For my coursework, I will find the relation between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. I will compare the similarities and differences between the two. I will also see each characters interest and abilities as well as the way they speak to each other and to others. Looking at how they work together will also be a key factor. Sherlock Holmes is the main character of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of The Baskerville. Even though he is the central character, he is almost absent during the central part of the story. In this Particular story his assistant or sidekick Dr Watson takes his place.
Sherlock Holmes was a man of truth and natural. He does not believe that there is anything supernatural behind Baskerville hall when he says, “The Devils agent may be of flesh and blood, may they not?” You could tell from his appearance. The hawk-like features and piercing eyes; the dressing gown and pipe; the deerstalker cap and magnifying glass – these details are so familiar that if he were to appear amongst us today we should know him at once. He is still however a mysterious figure, as wrapped in mystery as the crimes he tried to solve, and as in most legends, He lived and worked in that nostalgic gas-lit London of the late 19th century, which in our imagination we would all like to return.
Holmes Deductions are based on the observation and the logic as well as careful research. Imagination is not ruled out. I could tell this when Holmes commented to Dr Mortimer, “…we balance probabilities and choose the most likely. It is the most scientifically use of the imagination…” He also makes a similar comment to Watson later on the story, “The more outre and grotesque an incident is the more carefully it deserves to be examined, and the very point which appears to complicate a case is, when duly considered and scientifically handled, the one which is most likely to elucidate it.” This makes Holmes sound cold but he does sometimes come across like that. There are many occasions when he shows a more human side to his character, when he reassures Watson at length about the usefulness of his reports, when both he and Watson meet on the moor.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson each have their own roles in their partnership. Watson is a medical doctor by education but is never too successful. He joins Holmes when they share an apartment together in London. The pair immediately takes to each other and the partnership is born. Dr. Watson is the chronicler of Sherlock Holmes. Watson follows Holmes from place to place describing to the audience the sequence of events as they happen. Through Watson’s eyes the audience is given a glimpse into the world of Sherlock Holmes. Watson is amazed by the investigative powers of Holmes and in turn the audience is amazed too.
Holmes’ perceived genius is not in what he does but more in what he does not do. Holmes is able to come to a conclusion in his cases with seemingly little evidence or effort. Holmes has incredible powers of deduction and is able to come to a conclusion because he makes observations that other detectives miss completely. Detectives often approach Holmes from Scotland Yard when they are unable to solve a case.
He is not a professional detective and only involves himself in his work as a hobby except for occasionally taking a case to earn enough money in order to live. Holmes readily accepts these cases and solves them with seemingly little effort. He entrenches himself in every case and refuses to rest until each one is brought to a conclusion. Sherlock Holmes’ abilities are unparalleled and that is why he is still recognized as one of the greatest and most popular detectives worldwide
Dr Watson considered Holmes to be “the worst tenant in London’, who ‘keeps his cigars in the coalscuttle, his tobacco in the toe-end of a Persian slipper, and his letters transfixed by a pocket-knife to the centre of the wooden mantelpiece”. Strange visitors, chemical experiments and late-night violin playing also tried the patience of their landlady Mrs Hudson. He was however the great detective’s loyal companion and Holmes was aware of his value – he said to him on one occasion: “it may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light”. His achievements must surely be unforgettable and remarkable. He must be a brilliant and credible character whom people can believe in.
Dr Watson writes all of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and him in his diary. Watson is always the sympathetic character. He is not a buffoon that sometimes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle portrays him. Watson is not equal to Holmes, but the weaker version of him. Watson even has the odd dig at Holmes, when at one time he quoted “He would talk of nothing but art, of which he had the crudest ideas…” but most of the time his admiration for Holmes is all to nothing, when he ends a touching sentence to his diary on 16th October “I wish he were here.” Watson has a more romantic, less practical imagination than Holmes but it is this imagination, which provides some of the most evocative description of the Devon countryside, especially the qualities of Dartmoor itself. Watson romanticism extends his attitude towards women. He is always courageous, but always appreciative of pretty woman such as Beryl Stapleton or Mrs Barrymore.
When Holmes speaks to anyone, he goes inside their mind and finds out what they are thinking. When he finds out he plays with them. One fine example is when Holmes was speaking to Dr Mortimer, “Dear, dear, that’s bad!” When Dr Mortimer listens to him, he blinks to the glass with mild astonishment. Whereas When Watson speaks to someone he is more emotional, and he waits to hear before speaking. An example of this is when Holmes speaks to him, “Well, Watson What did you make of it?” Watson replies, “How did you know what I was doing?” Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have a unique chemistry in their relationship. They always understand each other, help each other and most importantly they trust each other.
