The Murder in the Rue Morgue

 What is the purpose of Section 1, which is presented before the detective, Dupin, is even introduced?

The first sections give the author’s first encounter with a young man, August Duplin, the last member of a well-known rich family but who was far from rich with only little to buy necessities and books. They both met in several bookstores when they were looking for the same book and started communicating. After the author invited Dupin, the two moved in together due to his interest in books and bright mind. The author goes on to discover Dupin's ability to read people's unspoken thoughts by using an individual's actions and constructing events in their mind from one idea to another.

How does this section prepare you for the murder mystery that follows it? 

This section outlines Dupin's abilities to read people's thoughts and minds by analyzing the various actions of an individual and constructing what a person is thinking. This outline helps us understand how Dupin can solve the murders that look impossible to solve. It also explains how Dupin sees beyond the unseeable and finds answers from the most unexpected situations and places. This ability is possible through his knowledge and how first his mind is working.

 From your own observations in your reading the second part of the story, list some of the moves and/or steps that Dupin goes through as he investigates, and solves this crime.

When they first arrive in the house, Dupin carefully analyses the old lady’s house both inside and out and the neighboring houses. Dupin then goes on to analyze inside and in the room of the crime scene. In this room, Dupin carefully looks at the bodies, walls, the fireplace, the window, and everything inside the crime scene. After making his analysis, Dupin says nothing as he comprehends what he had seen at the crime scene.