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Even on the fictional level, however, the contradictions which give rise to the mystery story are not fully resolved.

The individualism and public service of the private detective both stem from his dedication to a personal code of conduct: he enforces the law without being told to do so.

The private eye is therefore a moral man ; ;

but his morality rests upon that of his society.

The basic premise of all mystery stories is that the distinction between good and bad coincides with the distinction between legal and illegal.

Unfortunately, this assumption does not always hold good.

As capitalism in the 20th century has become increasingly dependent upon force and violence for its survival, the private detective is placed in a serious dilemma.

If he is good, he may not be legal ; ;

if he is legal, he may not be good.

It is the gradual unfolding and deepening of this contradiction which creates the inner dialectic of the evolution of the mystery story.