In the book, Conan Doyle writes from the perspective of Dr. Watson, in a 1st person narrative, thus all the views of characters; settings, feelings and scenery are of Watson’s view. As the story unfolds, the reader follows Watsons thought paths and his feelings about Barrymore, Stapleton and the other neighbours in turn. Barrymore is the first to fall under suspicion and scrutiny when his night-time wanderings are discovered. Watson and Sir Henry follow Barrymore and see him “crouching at the window with the candle held against the glass.” This is where Barrymore e is caught and the truth finally comes out, but only when sir henry threatens to sack Barrymore. Mrs Barrymore finally explains that he was signalling to Seldon the escaped convict, and also her brother, to see if he was still on the moor so they could take him food. Sir henry then takes back his cross words to Barrymore and explains that he was under the impression that Barrymore was plotting against him.
Watson is not quite sure of what he thinks of Stapleton, as he is not complementary in his descriptions all the time: “He gives the idea of hidden fires. He has a certain marked influence over her (referring to his ‘sister’) for I have seen her glance over at him as she talks as if seeking approbation for what she said.” This shows how Watson is having doubt as to Stapleton’s true character. He is feeling that Stapleton is a raging man under his calm exterior with a logical mind. Though Stapleton tries very hard to seem like a good old friend of Sir Charles, Watson manages to pick up on several inconsistencies. The sentences in this area of the book are not trying to build up tension, but trying to make the reader picture the place, and the person, thus the sentences are quite long and descriptive.
Watson and Sir Henry both feel the fearfulness of the moor as this quote shows: “our wagonette had topped a rise and in front of us rose the huge expanse of the moor, mottled with gnarled and craggy cairns and tors. A cold wind swept down from it and set us shivering.” This is showing the first impressions the moor makes on Watson and his companion. It also plays subtly on the plot of the curse of the Baskervilles, and also the sub plot of the murderer, Seldon, escaped from Princeton, hiding out on the moor.
Conan Doyle has used much description in his book, of both the characters outer appearance and the inner personality, to help the readers gel with Watson and feel as if they’re there with him on the moor, and understand the way he thinks and looks upon fellow inhabitants of the moor. In this section I will be looking at 5 characters in the book. These being: Sherlock Holmes, Sir Henry Baskerville, the Stapleton’s and the Hound. Dr Watson will also be looked at, as he is the main character.
