A Study In Scarlet-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The novel I have read is A Study In Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Although Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had wrote 56 short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes, A Study In Scarlet is one of only four full-length novels in the original canon. 

Shelock Holmes is the main character of this story. The story begins in 1881, when Dr.Watson having returned to London from Afghanistan. He is looking for a place to live. His old friend, Stamford then introduced him to Shelock Holmes, who is also looking for someone to split the rent at a flat at 221B Baker Street. Dr. Watson has amazed by Holmes profound knowledge.

Sherlock Holmes is well-known as a "consulting detective". He is an observant, intelligent and perceptive person. For example, when the police ,head detectives Lestrade and Gregson show up at the doorstep, stumped by a crime about the mystery behind the murder of Joseph Stangerson, they turn to amateur detective Sherlock Holmes for help. Holmes uses his intelligence and keen observing skills. He observers closely all the evidence at the murder site such as a container of pills and a wedding ring. There was the German word “ Rache” (which means revenge)smeared on the wall in blood while examining the room in which Joseph Stangerson was murdered. The case seemed complicated and almost unsolvable but Holmes solved the case at last with his intelligence.

Besides, Sherlock Holmes uses his knowledge to deduce that the victim died from poison and supplies a description of the murderer. He concluded that the murderer is six feet tall and has a florid complexion, wearing square toed boots, and smoking a Trichinopoly cigar. Holmes’s logical and analytical reasoning skills also help him to know that the murderer’s right-hand fingernails are long and he came in a cab whose horse had three old shoes and a new one. It is his knowledge and logical and analytical skills that help him to build a credible profile of the murderer for Inspector Lestrade and solve the case.

Sherlock Homes is also a man of principles and can be trusted. His trustworthiness is seen when he sets people at ease and wins their confidence easily. Jefferson Hope, the murderer of Drebber and Stangerson discloses to him that the reason he killed both of them.  Later, Hope was taken to the police station but asks to tell his tale because he would not be going to be able to have a trial or go to prison. Holmes learned this was because Hope had an aortic aneurism that could burst any day. Holmes shows his understanding and kindness by allowing Hope to finish his confession at last. The next day, Hope was discovered dead of the aneurism, a peaceful smile upon his face.

The novel ends with Holmes and Watson reading a newspaper article about the end of the investigation. It only mentions Holmes as an amateur detective who helped but gave primary credit to Lestrade and Gregson. He is a low profile individual. Maybe this is the main reason I like him, Sherlock Holmes.

Koo Chong Jing

4 Cergas

30th January 2014