Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle

The historical context

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was published in 1892, during the Victorian era in England. This was a time of great social and economic change, as the country industrialized and urbanized. The population of London grew rapidly, and the city became increasingly crowded and squalid. This led to a rise in crime, which was a major concern for the public.

At the same time, there were also many technological and scientific advances during the Victorian era. This included the development of new forensic methods, such as fingerprinting and ballistics. These advances gave the police new tools to investigate crimes, but they also made criminals more sophisticated.

Arthur Conan Doyle was a physician, and he was familiar with the latest forensic methods. He also had a keen interest in crime and mystery. These factors influenced his writing of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

The Sherlock Holmes stories are set in Victorian London, and they reflect the social and political realities of the time. For example, the story "The Man with the Twisted Lip" explores the issue of poverty and homelessness. The story "A Scandal in Bohemia" deals with the issue of class inequality. And the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" explores the issue of domestic violence.

The Sherlock Holmes stories also reflect the public's fascination with science and technology. Holmes is a master of deduction and observation, and he uses his knowledge of science to solve crimes. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," Holmes uses his knowledge of goose anatomy to identify the thief of a valuable gemstone.

The Sherlock Holmes stories were a huge success when they were first published, and they have remained popular ever since. They are still widely read and enjoyed by people of all ages. The stories are appealing because they are exciting, suspenseful, and well-written. They also offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian London.

The literary context
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was published in 1892, during a period of great popularity for detective fiction. Other notable detective writers of the time included Edgar Allan Poe, Wilkie Collins, and G.K. Chesterton. However, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories were unique in a number of ways.

First, Doyle's stories were more realistic than many other detective stories of the time. He drew on his own knowledge of medicine and forensics to create believable crime scenes and investigative methods. Second, Doyle's stories were more complex and challenging than many other detective stories of the time. His plots were often intricate and required the reader to pay close attention to the details. Third, Doyle's stories featured a more complex and well-developed protagonist than many other detective stories of the time. Sherlock Holmes was not just a brilliant detective; he was also a flawed human being with his own quirks and eccentricities.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes had a profound impact on the development of detective fiction. Doyle's stories established many of the conventions of the genre, such as the use of scientific methods to solve crimes, the focus on a brilliant detective protagonist, and the complex and challenging plots. Doyle's stories also inspired generations of detective writers, and his influence can still be seen in detective fiction today.

Here are some specific examples of Doyle's contributions to the detective fiction genre:

He introduced the use of scientific methods to crime solving, such as fingerprinting and ballistics.
He created one of the most iconic and enduring detective characters of all time, Sherlock Holmes.
He developed complex and challenging plots that required the reader to pay close attention to the details.
He explored a variety of social and political issues in his stories, such as poverty, class inequality, and domestic violence.

Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a landmark work of detective fiction, and it continues to be enjoyed by readers around the world.

The character of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic and enduring detective characters in literature. He is known for his brilliant intellect, his keen observational skills, and his ability to deduce complex solutions to seemingly impossible crimes.

Holmes is also a complex and contradictory character. He can be arrogant and dismissive, but he is also fiercely loyal to his friends and colleagues. He is a master of deduction, but he is also prone to eccentric behavior.

In The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Doyle introduces us to Holmes as a brilliant but eccentric detective who lives with his friend and chronicler, Dr. John Watson, at 221B Baker Street in London. Holmes is a master of disguise and has a deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects, including chemistry, forensic science, and criminal psychology. He is also an expert violinist and boxer.

Holmes is driven by a passion for solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice. He is often described as being cold and emotionless, but he is also capable of great compassion and empathy. He is fiercely protective of his friends and colleagues, and he is always willing to risk his own life to solve a case.

