For this novel, Conan Doyle uses the setting of the countryside . For example, ’the green squares of fields’ show that the countryside is vast and there is plenty of space for the hound to hide in. It could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the deceptiveness of the novel, as the countryside looks pretty, but is actually rife with life threatening dangers.
In the telling of the legend of the hound , the location is the ’moor’ at night. This is significant as part of gothic culture is night, as the ‘exalted powers of darkness ‘ tells the reader. . Also, the “moon” is out. This is linked to an idea of madness or lunacy being potent with the moon out. In fact, the word ’lunar’ come from lunacy. This theme of madness is continued, as the hound is described as ’foaming at the mouth’. This is linked with madness and rabies. The purpose of this story being told is to provide a social and historical background to the case, for Holmes and the reader. Also, ‘black’ is used to describe the hound. This has connotations of night and evil. This continues with the gothic tradition.
On the way to Baskerville hall, the characters reactions are mixed. For example, we have Sir Henry’s ‘boyish enthusiasm’. It also shows, that although he has travelled the world, he is still excited to come home. This is backed up when Dr Mortimer says “I have never seen a Devonshire man who does not swear by his county’. In contrast to this Conan Doyle uses pathetic fallacy as ’grey melancholy hills’ show. This makes the reader feel uneasy about the surroundings. It also is a repetition, as later in the novel, Watson mentions ‘melancholy tinge’. This is again a contrast, between Henry’s ’boyish enthusiasm, and Watson’s nervousness. You would not expect this as Watson is a man of logic. This effects the reader as it shows even the detectives are starting to believe in the reports of the supernatural.
Conan Doyle also uses locations to reflect character. For example, the Grimpen Mire is dangerous and unpredictable, as “the mire has got him” shows. This is like Stapleton, as at this point the reader does not know he is dangerous , just as the moor pony was unaware the mire was dangerous. Stapleton is also mysterious, as he asks lots or questions, for example “what does Sherlock Holmes think of this”. This shows his inquisitive nature and causes the reader to wonder why he is asking questions. The moor is also mysterious, as it states that only Stapleton can penetrate it.
Towards the end of the novel, pathetic fallacy is used. For example, ’wall of fog’. This shows that the fog is all around, and is hindering the detectives plan. This could also be seen as a metaphor for concealing the truth. “Stunted orchard” is a metaphor for evil twisting everything and making it ugly. It also shows how the moor and surrounding areas are so hostile, nothing can grow properly. At the ed of the novel we are led to believe that Stapleton dies on the moor. This is ironic because it was so dangerous, not even he could master it. However, as the moor is linked to Stapleton, it shows how evil destroys itself.
I think Conan Doyle used the moor as the novels location because it is impossible to have it anywhere else, because it would not be realistic. Also, the novel includes many aspects of Gothic tradition, and gothic novels are often set in big country houses. There is a contrast between London and the moor. For example, London is shown as safe. For example, “on either side of a blazing fire” makes the reader feel it is all finished and safe. I think the moor builds tension very well, as it is mysterious and the reader is left with the general impression anything is possible on the moor.
