The Final Problem

Summary

In the story «The Final Problem», Sherlock Holmes confronts Professor Moriarty, a brilliant criminal mastermind behind numerous crimes in London. Holmes uncovers his criminal network and is forced to flee to Europe to escape Moriarty's vengeance. Accompanied by Dr. Watson, Holmes arrives in Switzerland, where their final encounter with Moriarty takes place at the Reichenbach Falls. Watson receives a note from Holmes and, upon returning to the falls, finds signs of a struggle. Holmes and Moriarty disappear, presumably perishing in the waterfall, leaving Watson in deep sorrow.

Main Ideas

• The confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil.
• The idea of self-sacrifice for the greater good, demonstrated by Holmes' decision to confront Moriarty despite the threat to his own life.
• The theme of friendship and loyalty, shown through the relationship between Holmes and Dr. Watson.
• The use of logic and deductive reasoning to solve complex cases and uncover crimes.
• The concept of the inevitability of fate and how personal decisions can lead to tragic outcomes.

Historical Context and Significance

«The Final Problem» is a story by Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1893. It holds significant historical importance as it was the first attempt by the author to conclude the story of Sherlock Holmes by killing him off in a confrontation with Professor Moriarty. This caused a huge public outcry and dissatisfaction among readers who demanded the return of their beloved detective. The story's impact on culture was so profound that Conan Doyle eventually had to 'resurrect' Holmes in subsequent works. This story also solidified the image of Professor Moriarty as the archetypal villain and became an important part of the Sherlock Holmes canon, influencing subsequent detective genres and works inspired by the great detective's story.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Sherlock Holmes - the main detective, known for his sharp mind and analytical skills. In this book, he faces Professor Moriarty, his arch-nemesis, and takes decisive steps to stop his criminal activities. Holmes demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of justice.
• Dr. John Watson - Holmes' loyal friend and assistant, who accompanies him on this dangerous case. Watson serves as the narrator, describing the events and emotions related to Holmes' final case. He shows dedication and support to his friend in difficult times.
• Professor James Moriarty - the main antagonist, a brilliant criminal behind many crimes in London. He is a worthy opponent for Holmes, and their confrontation reaches its climax in this book. Moriarty is portrayed as an intelligent and ruthless man, willing to do anything to achieve his goals.

Style and Technique

«The Final Problem» by Arthur Conan Doyle is characterized by a concise and restrained style typical of the detective genre. The language of the work is clear and precise, contributing to the creation of a tense atmosphere. Conan Doyle employs literary devices such as retrospection and dialogue to reveal plot details and character traits. The structure of the story is linear, with a clear progression of events leading to the climax. The author masterfully creates intrigue, gradually unveiling details of the case, keeping the reader's attention until the very end. The first-person narrative plays an important role, allowing a deeper immersion into the experiences and thoughts of Dr. Watson, who accompanies Holmes on his final case.

Interesting Facts

• This book marks the first appearance of Professor Moriarty, who becomes Sherlock Holmes' main antagonist.
• Arthur Conan Doyle initially intended this to be the last story about Sherlock Holmes, as he wanted to focus on other literary projects.
• The scene at the Reichenbach Falls, where the final confrontation between Holmes and Moriarty occurs, has become one of the most famous in Sherlock Holmes literature.
• After the story's publication, readers were so dissatisfied with Holmes' death that Conan Doyle was compelled to bring him back to life in subsequent works.
• The story was first published in the «Strand Magazine» in December 1893.

Book Review

«The Final Problem» by Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the most famous and discussed stories about Sherlock Holmes. In this work, the author decides to conclude the adventures of the great detective by pitting him against his arch-enemy, Professor Moriarty. Critics note that Doyle masterfully creates tension and drama, leading to the climax at the Reichenbach Falls. Many consider this work a turning point in Doyle's literary career, as he attempted to rid himself of his character to focus on other projects. However, despite the initial dissatisfaction of readers who did not want to part with Holmes, «The Final Problem» remains a classic of the detective genre, showcasing the strength and intellect of the main character in a confrontation with an equally intelligent adversary. Critics also highlight that this work reveals deeper aspects of Holmes' character, showing his humanity and vulnerability.