Post #10 Common Props and Their Meaning

 Common Props and Their Meaning

There are many common props included in the murder mystery genre, such as a murder weapon and evidence. All of these are used both for their functionality, as well as their double meaning.

1. Murder Weapon

the murder weapon can be anything from a knife, a gun, to a candlestick. This weapon in the central prop that causes the story to go into motion. It can convey the murderers motive and relationship with the victim, it can also influence how the investigation under goes.

2. Locks and Keys

Locks and keys are symbolic for secrets, they can be used to both secure and uncover hidden truths and information that is crucial to solving the mystery or crime. The act of unlocking or uncovering something is often the turning point in a media text towards the ending and the truth.

3. Candles

Props that are used as a light source create atmospheric tension and sets the mood for an investigation. It can also cause fear if something like a candle is lighting up part of a room, the audience are expecting something to possibly jump out at them from the darkness.

4. Clocks

Clocks add an element of urgency and pressure to the plot, characters, and the audience. Events in media texts are often linked to time to emphasize how they are running against time itself.

5. Disguises

Disguises symbolize deception and hidden identities, they are used by characters to hide their true identity and add layers of suspense and complexity to the story line.