Here are some of the key character traits of Sherlock Holmes:

Brilliant intellect: Holmes is one of the most intelligent characters in literature. He has a deep understanding of a wide range of subjects, and he is able to use his knowledge to solve complex problems.
Keen observational skills: Holmes has an uncanny ability to observe and notice even the smallest details. He is able to use this ability to deduce important information about a crime scene or a suspect.
Master of deduction: Holmes is a master of deductive reasoning. He is able to use the information he observes to draw logical conclusions about what happened.
Eccentric behavior: Holmes is a complex and contradictory character. He is brilliant and intelligent, but he is also eccentric and unpredictable. He can be arrogant and dismissive, but he is also fiercely loyal to his friends and colleagues.

Sherlock Holmes is a fascinating and complex character. He is a brilliant detective, but he is also a flawed human being. His character has captured the imagination of readers and viewers for over 130 years, and he continues to be one of the most popular and enduring detective characters in literature.

The themes of the stories
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle explores a variety of themes, including:

Justice: Holmes is a champion of justice, and he is driven by a desire to bring criminals to account. He often solves cases that the police are unable to solve, and he often exposes corruption and injustice in the legal system.
Social class: Holmes's stories often reflect the social and economic inequalities of Victorian England. Holmes himself is a member of the upper class, but he is not afraid to challenge the status quo. He is also sympathetic to the plight of the poor and the working class.
Good versus evil: Holmes's stories are often morality tales about the battle between good and evil. Holmes represents good, while his adversaries represent evil. In the end, good always triumphs over evil, but Holmes's stories often show that the battle between good and evil is complex and nuanced.
The power of the mind: Holmes's stories celebrate the power of the human mind. Holmes is able to solve crimes by using his intellect and his deductive reasoning skills. He shows that even the most complex problems can be solved if we apply our minds to them.

In addition to these general themes, Holmes's stories also explore a variety of other themes, such as:

Addiction: Holmes himself is addicted to cocaine, which he uses to stimulate his mind. His addiction shows the dangers of addiction, even for the most intelligent and capable people.
The importance of friendship: Holmes's friendship with Dr. Watson is one of the most enduring relationships in literature. Watson is Holmes's confidant and sounding board, and he is often essential to Holmes's success.
The nature of evil: Holmes's adversaries are often complex and fascinating characters. They are not simply evil for the sake of being evil. They often have their own motivations and reasons for committing crimes.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a rich and complex collection of stories that explores a variety of important themes. Doyle's stories are still relevant today, and they continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

The social and political commentary

Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of detective stories that were published in 1892. The stories are set in Victorian London, and they reflect the social and political realities of the time.

Doyle's stories often explore the issue of social class. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes solves the murder of a young woman who was killed by her stepfather, a cruel and abusive man. The story highlights the power that men had over women in Victorian society, and the ways in which women were often victims of domestic violence.

Another common theme in Doyle's stories is the issue of poverty and crime. For example, in the story "The Man with the Twisted Lip," Holmes investigates the disappearance of a respectable businessman. The story reveals that the businessman had been secretly living a double life as a beggar. The story highlights the ways in which poverty could lead to crime, and the ways in which the poor were often marginalized and ignored by society.

Doyle's stories also explore the issue of corruption in the police force and the legal system. For example, in the story "A Scandal in Bohemia," Holmes solves the case of a stolen letter that could have caused a scandal for the royal family. The story reveals that the police were willing to overlook corruption in order to protect the powerful.

Doyle's stories are not just entertaining detective stories; they are also social and political commentary. Doyle used his stories to highlight the social and political problems of his time, and to challenge the status quo. His stories are still relevant today, and they continue to resonate with readers who are interested in social justice and social change.

Here are some specific examples of social and political commentary in Doyle's stories:

In the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Doyle highlights the power that men had over women in Victorian society, and the ways in which women were often victims of domestic violence.
In the story "The Man with the Twisted Lip," Doyle highlights the ways in which poverty could lead to crime, and the ways in which the poor were often marginalized and ignored by society.
In the story "A Scandal in Bohemia," Doyle reveals that the police were willing to overlook corruption in order to protect the powerful.
In the story "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches," Doyle explores the issue of child abuse.
In the story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," Doyle explores the issue of homelessness.

Doyle's stories are a valuable source of information about Victorian society and the social and political problems of the time. They are also a reminder that even the most entertaining stories can have important social and political messages.

