The Hound of the Baskervilles

Summary

«The Hound of the Baskervilles» is a detective novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Charles Baskerville, heir to an ancient English estate. According to family legend, the Baskerville lineage is cursed, haunted by a sinister hound. Despite the superstitions, Holmes, with near-scientific precision, uses deductive reasoning to unravel the mystery behind these events. The criminal, who attempted to seize the Baskerville inheritance, is exposed, and the mystical elements are revealed to be ploys meant to frighten the rightful heir. The novel is marked by vivid intrigue, tense plot twists, and, like other works about Sherlock Holmes, emphasizes the importance of observation and logic in investigation.

Main Ideas

• Investigation and unraveling the mystery of the Baskerville family curse
• Demonstration of Sherlock Holmes's logic and observational skills in solving a puzzling case
• Exploration of the influence of the past on the present and the enduring value of friendship and loyalty
• Critique of the supernatural as an explanation for crimes and phenomena, advocating a rational approach to problem-solving
• The idea of human cruelty and greed capable of creating monsters and ghosts, as opposed to real threats posed by humans

Main Characters and Their Development

• Sherlock Holmes - the great detective known for his deductive methods. He analyzes every detail to uncover the truth. Despite the physical specter of the hound terrifying the Baskerville residents, Holmes approaches the case scientifically and solves it.
• Dr. Watson - the loyal friend and companion of Sherlock Holmes. For much of the story, he is at the Baskerville estate without Holmes, gathering information and protecting Sir Henry Baskerville. His character development is shown through his determination, resourcefulness, and loyalty to friends.
• Sir Henry Baskerville - the heir to the Baskerville estate and the mysterious curse looming over his family. Moving from Canada to England, he faces danger from the legendary hound. His character evolves from initial carefreeness to an understanding of the seriousness of his situation and gratitude to Holmes for his help.
• Jack Stapleton - the main antagonist of the story, a biologist and moorland researcher who turns out to be a Baskerville descendant, seeking to claim the estate. He uses the legend of the hound for his own gain, evolving from a friendly neighbor to a cunning villain.

Quotes

• The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.
• The most difficult thing in the world is to use your leisure time wisely.
• There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.
• There is something eerie in the distant baying of a hound at night. It evokes thoughts of unrequited sadness and patient suffering.
• Perhaps theories are made before facts, in other words, one cannot entirely abandon speculation.

Interesting Facts

• The book is the third novel featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
• The plot is based on the legend of a ghostly hound haunting the Baskerville family.
• The novel is primarily set on the gloomy moors of Devonshire.
• Sherlock Holmes uses disguise and cunning to solve the mystery.
• Dr. Watson plays a crucial role in the investigation, conducting observations and gathering evidence.
• The novel was first published in The Strand Magazine in 1901-1902.
• The story is inspired by real legends of ghostly hounds prevalent in English folklore.
• The novel is considered one of the best works about Sherlock Holmes and has numerous adaptations.

Book Review

«The Hound of the Baskervilles» by Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the most famous and beloved stories about Sherlock Holmes. Critics note that the book masterfully combines elements of detective fiction and gothic novel, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tension. The plot, centered around the legend of the Baskerville family curse and the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, keeps the reader in constant suspense. Holmes and Watson, as always, demonstrate brilliant teamwork, and their interaction adds depth and humanity to the story. Critics also highlight Doyle's successful use of dark landscapes and the atmosphere of the English countryside to enhance the sense of danger and the unknown. Overall, «The Hound of the Baskervilles» is considered a classic of the detective genre and a must-read for all mystery and adventure enthusiasts.