Examine the settings which Arthur Conan Doyle has chosen for his stories in

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Examine the settings which Arthur Conan Doyle has chosen for his stories in "The Speckled Band" and "The Man with the Twisted Lip". Consider the effects the writer has created and how they contribute to the atmosphere.

Arthur Conan Doyle's character, Sherlock Holmes, lived in Victorian London during the 19th century. His perception of the streets is portrayed as a dark and isolated environment. The atmosphere was far from welcoming. The streets were overrun with crime, beggars and prostitutes. Through the dense smog, the gas lamps provided feeble lighting which flickered as passer-bys walked on their way. The odour which drifted through the air was vile. This was the result of no sewage system and low levels of hygiene.

In 'The Man with the Twisted Lip', Arthur Conan Doyle begins by describing the home of Watson which is conveyed as a warm, welcoming safe-haven. The Watsons are portrayed as a secure and predictable couple. Their sitting room, described as "cheery", shows the reader that it is a place where all is cosy and peaceful. The reader is shown that Watson is comfortable with the setting of his own home:

"...sat up in my chair"

The use of the word 'my' gives the sense of belonging and ownership to Watson. It also shows he has a stable retreat after returning from work. A symbolic simile is used to describe how approachable Watson's wife is:

"...like birds to a lighthouse."

Light symbolizes tranquility and the reader may be given the idea that Watson's wife promotes this. It also adds to the whole ambience of peacefulness. The St.Clair's home is portrayed in a similar way, and Mrs. St Clair emerges in a "flood of light", which conveys purity and a serene habitat.

In contrast A.C. Doyle creates a dark effect by referring to the desolated streets throughout the story. For instance:

"...a vile alley lurking."
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An alley is an uncomfortable place to be in, as it is narrow and claustrophobic. A.C. Doyle reinforces its undesirable presence by describing it as 'vile'. The reader will instantly see that it is a dirty, eerie place where no-one would want to be. It is also personified as 'lurking' which gives it a sense of hidden mystery. Holmes and Watson's journey is prolonged and tiresome as they travel through:

"...the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets"

This description is effective because it makes the reader think of the continuous series of streets ...

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