The fact that Watson is a doctor helps the reader to be convinced by what is said in these stories. In the stories it is reassuring to know that a doctor is telling the story as, especially in the Victorian era, they were thought to be very reliable people. Watson also speaks of himself as below Sherlock Holmes and often spent time “admiring” Holmes. The reader therefore is given the impression that, as Watson is a doctor, Holmes must be a great and intelligent and man to be of such a high status in Watson’s mind. As Watson is the narrator in the stories and not Holmes, it implies to the reader that the stories are not exaggerated or that Holmes is boasting of his achievements.
The techniques that Conan Doyle uses to portray his characters make the reader want to continue reading. The character of Sherlock Holmes is by far the most incredible and well written. Conan Doyle made his infamous detective based on Dr Joseph Bell, therefore meaning that people could relate to such a realistic character. In a way, Conan Doyle created an archetypal detective of interest to all those reading. Factors of the archetypal detective come about when people consider detectives to have certain traits and qualities. These traits in Holmes’ case emerge, as he appears to always be right and never make mistakes.
The rivalry with the police is very interesting, as it has become a common trait within detective characteristics since the Sherlock Holmes stories. The extraordinary intelligence of Holmes would interest the reader, as they would not want to read about somebody who doesn’t know very much or is dim. His advanced knowledge is shown in ‘Shoscombe Old Place’ where the prestigious “Merivale of the Yard” has asked Holmes to assist them to solve a case. The way in which Sherlock Holmes adapts to new technology would impress the reader, especially those to who high technology amazed at the time that the stories were written. How Holmes is well equipped with a vast knowledge is shown when narrated “Merivale… importance of the microscope”.
Holmes is portrayed to be very fastidious, as he had “refused to associate himself with any investigation which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic”, hinting to the reader that whatever story they read it will be great. Holmes’ refusal of a case in ‘The Speckled Band’ suggests that he is fussy about his job and that none of his investigations are “common place” or boring. Holmes’ eccentricity is shown by actions he does such as when he puts his “fingertips together” as this would lead the reader to read on a she is an unusual character.
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is described with “close intimacy”, yet the companionship appears to be one-sided. Sherlock Holmes left for three years during the stories and it seems that he did not feel Watson to be a person who he could confide in as he chose his brother instead, to tell of his whereabouts and secrets. It is obvious to all that Watson regards Holmes highly as he has often described him as “remarkable” and a “friend”. There are many reasons where Watson presents himself to be below Holmes as he “deeply feel(s), an entirely inadequate fashion. Words such as these from a clever doctor such as Watson, suggest that Holmes is an incredible man.
Holmes is portrayed as a man who strives for success in his work. Not only does Holmes want to do well in his job but he works “for the love of his art” rather than for money. This characteristic of Holmes would create an idea of eagerness and passion for his work which would engage the reader as many others at that time, and now, do not possess that enthusiasm for work themselves.
The settings used are effective in engaging the reader in the stories. In ‘The Man With The Twisted Lip’, the social context of the opening is drug abuse. In the period in which the story was written, drugs were very much an upper class hobby, whereas nowadays, it is frowned upon. This context would engage readers at the present time as they would be intrigued by the past drug portrayal. The way that Holmes associates with opposite classes like those in drug dens and those in high society with “honourable” people and the rich shows that he is accepted by all communities and this would intrigue the reader. The juxtaposition of the rich and the squalid parts of London is successful and brings a variety into the stories.
Not only does Conan Doyle manage to set stories throughout London effectively, but he also sets Sherlock Holmes internationally. In ‘The Final Problem’, Holmes’ experiences in France appear, giving the reader the impression that it is an unusual and interesting case as many people at the time would never have been to France and would want to know what it was like. Holmes lived at 221b Baker Street in Conan Doyle’s stories. The address was an actual place like many places mentioned which helps to make the stories more realistic. If stories were set in dull places that people had never heard of, they would not be as interested as to carry on reading. The equality shared between Watson and his wife is unusual to the time period. In the Victorian times, men were very dominant in the relationships and women were thought to be second-class citizens, there to have children. When Watson’s wife asks “Should you rather I sent James off to bed?” it suggests that she is equally dominant in the relationship as Watson. The rare balance in the relationship would interest the reader as it makes the relationship seem to be special.
