Discuss with reference of three of the Sherlock Holmes stories you have read, the statement that Holmes(TM) too often puts himself above the law.(TM) In your response you should consider Holmes(TM) relationship with

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Discuss with reference of three of the Sherlock Holmes stories you have read, the statement that ‘Holmes’ too often puts himself above the law.’ In your response you should consider Holmes’ relationship with the police.

Sherlock Holmes’ is constantly putting himself above the law. However on rare occasions he realises he can’t do this and depends on the police for their assistance.

The three stories which can be used in order to support my argument are, ‘The Cardboard Box’ which is about a package being sent to Miss.Cushing containing two ears. ‘Silver Blaze’ which is about the murder of John Strakner and a missing horse, and ‘The Empty House’ which is about Holmes’ return and the murder of Ronald Adir.

Holmes’ character reflects on his attitude towards the law. Holmes is well educated and from a high social class this is why he sees himself as being above the law. In some ways Holmes is a show off. An example of this is in ‘The Cardboard Box’ when Holmes does not want to be associated with the case.

“I should prefer that you would not mention my name at all in connection with the case”

Holmes does not want to be associated with the case as he sees himself above the law, and is too good for cases as simple as this, he chooses “to be associated with those crimes which present some difficulty in their solution.”         Here we can see Holmes is showing off as he says this to Inspector Lesterade and we can see he is putting himself above the law.

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A reason for Holmes putting himself above the law may be because he is encouraged by other people to do so, such as Watson and the police themselves. In ‘Silver Blaze’ Holmes is asked if he would like to help with the case.

“On Tuesday evening I received telegrams, both from Colonel Ross… and Inspector Gregory…inviting my co-operation.”

Here we can see that Holmes has been asked to help by both the police and the public, which encourages him to put his self above the law.

As Holmes is encouraged by other people, this may be a reason ...

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