The detective performs a key role in the story and provides hope to the reader, especially in the time when Sherlock Holmes was written. Victorian life was hard, law-less and dangerous and especially in London. In every story Conan Doyle

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A vital component to the detective genre is the sleuth himself who in these stories is portrayed as a convincing, sharp, and witty character; a gentleman with intelligence, more so than the reader and side kick, well rounded and good natured. The detective performs a key role in the story and provides hope to the reader, especially in the time when Sherlock Holmes was written. Victorian life was hard, law-less and dangerous and especially in London. In every story Conan Doyle provides a small insight into Holmes’s life and personality, gradually making up a whole figure and mind set of the ingenious detective.

‘with thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose’ This is taken from the ‘Red Headed League’ and tells us about his build. He’s obviously slim, but also very supple, and his hawk-like nose tells us that he is of noble disposition.

This small line from the ‘Speckled Band’:

‘he picked up the steel poker, and with a sudden effort straightened it out again’ Shows that even though Sherlock Holmes is not of a stocky build, he still possesses immense strength to be summoned at will.

‘his tall spare figure’ indicates that his regal features do not stop with his nose. His tall slender stature, ‘kindly eye’ not a harsh man and with ‘long nervous hands’ his wiry figure are unmistakable.

In ‘A Scandal In Bohemia’ it makes it very clear that Holmes is so absorbed in his work, he has no time in his busy schedule for the love of the woman,

‘all emotions… abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind.’ Shows that although he is a fair and kind man, there is a thin line that Holmes will not cross, as it is evident that his work is of the utmost importance and comes first;

‘he never spoke of the softer passions, save with a jibe and a sneer’ re-enforces his lack of romance and women in his life.

Holmes’ precise and accurate conclusions are processed through an intricate and thorough method.

When Conan Doyle introduces a distracting factor which might throw a doubt upon all Holmes mental abilities we see that Holmes is so involved in his methods that the slightest emotional change could tip him over to the wrong conclusion.

Holmes’ highly tuned and accurate mind is such that if anything dramatically changed, or was altered, it would change the entire outlook upon the crime.

‘grit in a sensitive instrument, or crack in one of his high power lenses would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a narrative such as his’

This gives a sense that if anything were to alter, the whole case could be solved, or go terribly wrong.

Sherlock Holmes humours his acquaintances with his dry wit, on numerous occasions:

‘my life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so.’ Suggesting that without his little adventures he would be bored and solving these crimes show him some interest and keep his brain ticking over.

Doyle also implies that Holmes does his work, not for want of money, but for pleasure; a small hobby.

‘As to reward, my profession is its reward, but you are at liberty to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suits you best.’ Although, Holmes says ‘donations are welcome’ it is clear that they are not urgent.

Holmes treats his clients and associates kindly and fairly. Within reason, he is a gentleman, sophisticated and meticulous and a rational crime solver. His determined and tenacious methods often prove to be obsessive and methodical, His understanding and gracious, although keeping his quirky habits, remains relaxed and calm. He is a detective, and perhaps, still one of the best well known today.

Dr Watson is supposedly a medical doctor, who holds down a profession, but more often than not we will see him alongside Holmes on one of his many escapades into the depths of London society, providing a guide, an insight into the mindset of Holmes, his good friend and ‘associate’.

Watson’s clear admiration for Holmes is stated throughout;

‘ “…you reasoned it out beautifully,” I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration.’

This said by Watson on the last page of ‘The Red Headed League’ clearly portrays his awe of Holmes and his methods, inviting the reader to have the same response.

Throughout, Watson serves as a bridge between Holmes and the reader, asking questions where the reader cannot, as Holmes always explains his theories to Watson before anyone else, which shows great trust and a strong bond between the duo.

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Holmes obviously feels that Watson is not only just his partner, but also a friend and key colleague.

‘ “this is my intimate friend and associate, Dr Watson, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself.” ’ Found in ‘The Speckled Band’ but also in one form or another in every other story.

Holmes depends on Watson to help smooth out his ideas and to use his common knowledge to bounce off his many suspicions.

Holmes also sees Watson as an extra limb, reaching into places where Holmes himself is too well known.

He also ...

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