INTERTEXTUALITY IN P.D. JAMES'S DETECTIVE NOVELS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47390/SPR1342V5SI2Y2025N31Keywords:
Intertextuality, Detective novels, Crime genre, Classical literature, Religious texts, Shakespeare, Bible, Literary figures, Allusions, Cultural and literary tradition.Abstract
Intertextuality plays an important role in P.D. James's works. In particular, James incorporates references to other literary texts, especially in her detective novels. As a master of the crime genre, James does not merely create stories of mystery and intrigue; she incorporates elements of classical literature, religious texts, and the works of famous dramatists, inviting readers to explore deeper meanings and connections. Drawing on the works of Shakespeare, the Bible, and other literary figures, James enriches her characters, themes, and plots with rich allusions. These references not only enhance the reading experience but also explain her works within a broader cultural and literary tradition.
References
1. James P.D. An Unsuitable Job for a Woman. – London: Faber and Faber. 1972. – 205 p.
2. James P.D. The Skull Beneath the Skin. – London: Faber and Faber, 1982. – 372 p.
3. Umberto E. Interpretation and Overinterpretation. – Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992. – 151 p.
4. Umberto E. The Open Work. – Harvard: Harvard University Press, 1989. – 285 p.
