novel. While Holmes and Watson can be in control of their surroundings in the first five chapters,
they are left in uncharted territory as they enter Dartmoor, with the inhabitants believes as well as the
surrounding atmosphere seem to take over from chapters six to fourteen, by fifteen, they return to
their normal surroundings.
* * * * *
Chapter five of The Hound of the Baskervilles is called 'Three Broken Threads'. In this chapter,
Holmes' partner in the mystery Watson is to go with Sir Henry Baskerville to Dartmoor to protect
him. The three clues that Holmes thought he had in order to help him solve the case conclude to be
unhelpful. With Holmes supposedly staying behind for other matters, he warns Watson that he may
be heading into dangerous waters. Chapter six is called Baskerville Hall. The setting switches in this
chapter, as it moves to Dartmoor with Watson and Sir Henry. The first description of the moor and
Baskerville Hall comes into play. When reaching Dartmoor, they are told of how a convict named
Seldon had escaped from Princetown. Watson and Sir Henry meet the carers of the household, Mr
and Mrs Barrymore and are shown around the hall. Being unable to sleep, Watson hears the muffled
sobbing of a woman in the dead of night.
* * * * *
In The Hound of the Baskervilles there are major contrasts in character that lay the basis of the plot.
On one hand, there are the inhabitants of Dartmoor and the moor itself which represent or contribute
to the supernatural element of the novel. On the other hand can be seen Sherlock Holmes and John
Watson, the two detectives which represent or contribute to the logical and scientific reasoning of the
book. In Dartmoor, it is more secluded than in London. There are fewer inhabitants there, so they
consider themselves as a community, everyone knowing everybody else. With that they are more
likely to believe stories of a supernatural nature together; as if they were one large family. London
can be seen as the busy crowded life everyone wants to get to. People here are too busy to get to
know one another and believe things that are seen as an illusion. Where Holmes and Watson are
from can be seen as a well respected area, however, people don't seem do delve too much in each
other's affairs. However, the anomaly in these two contrasts can be seen to be Dr Mortimer. You
would imagine him to be from the busy life that is London, and not believe in superstition. However,
you see him as quite a sceptical person and being like the bridge between the two elements, the
supernatural and the logical.
* * * * *
We are introduced to Holmes and Watson in the very first chapter, set in Sherlock Holmes' residence
in Baker Street at the time of Victorian London. In the chapter, Holmes can be seen as someone
having superiority over the people who surround him, having an egotistical nature. He is shocked to
have people find there is a person better than him. On page nine of chapter one, Dr Mortimer tells
Holmes that he is second of one of the greatest experts in Europe. He asks, 'May I inquire who has the
honour to be the first?' He likes to prove other people wrong by withholding information and making
sure people know when they are wrong. Example of this is in chapter one of the novel when Holmes
and Watson are analysing the stick they received from Dr James Mortimer. On page five Sherlock
Holmes says, 'You know my methods. Apply them!' This tells us that Holmes is someone who feels,
or knows, that his methods are also appropriate and should always be used. This chapter also sets up
the prowess of Holmes as a detective. His personality shows that in any investigation he has to
encounter that can be considered to be a mystery, he will exhaust all logical information before taking
a supernatural theory into account. Arrogant, omniscient and self-absorbed, in the novel, he comes
across with outstanding clarity. The Relationship between Holmes and Watson is established in this
chapter, we can see that Watson is used to Holmes' character and behaviour. Dr John Watson, his
friend and partner in the investigation of the various mysteries, can be seen as the good-natured,
almost clumsy, narrator of the story. As Watson is the narrator of the novel, we cannot tell what
Holmes really thinks of Watson, but only by the way he speaks to him, in the way that is meant to
keep him in place, that is, by his master's side. Even though, Holmes seems to be one of great
arrogance, you can tell that the fact that Watson is his partner that he will always need assistance.
Watson, probably for the amount of time spent with Holmes, understands the way Holmes speaks to
him, taking most of his remarks as constructive criticism.
