SoF - Holmes Flashcards
What key points could you mention in your intro?
- Doyle employs Victorian detective conventions - omniscient + rapid and methodical calculations
- Combined with Holmes’ vagaries in behaviour and dispassionate approach - Superhuman character
- Dogmatic treatment alienates Holmes further
What is paragraph 1 about?
Holmes’ omniscience + rapid and methodical calculations. His methodical approach is mirrored during his systematic use of coke in the opening.
What are some quotes for paragraph 1?
“Measuring, comparing, examining”
“movements… like those of a trained bloodhound”
What is paragraph 2 about?
Holmes’ inhumane character. His mercurial character is significant in establishing mystery within him. The cyclical structure of the book highlights Holmes’ craving for mental exaltation
What are some quotes for paragraph 2?
“my mind… rebels at stagnation”
“languidly” vs “give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram”
“robs me of facts”
What AO3 can you use in paragraph 2?
Although the initial characterisation of Holmes can distance the reader from him, his flaws such as the inability to control himself, are features which were critical in Victorian fiction in terms of creating a believable and realistic detective
What is paragraph 3 about?
Holmes’ superiority over others + Jones. The antithetical characters of H + J combine to emphasise Holmes’ skill and control while providing comic relief
What are some quotes for paragraph 3?
“Bad business! Bad business” vs Holmes’ sharpness
“the dead man very considerably got up and locked the door”
“Mr Theorist”
What AO3 can you use in paragraph 3?
Holmes’ endless list of contacts demonstrates how he transcends the Victorian class system. As well as his knowledge of Fr and Ger which shows superiority as knowledge of languages is a sign of intelligence
What is paragraph 4 about?
Importance of Watson and Holmes as the personification of mystery as Holmes’ incredible ability combines with the lack of information about his past to establish a strong sense of mystery
What are some quotes for paragraph 4?
“Great powers, his masterly manner and… extraordinary qualities”
“an automaton - a calculating machine!”
“sprang… and limped impatiently”
What are some key points you can use in your conclusion?
- Doyle follows conventions in creating a mysterious and phenomenal character
- He relies heavily with other characters to help build an arrogant and almost superhuman character
