House Of Baskervilles Essay, Research Paper

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is by far the most popular of all of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Filmed over twenty times, serialized, illustrated, and endlessly reread, this short novel is an account of the spookiest case ever solved by the world’s best-known detective. Scariness is not its only virtue: the doctor who brings Holmes into the case is one of the oddest and most memorable characters in the entire Canon, Watson plays a very active part throughout the story and a crucial role at the end, and this is by far the best-paced and best-structured of the four short novels. My only regret in reading it is always that there isn’t quite enough of HOLMES! — but that is exactly what the plot requires.

And this is the good Dr Watson’s finest hour. He does have to look foolish as always in the first scenes where Holmes shows off. Yet from then on he does an admirable job of dogging Sir Henry’s footsteps, guarding him, reporting to Holmes … and where would Holmes and Sir Henry be at the grisly climax without Watson and his pistol? I shudder to imagine! (Sherlock Holmes is brilliant, but he can’t shoot for beans.)

Vivid descriptions of people and places (Baskerville Hall, the Great Grimpen Mire) and excellent vocabulary make this book most suitable for older kids. A couple of plot problems — you can’t tell a curly-haired spaniel by its skeleton, either! — fail to spoil the fun. (Sometimes I think Holmes was just pulling Watson’s leg, anyway ….) Finally we return to the cozy rooms in Baker Street to listen to the last of Holmes’ brilliant deductions. The Great Detective has brought light into the darkness; all’s right with the world!