The plot is very important towards the affect on the reader of the story. In ‘The Man With The Twisted Lip’, the plot involves a distressed woman who has lost her husband and is “losing her self control”. This would engross the reader as they would want to know why her husband “has not been home for two days” and what the drug element and Isa Whitney have to do with the story. At the story’s opening, Conan Doyle manages to make you feel sympathetic towards a Kate Whitney because she is portrayed to be distraught and in a time of need.
In ‘Shoscombe Old Place’ the plot entices the reader as it is an exceptional case in which “Merivale of the Yard” asked Holmes “to look into the case”. High-class people are again mentioned in this story, such as Sir Robert Norbeton. People would want to read about noble people rather than those that they encounter in everyday circumstances as they are more fascinated by the unusual. Gambling and debt are also mentioned which would interest many because it does not happen in the lives of most but to those with money or addiction.
Within ‘The Red Headed League”, the plot would engage the reader by its mystery. The crime that has occurred during this story is described as “outside the conventions and humdrum of everyday life” and a reader would be led to think that the crime is something unique which would intrigue them. When Watson mentions that he “closed the door behind” him, it suggests that the crime is secretive and that it is between those in the room only. The reader knowing this would cause them to become more involved in the story.
The plot of “The Speckled Band” would entice the reader by Conan Doyle’s descriptions. Watson speaks of “seventy odd cases in the last eight eight years. This suggests to the reader that the story is promising as Holmes is clearly experienced and it is probable that this case will be a success. Secrecy, once again, is used to engross the reader as “a promise of secrecy” had been made. This suggests that the story was so important that protection was in order till the death of the lady concerned.
The friendship in ‘The Final Problem’ would be an effective way in which the consistent readers of Sherlock Holmes stories attention could be engaged. The “modified” relationship of Watson and Holmes would touch those who had read in the past of “close intimacy” between the pair that they had heard of a modification. Readers are made to sympathise with Watson in this story and not Holmes as he seems to be upset as he writes “with a heavy heart”.
In ‘The Empty House’ the enticement of the reader appears when it mentions “all London was amazed”. If all of London was interested then the case must be of a high profile. Readers would want to join in the knowledge that all London has as it is made to seem realistic.
Conan Doyle manages to engross the reader in ‘The Man With The Twisted Lip’ with his use of compelling vocabulary. Conan Doyle uses words such as a “slave” to drugs and creates a feeling of sympathy towards the character concerned from the reader. Conan Doyle makes the entrance into drugs from Whitney seem like a “foolish mistake” and because of his status as a doctor, dealing with such people, he is trusted. The dramatic vocabulary causes the reader to be intrigued by the storyline.
In ‘The Final Problem’ Watson is “finally” able to tell of his story and this hints that the story is going to be very interesting; otherwise the anticipation to reveal it would not have been created. The title of the story, “The Final Problem”, suggests to the reader that this is the end and that there is never going to be another mystery therefore giving the reader the impression that the story is the last to be told but one of the saddest and most compelling. When the narrator states that his “hand has been forced” to write about the events it is implied that it is a much needed tale to be told.
Semantics used in ‘The Red Headed League’ such as “florid” and “red” are subtle signs of danger that would engage the reader. In ‘The Speckled Band’ Conan Doyle engages the reader by his use of vocabulary in the text. To read words like “comic” and “tragic” together describing stories of crime suggests and interesting and varied job and lifestyle. The two extreme words are very different and to be used together would entice the reader. In this story Watson tells a “secret” to the reader. To hear of something secretive would encourage the reader to continue as a secret is not meant to be known and is usually a private and restricted thing, otherwise it would not have been kept secret. Watson tells that Holmes’ cases were “none commonplace” therefore meaning that none of the stories would be boring. If the Sherlock Holmes stories were expected to be tiresome, then the reader would not carry on reading.
In ‘The Empty House’ a crime is described as “inexplicable” yet Holmes managed to solve it, despite not being around. This suggests the knowledge of Holmes is far more superior than the police’s, encouraging those reading to want to know more about such an incredible man.
To conclude, I think that the opening to ‘The Empty House’ is the most successful in engaging the reader in the story. Watson regards his experiences highly as he says that he has had an “interesting and adventurous life” yet this crime managed to shock him and gave him a “sudden flood of joy, amazement and incredulity”. The “close intimacy” shared between Holmes and Watson leads those reading to feel involved in such a relationship too and be taken in by the story. The detail that ten years had passed before Watson could reveal the story suggests that the story is going to be of interest otherwise there would have been no reason to ait so long.
