when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?

 

 

Antihero: Sherlock Holmes

Genre: Classic / Mystery / Crime

Citation: Doyle, Arthur Conan. Study in scarlet, London : Vintage Classic, 2009.

 

 

Annotation:

 

A Study in Scarlet is the first detective mystery novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that introduces the character of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes has become one of the most famous literary detective characters of all time. After his first appearance in this novel Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would go on to write a further sixty stories featuring Sherlock and his loyal sidekick Doctor Watson.

 

A Study in Scarlet was written in 1886 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle but was first published in 1887 in Mrs Beeton’s Christmas Annual under the title A Tangled Skein. Both titles are derived from a line in the novel where Sherlock is attempting to explain the nature of his work to Doctor Watson. He describes his investigation as a “study in scarlet” stating that "There’s the scarlet thread of murder running through the colourless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it, and expose every inch of it."

 

The story is told from the perspective of Doctor Watson as he introduces us to the brilliant and narcissistic Sherlock Holmes. The plot follows how the two are first introduced and then gives the reader an insight into the logic the Sherlock uses in order to deduce facts about individuals he encounters as well as piece together events from small observations.

 

Known to be an eccentric Sherlock Holmes is a self-described “consulting Detective”. Sherlock solves mysteries using shrewd logical reasoning and deduction, an affinity for disguises and a vast knowledge of complex forensic science that he has developed over years or study and experimentation. He has devoted his life to become a man capable of solving any crime. He relishes a mystery but has little more than a passing interest to his clients, the people who bring them to his attention.

 

Holme’s is willing to manipulate others, lie or break the law in order to solve the mystery. He has his own unique set of morals that seem to be somewhat flexible.  Suffering from hubris and a large ego he is arrogant and often enjoys perplexing the police with his superior deductions. He responds to flattery and takes great pleasure in having his skills recognised by others however in something of a contradiction he does not seek fame often being content to allow the police to take the public credit for his work. Sherlock is often described as dispassionate and cold however he becomes a different person when he discovers a new case.

 

The Study of Scarlett and all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s subsequent works featuring Sherlock are fascinating to read. The detective’s ability to solve complex mysteries using in some cases the smallest details is truly remarkable. The plot of this particular novel keeps you guessing till the end with a conclusion that is imaginative whilst still being plausible.