It may not be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light. Some people
without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it. (Chapter one, page four)
* * * * *
A detective story is one of which that features either a mystery or the commission of a crime, some
featuring both, however, they emphasise on the search for the solution. A detective story can be
distinguished from other forms of writing by the fact that it can be seen as a puzzle. Although a
crime, murder or suchlike has been committed, the attention is drawn away from this, and fixed to
searching for the pieces to the circumstances surrounding the riddle. The climax of the story is that of
the solution to the puzzle, which is normally carried by the bulk of narrative concerns sometimes not
using a logical process. Frequently, the detective fails to solve the case by deductive reasoning from
facts known by the character and ourselves as readers. Detective stories, often called 'whodunits', did
not appear in this original form. Rather, it began with stories where the reader was not a participant,
more a witness. The detective story can be seen as a sub-genre of the mystery story, or the other way
round. This type of story can be seen to deal with crime-frequently murder-and its successful
solution. Suspense arises in the course of seeking that solution, which places the detective, others in
pursuit of the villain, or innocent victims, in jeopardy. This can be seen to be in relation to The Hound
of the Baskervilles as the elements shown in the novel. Gothic tradition of literature can be seen in
this novel to some extent. The Gothic novel, or Gothic romance, emphasised mystery and horror and
was filled with ghost-haunted rooms, underground passages, and secret stairways. The term Gothic
is also used to designate narrative prose or poetry of which the principal elements are violence,
horror, and the supernatural. Doyle takes full advantage of the excitement, and power of a Gothic-
style mystery, with the tale of an ancient curse and a common plot-line, with two dead bodies at the
hands of possibly a supernatural beast. On the other hand, however, he demonstrates a strong faith,
at least in Holmes, of a logical, rational explanation for even the most mysterious incidences.
Arguably, the supernatural ties together questions of class, which run throughout the novel.
Superstition can also be linked to weakness however, most prominently with lower class status. In
this sense, it is interesting that Doyle regularly refers to the superstitious commoners, but only rarely
lets us meet them first hand. The Hound of the Baskervilles can be seen to use this by infiltrating the
story of the hound and the curse, as well as the mysterious character the deserted moor has itself.
* * * * *
Many different settings are used in The Hound of the Baskervilles, most being in the first six chapters.
At first we have Baker Street, where the story starts, and the home of Sherlock Holmes. Following
this, the next main setting would be the mysterious moor in Devonshire and then Baskerville Hall. As
well as this, there are the hotels which Sir Henry and Dr Mortimer accommodated in and the home of
the Stapleton's.
The first setting we encounter is on Baker Street, at the home of Sherlock Holmes. Setting the
beginning of the novel here introduces us to the main character in his surroundings. Not much is said
about the description of Holmes' home, however, we know of the usual furniture it has; chairs, a
breakfast table and a settee. By reading from the first chapter we can tell that Holmes brings more
superiority to his surroundings by what Watson observes. It seems, that as the residence of Holmes,
any visitor who comes to call will only be a witness to what Holmes does normally, that he doesn't
stop his affairs for anyone.
In chapter six, the setting switches to Dartmoor and their journey through the moors of Devonshire
before reaching Baskerville Hall. The moor in relation to the novel gives the supposed origin of the
deadly hound that has put fear into the small community around there. This where the tradition of
gothic novels comes into light, the horror and supernatural the hound adds to the novel. When first
coming into view, Watson describes it as,
'...the low curve of a wood there rose in the distance a grey melancholy hill.' (Chapter six, page fifty-
four)
This tells us that they characters are about to enter somewhere that has seen some terrible
occurrences and casts out as a warning to new travellers, showing great sorrow. Other descriptions of
the moor talk of the 'Bronzing bracken' and '....mottled bramble, gleamed in the light of the sinking
sun.' The description of the moor being both melancholy and radiant suggest that the moor is given
personality, becoming a character itself, as well as a host to characters. The observation of its 'gnarled
and craggy cairns and tors.' adds to its sombre character.
