relies on psychological astuteness rather than violent action to solve the mystery of the missing document.
To borrow implies consensual temporary use, which contradicts the clandestine and dishonest nature of purloining. To ruin means to destroy completely rather than secretly stealing a physical object like a document. To return means giving something back, which is the exact opposite of taking or stealing an item.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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