The portrayal of women

The portrayal of women in the Sherlock Holmes stories is complex and varied. Some women are portrayed as intelligent and capable, while others are portrayed as weak and dependent. Some women are portrayed as victims of crime, while others are portrayed as criminals themselves.

One of the most notable women in the Sherlock Holmes stories is Irene Adler, who is featured in the story "A Scandal in Bohemia." Adler is a former actress who has a compromising photo of the King of Bohemia. Holmes is hired to retrieve the photo, but Adler is too clever for him and she outsmarts him. Adler is a complex and fascinating character. She is intelligent, resourceful, and independent. She is also a match for Holmes in terms of intellect and deductive reasoning.

Another notable woman in the Sherlock Holmes stories is Mary Morstan, who is featured in the story "The Sign of the Four." Morstan is a young woman who comes to Holmes for help in solving the mystery of her father's disappearance. Morstan is an intelligent and capable woman, but she is also vulnerable. She has been orphaned and she is alone in the world. Holmes is protective of Morstan, but he also respects her intelligence and her independence.

Other notable women in the Sherlock Holmes stories include:

Mrs. Hudson: Holmes's landlady at 221B Baker Street. Mrs. Hudson is a kind and caring woman, but she is also shrewd and practical.
Mrs. Watson: Dr. Watson's wife. Mrs. Watson is a supportive and understanding wife. She is also a good friend to Holmes.
Violet Hunter: A young woman who is engaged to be married to Dr. Watson in the story "The Adventure of the Second Stain." Hunter is a kind and intelligent woman, but she is also jealous and possessive.
Elsie Stoner: A young woman who is threatened by her stepfather in the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." Stoner is a vulnerable and frightened woman, but she is also brave and resourceful.

The roles of women in society in the Sherlock Holmes stories are varied. Some women are portrayed as housewives and mothers, while others are portrayed as professionals and career women. Some women are portrayed as being subservient to men, while others are portrayed as being equal to men.

Holmes's interactions with women are also varied. He sometimes treats women with respect and admiration, but he also sometimes treats them with condescension and sexism. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," Holmes dismisses a woman's testimony because he believes that women are not as reliable as men.

Overall, the portrayal of women in the Sherlock Holmes stories is complex and varied. Some women are portrayed as intelligent and capable, while others are portrayed as weak and dependent. Some women are portrayed as victims of crime, while others are portrayed as criminals themselves. Holmes's interactions with women are also varied. He sometimes treats women with respect and admiration, but he also sometimes treats them with condescension and sexism.

It is important to note that the Sherlock Holmes stories were written in the Victorian era, when women had fewer rights and opportunities than they do today. As a result, some of the portrayals of women in the stories may be outdated and offensive to modern readers. However, it is also important to remember that the stories are a product of their time, and they reflect the social and cultural norms of the Victorian era.

The use of science and technology
Arthur Conan Doyle was a physician, and he often incorporates scientific and technological knowledge into his Sherlock Holmes stories. Doyle uses science and technology to help Holmes solve crimes in a number of ways:

Forensic science: Holmes uses a variety of forensic science techniques to solve crimes, including fingerprinting, ballistics, and toxicology. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes uses fingerprinting to identify the murderer of a young woman. In the story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle," Holmes uses ballistics to identify the weapon that was used to kill a goose. And in the story "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons," Holmes uses toxicology to identify the poison that was used to kill a man.
Chemistry: Holmes is also an expert chemist, and he often uses his knowledge of chemistry to solve crimes. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," Holmes uses chemistry to decipher a coded message. In the story "The Adventure of the Yellow Face," Holmes uses chemistry to identify the poison that was used to kill a man.
Physics: Holmes also has a deep understanding of physics, and he often uses his knowledge of physics to solve crimes. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Empty House," Holmes uses physics to track down his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. In the story "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," Holmes uses physics to decipher a coded message.