Once past the moor, Watson and Sir Henry now come to Baskerville Hall. The hall lays the
foundation of what occurs in the novel and a type of safe house for Watson and Sir Henry from what
lies in the moor. It is as if the moor and the problems which have occurred there have affected the
hall in some way by the way it is described. On page fifty-seven of the sixth chapter it reads, 'The
lodge was a ruin of black granite and bared ribs of rafters...' This also describes the area as a living
entity. The presence around the hall suggests themes of the supernatural; as if it doesn't want to wake
the peace which has established itself once more in the area.
Through the gateway we passed into the avenue, where the wheels were again hushed amid the
leaves, and the old trees shot their branches in a sombre tunnel over our heads. (Chapter six page
fifty-seven)
The element of the supernatural is presented once more as Watson describes that the hall, 'glimmered
like a ghost', which can be a final presentation that they are about to enter into 'dangerous business'.
As a casual setting, the accommodation of Sir Henry Baskerville begins the first presence of the
mystery, which is the missing boot and letter.
* * * * *
The language used in The Hound of the Baskervilles differs from person to person and setting to
setting. Descriptive language used in the novel is that of both Victorian times as well as some that is
used in this era. Opposites can be seen to be used in describing London and Dartmoor. The capital
can be seen as both busy, loud and bustling, no negative language being used for the description of
the city. Once in Dartmoor however, the mood changes and all becomes deep and sombre.
Onomatopoeia is used when describing 'the jagged and sinister hills'. Metaphors come into nature
when Baskerville Hall is seen as 'twisted and bent by the fury of years of storm.' This presents the
moor as a person, linking in with pathetic fallacy. For something to be seen as having pathetic fallacy,
it is to mistake attributing human feelings and traits to inanimate objects that have no way of
possessing such qualities. Example of this is when Baskerville Hall is described to have 'glimmered
like a ghost' to add to this, an object or area couldn't be seen as melancholy, as the novel often
presents the moor to be. Characterisation through language tells us about the character without
having a description on them. On Holmes, page 43 reads,
When taken in conjunction with your uncle's death I am not sure that of all the five hundred cases of
capital importance which I have handled there is one which cuts so deep.
We are informed here that Sherlock Holmes takes great pride in his work, no matter how perplex it
may seem. Class can also be seen by what is said
I feel that also, sir, and so does my wife. But to tell the truth, sir, we were both very attached to Sir
Charles,...(Chapter six, page fifty-nine)
The continuous use of 'sir' in Barrymore's language represents his place in society as one of lower
class. Slang vocabulary tells us the origin of character. With Sir Henry, phrases like "By thunder",
"they've started to monkey" and "chap", tell us that he has spent quite a while in Canada. In The
Hound of the Baskervilles their is a mixture of complex vocabulary and formal language used. An
example of this is when it is said, 'I should endeavour to be present in person.' The word endeavour
has been taken out of the context we would use it in and is applied differently. Another example is
'But it is a very singular thing...' In this era we would use the word singular in this context. As time
changes, so does language. Things that are used in one part of the country may not be used in others.
* * * * *
Primarily, The Hound of the Baskervilles, when published in the Strand Magazine, was divided into
nine monthly parts which spanned from August 1901 to April 1902. Each part ended with a cliff-
hanger, making it more compelling for people to read in those times. The way it has been brought
together as one whole book in the present time, makes us think the reason why the novel is so
admirable is because of the way we're left hanging in suspense at the end of each chapter, making us
want to read on and solve the mystery. For each section, the information given is drip fed to us to
build up the tension, as if we were working alongside Watson, not knowing too much too soon.
