Study Guide of The Hound of The Baskervilles (1902)
A Sherlock Holmes novel, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by the most popular mystery and detective fiction writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was first published in book form in 1902 in the United Kingdom. After 'A Study in Scarlet' (in Book Form, March 1889 ), and 'The Sign of Four' ( in Book Form, October 1890 ), as the third appearance of Sherlock Holmes, this novel achieved immediate success. Prior to book form, the novel appeared in serials from August 1901 to April 1902 in The Strand Magazine. Eventually, the novel was the revival of Holmes after his apparent death in 'The Final Problem'.
Sherlock Holmes being the protagonist, the novel is set mainly on Dartmoor in Devon in England's West Country. The story revolves around an attempted murder planned in the background of a legend of a diabolical hound of supernatural origin. With the precision and dexterity of Sherlock Holmes and with the assistance of Dr. Watson the investigation proceeds on, ultimately resolving the case.
The UK's "best-loved novel, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' has won the title of the best English novel several times.
Major Characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles
Sherlock Holmes: Like other novels and stories in this series Sherlock Holmes appears as the protagonist With the precision and dexterity and his extraordinary observation and analysis he immediately reveals some flaws in Dr. Mortimer’s narrative. And accordingly, he sets Dr. Watson on the duty to protect Sir Henry so that he gets enough time to visit Devonshire and take necessary steps and disclose the truth about the story based on Supernatural diabolical hound and the crime and conspiracy behind it. Finally reveals the mystery of the moor, the truth of Stapleton, Barrymore as well as Laura, and the conspiracy against Sir Henry and the Baskerville Hall.
Dr. John H. Watson: A constant companion and a loyal friend of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson is also the main narrator of the story as well as for the entire series. He helps Sherlock as a true assistant in almost every other case and learns the art of observation and investigation from Sherlock. He also wholeheartedly trusts Sherlock so much that when Sherlock asks him to take Sir Henry with him to the Baskerville Hall and protect him at any cost, he readily takes the charge and lives with Sir Henry at Baskerville Hall, and meets all other characters that he thinks could lead to the solution of the sound of howl, the hound, and the reality behind this legend. In the absence of Holmes, he stays at Baskerville Hall and plays an important role until Holmes himself appears on the scene and takes charge of the situation in his hand and discloses the mystery, and ends it all. Like a true friend Dr. Watson often bears with Sherlock's arrogance and learns investigation skills from Sherlock.
Dr. Mortimer: Dr. James Mortimer is the third important character, a friend and family physician of Sir Charles. He appears in the story at the very beginning; in fact, it's him who brings the Baskervilles Case to Sherlock Holmes. Though initially, he was not out of the suspects' list but considering the motive of the crime he was excluded. Rather, he is proved a dutiful friend of Sir Charles who takes Sir Henry and Dr. Watson to the Baskerville Hall and assures Sir Henry he may send for him whenever he needs his assistance. At the end of the story, it transpires that he has only carried out his role in handing over the will of Sir Charles to Sir Henry.
Jack Stapleton: Stapleton, though, appears late in the story, is another important character. He becomes highly significant on account of the suspicious role he plays. He uses Miss Stapleton to drive Sir Henry as per his wish. He wants Miss Stapleton to marry Sir Henry and thus to capture his wealth. But Miss Stapleton revolts and wants to tell the truth to Sir Henry. That's why Mr. Stapleton confines her in a room and plots for Sir Henry's murder. Considering the motive he is the only living heir of Sir Charles's property after the death of Sir Henry. But he keeps his identity secret. It only transpires by the end of the story that he is the cousin of Sir Henry and is the man behind the spread of the legend of Baskervilles at Dartmoor. And he is also the culprit behind the death of Sir Charles. Holmes also discloses that Miss Stapleton, who is known as his sister is actually his wife. When Holmes raids his house with Inspector Lestrade Mr. Stapleton tries to flee from the raid and dies plunging into the mire.
Miss Stapleton: Miss Stapleton in the story is actually Mrs. Beryl Stapleton, who appears as the sister of Jack Stapleton but later proves that she is his wife. Mr. Stapleton manipulates her to lure Sir Henry, the last Baskerville, and bring him to the point where he should either flee or die. Though she has to accompany her husband in reality she is unwilling to take part in the crimes that her husband commits repeatedly. She wants to reveal her husband's conspiracy to Sir Charles but fails. She also wants to save Sir Henry's life but Mr. Stapleton confines her in a room. She is caught in the final raid by Holmes and Inspector Lestrade and discloses the identities of her and her husband and also her husband's conspiracy. Though, Holmes has already pointed out their identities to Dr. Watson.
Barrymores: Butler Barrymore is the first suspect of the spread of the legend and the mystery of the moor, who has been serving the Baskervillefamily from Sir Charles’s time. He and his wife live in the Baskerville Hall doing other smaller things required by the Baskerville’s head. Their behavior, at first, seems suspicious to Dr. Watson and Sir Henry, though, later it has been found that Mrs. Barrymore has used her husband to signal her brother, Selden, the criminal, and they supply Seldon food and clothes on the moor.
Sir Henry: Sir Henry Baskerville is the significant figure in the story around whom the whole story revolves. He appears quite early in the story and Dr. Watson keeps with him all the time but Sir Henry mostly stays out of the main actions. He falls prey to Mr. Stapleton and falls in love with Miss Stapleton and keeps Watson out of the loop. But finally, he finds Miss Stapleton's relation with him intriguing when he comes to know her conjugal status.
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The Hound of The Baskervilles Study Guide
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