Sherlock Holmes

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Saif Ali        Mr.Roberts

Conan Doyle’s character of Sherlock Holmes first appeared in 1887. His adventures were supported and recorded by his companion Dr John H. Watson. Everything known of Holmes was recorded by Watson.

Holmes met Watson through mutual acquaintance when discharged from the army after being wounded. Watson needed someone to share a flat with and moved into 221 B Baker St. with Sherlock Holmes.

Conan Doyle himself was a Doctor, which may explain why he had Watson as a side kick. Also, Doctors were seen as trusted and as ‘Saviors’ which may cause readers to believe in the word of a Doctor. As a Doctor, his skills of observing and describing are outstanding and so help to recreate stories for the reader. Also, this provides a legitimate reason for Watson being there at the scene of crimes.

It is made very clear that Holmes relies on Watson, A Scandal in Bohemia (pg. 14) “I am at a loss without my Boswell”, Boswell being a famous writer who recorded the thoughts and actions of his friend, Dr Samuel Johnson.

As Watson is the narrator and as we being readers, get a meandering view of what Watson is like through his words on, and reactions to, what happens in stories. In Scandal in Bohemia where Sherlock says, “Doctor I shall want your co-operation”. Watson says back “I shall be delighted”. Holmes then says “You don’t mind breaking the law” and Watson replies “Not in the least”. This shows us a lot about Watson. From this, it shows Watson will go to the extreme and risk he’s own freedom for Holmes. This is also seen in A Scandal in Bohemia where Watson excuses himself to leave Holmes, but Sherlock insists he stay. “Not a bit Doctor.... Sit down in that arm-chair, Doctor, and give us your best attention.” Watson immediately does what Holmes tells him, and in some cases obeys his word even if it against his wishes, take note that this is very rare though. Watson is a great admirer of Holmes as he works in The Speckled Band “I had no keener pleasure....” Watson is also highly trusted by Holmes’s which is shown in The Speckled Band “This is my intimate friend and associate.....myself”. With him using the word intimate, it shows us just how close he is with Watson. Watson is even willing to help Holmes, even if the situation difficult. In the Speckled Band Holmes is reluctant to take Watson with him, but Watson asks, “Can I be of assistance?” Holmes replies, “Your presence may be invaluable.” And then Holmes replies “Then I shall certainly come.” This shows us as the reader how Holmes values Watson greatly. Watson proves very important in many of Holmes’ investigations for them to be solved such as in The Sussex Vampire where the lady who is accused of being a vampire, will only open the door to a doctor, which is where Watson comes in hand. If it wasn’t for Watson, the note that Holmes wanted to get to the woman would not have been possible. Watson also shows us in truth he likes being of help to Holmes “I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in professional investigations.”

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One of Watson’s other jobs is to be the narrator of Holmes’s adventures as well as being his sidekick. With Watson being the narrator, it allows us as readers to see Holmes’ as the investigative supremo he is and as if it were Holmes himself narrating, he would have been far more modest. We know this because of Watson’s amazement as Holmes appears to read his mind in The Speckled Band. Another example is when Holmes discovers the criminal responsible for the poisoning in The Sussex Vampire by simply looking at a window reflection and analyzing a person’s ...

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