What do you learn about Sherlock Holmes in 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band'

        Not only is Holmes logical and intelligent but he is very quick to interpret and assess the situation remarkably quickly which is ample prove of his intelligence. As soon as he interviews Miss Stoner he produces a note book to refer to an earlier case showing that he is meticulous in his study of crime and again he is in complete control of the situation. He uses the information wisely to provide framework against from which he can solve Miss Stoners case and not only does he learn form his previous experiences he also take notes to help him in the future works, which is another definitive example of him controlling the situation. Quite clearly he likes to be in control and likes to learn all he can at a given situation. ‘My profession is its reward’ this reinforces the earlier statement that he does this because of his job satisfaction. During his conversation with Miss Stoner, Holmes interrupts only to further clarify matters- he listens very carefully so as not to ask again which wastes time- again this is a sign of his analytical and deep thinking mind. Even with ‘his head sunk in a cushion’ and his ‘lids half opened’ he still tells Miss Stoner to be ‘precise’ with the ‘details’, this shows that again he is meticulous in his methods. This also shows that he is confident and very comfortable with himself. The fact that he is ‘leaning back in his chair’ with his eyes closed, and his’ head sunk in a cushion’ demonstrates that he knows he can relax his guard and still obtain the detailed information he wants. Holmes has all the manners of a gentleman; he is very polite and treats Miss Stoner with courtesy and respect, he is conveyed as a rather distant character not at all indulgent towards his emotions.

        Holmes observant mind is vividly shown when he reaches out for Miss Stoner’s arm to reveal ‘five livid little spots’; not only is he able to work out that she has been ‘cruelly used’, but also what kind of man her step father is. In this Holmes is an accurate observer of the human psyche. However skilled Holmes appears in this part of the story it is not always to other people’s pleasure as shown in Dr. Grimesby Roylott’s assessment of Holmes. Dr Roylott has a different opinion- he clearly does not like or respect Holmes. Neither of these opinions seems to impress Holmes; Holmes laughs and says that Dr Roylott is ‘most entertaining’. Doctor Roylott says that Holmes is a ‘scoundrel’ of a ‘busybody’ and he is a ‘meddler’ in other peoples affairs and nothing more than a ‘Scotland Yard jack-in-office’ popping up unhelpfully where ever there is a crime. Although his confidence remains unshaken in this matter this further appeals to the reader by showing that Holmes is not intimidated by Dr. Roylott. Towards the end of the story it is clear that all of these qualities serve Holmes very well. At the end of the adventure, Holmes skills in deduction pay off . He solves the crime- and even though he comes to an ‘entirely erroneous conclusion’ he admits that it is due to ‘insufficient data’ and not his own skills. He may not be flawed as a detective, but the reader can detect here a certain amount of too much pride which Holmes suffers from. He manages to explain his way out of his mistake by using logic and deduction. In his analysis of the adventure, Holmes focuses only on his own skills and his own role in solving the mystery. This suggests that along with pride, perhaps he suffers from vanity too?

        In conclusion although it appears that he is a brilliant detective, he may be fundamentally flawed because he could be vain and egotistical. This is evidenced by the closing speech.