* * * * *
The chapters of The Hound of the Baskervilles are narrated by the partner of Sherlock Holmes, Dr
John Watson in two forms. In chapters one to seven, Watson narrates the story then we are informed
by reports to Holmes in chapters eight to ten. The remaining chapters return to the normal narration
of Holmes. The way the novel has been set is beneficial in many ways. Holmes' way of withholding
information would be disappointing for the reader as they would be left in the lurch until the very
end. With Watson being narrator, we can join him in his quest, finding out things when he does,
especially as he goes to Dartmoor before Holmes. The 'constructive criticism' of Holmes will make be
able to see where they have made their mistakes and concoct another solution to the mystery.
* * * * *
Although all the major themes, genres and elements are contained in chapters five and six, there are
some that do not apply to these chapters. Examples of this are the treatment of the female characters
and the treatment of the lower classes by Holmes and Watson. It is a very male-dominated novel, the
only women mentioned in the novel being Miss Stapleton, Stapleton's supposed sister, Mrs
Barrymore, the wife of the man in charge of Baskerville Hall and Laura Lyons . In their appearances,
they are seen to be described to their looks and level of emotion rather than their intelligence. In
chapter eight on page seventy-seven, Miss Stapleton is described as 'a very fascinating and beautiful
woman.' It is the same in the previous chapter as Watson describes her as 'a strange apparition upon
a lonely moorland path.' Mrs Laura Lyons is also treated in the same way as the other two women;
something to look at and interrogate. This could be seen to be the treatment of women in the
Victorian era. The treatment of lower class individuals by Watson and Holmes can be seen in chapter
five. For the whereabouts of The Times newspaper which had been used to send Sir Henry
Baskerville a warning letter, instead of carrying out this task himself, he calls a young lad to do all the
work for while he goes to find one taxi. Having an egotistical character, you can see that he feels
either himself or Watson are to respected to do the dirty work that some teen can do instead. He
wants to get more credit for solving the mysteries while the ones who do the research get nothing.
* * * * *
From chapters five and six we can see examples Doyle has used to express society, history, culture
and literacy context.
* * * * *
Looking back at The Hound of the Baskervilles we can see that Arthur Conan Doyle has used a
number of techniques to influence our experiences while reading his novel. This is from all different
effects such as his own personal experiences and beliefs, other genres such as that from gothic novels,
the descriptive language and the use of red herrings as well as many more. His belief in spiritualism
as well as working as a physician already gives himself background information to add to the novel
and already gives the reader two elements found in the novel the natural and the supernatural. The
language used in the story is well placed because, instead of writing descriptions of the characters, he
infiltrates the information about them into their speech, so we are always picking up new information
about the characters as we go along. The link with gothic novel is shown to us by the terrible curse
laid upon the Baskervilles and the terrifying hound which haunts them. This contribution adds to the
steady rise of tension which increase the deeper we go into the book.
* * * * *
By looking over all aspects of chapters five and six as well as the chapters prior and succeed to that,
they can be seen as a fitting representative of The Hound of the Baskervilles as a whole. Reasons for
this is because of the elements used in these chapters, the references made, the use of language and
the contrasts made. Also, in other chapters, elements and genres used in them, may not be used
elsewhere, such as the treatment of women in the novel and the those of lower class. The main
description of the moor and Baskerville Hall at the beginning of chapter six lays the foundation for
the rest on the book and tells us where its building from while chapter five tells us of what we are to
leave behind. There is also a sense of endings and beginnings that the chapters represent for the rest
of the novel. The end of logic and science, the beginning of scepticism and mystery, the end of reality
the beginning of fantasy.
In final conclusion, The Hound of the Baskervilles can be seen as one of the greatest detective novels
of all time. The book belongs to a series of mysteries born for the character of Mr Sherlock Holmes,
one who is known all over the world. The character made Doyle internationally famous and formed
the foundation of the detective story genre. Everything needed for of detective story, and more, is
included in this book. The suspects, the motifs, the range of elements that add to the excitement of the
novel, the red herrings which are always able to pull you away from the truth, the cliff-hangers that
leave you begging for more, and the ingenious way they're nearly always making you wait until the
very end to find out the identity of the real culprit.