Doyle's use of science and technology in the Sherlock Holmes stories was groundbreaking for its time. Many of the forensic science techniques that Holmes uses were in their early stages of development in the late 19th century. Doyle's stories helped to popularize these techniques and to show how they could be used to solve crimes.

In addition to helping Holmes solve crimes, Doyle's use of science and technology also helps to make the stories more believable and realistic. Doyle's stories are set in a time when science and technology were rapidly developing, and his use of these technologies reflects the social and cultural changes of the time.

Doyle's use of science and technology in the Sherlock Holmes stories is one of the things that makes them so enduring and popular. His stories are not only entertaining; they are also educational and thought-provoking.

The role of violence

Violence is a common element in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Doyle depicts violence in a variety of ways, from graphic descriptions of murder scenes to more subtle portrayals of the psychological and emotional effects of violence.

In some of the stories, Doyle uses violence to create suspense and excitement. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Doyle describes in graphic detail the murder of a young woman by her stepfather. In the story "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches," Doyle describes the beating of a young woman by her aunt and uncle.

In other stories, Doyle uses violence to explore the dark side of human nature. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons," Doyle portrays a man who is driven to murder by his obsession with collecting Napoleonic artifacts. In the story "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League," Doyle portrays a man who is hired to commit a crime without realizing it.

Doyle also uses violence to highlight the social and political problems of his time. For example, in the story "The Man with the Twisted Lip," Doyle portrays the poverty and crime that were common in Victorian London. In the story "A Scandal in Bohemia," Doyle portrays the corruption of the police and the legal system.

The consequences of violence in the Sherlock Holmes stories are often tragic. Victims of violence are often killed or injured, and their families and friends are left to deal with the emotional and physical aftermath of the violence. In some cases, violence also leads to further violence, as victims seek revenge or as criminals become bolder.

However, Doyle also shows that violence can sometimes be necessary to stop criminals and to uphold justice. For example, in the story "The Adventure of the Empty House," Holmes kills his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in order to protect himself and others.

Doyle's depiction of violence in the Sherlock Holmes stories is complex and nuanced. He shows that violence can be both destructive and necessary. He also shows that violence has a profound impact on the victims, their families, and society as a whole.

It is important to note that the Sherlock Holmes stories were written in the Victorian era, when violence was more common and less accepted than it is today. As a result, some of the portrayals of violence in the stories may be disturbing to modern readers. However, it is also important to remember that the stories are a product of their time, and they reflect the social and cultural norms of the Victorian era.

The enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has remained so popular for over 130 years for a number of reasons.

He is a brilliant detective. Holmes is one of the most intelligent and resourceful detectives in literature. He has an uncanny ability to observe and notice even the smallest details. He is also a master of deduction, and he is able to use the information he observes to solve complex problems.
He is a complex and fascinating character. Holmes is more than just a brilliant detective. He is also a complex and fascinating character with his own quirks and eccentricities. He is arrogant and dismissive, but he is also fiercely loyal to his friends and colleagues. He is a master of disguise, and he has a deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects, including chemistry, forensic science, and criminal psychology.
His stories are exciting and suspenseful. Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are some of the most exciting and suspenseful detective stories ever written. They are full of twists and turns, and they keep readers guessing until the very end.
His stories are timeless. Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are set in Victorian London, but they are still relevant today. The themes of his stories, such as justice, social class, and good versus evil, are universal.

In addition to these general reasons, Holmes also appeals to readers and viewers for a number of specific reasons:

He is a role model. Holmes is a role model for people who are intelligent, resourceful, and determined. He shows that even the most difficult problems can be solved if we apply ourselves to them.
He is a fantasy figure. Holmes is a fantasy figure who represents the power of the human mind. He shows that anything is possible if we use our intelligence and our deductive reasoning skills.
He is an escape from reality. Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are a welcome escape from reality for many readers and viewers. They transport us to a time and place that is different from our own, and they allow us to forget about our problems for a while.

Sherlock Holmes is a timeless and enduring character who appeals to readers and viewers of all ages. He is a brilliant detective, a complex and fascinating character, and a role model for many people. His stories are exciting, suspenseful, and timeless.