When I first opened up the book and began to
read I found it very interesting on what was happening. Due to society especially
the film industry ( making the new Sherlock Holmes films )I always think of the great Sherlock Holmes . . . and Watson but
on the contrary in the books there is about an equal appearance/ effort put in
to both Sherlock Holmes and Watson. However what I found the most interesting
about the characters was that the book was not in the point of view of Sherlock
Holmes himself, but in the point of view a Watson. This was deeply puzzling to
me but then I found that the reason Doyle wrote it in Watsons point of view was
to better appreciate the multifaceted personality of Sherlock Holmes; For example
when Watson first living with Holmes he makes note of his living habits “Holmes
was certainly not a difficult man to live with. He was quiet in his ways, and
in his habits was regular. It was rare for him to be up after ten at night, and
he had invariably breakfasted and gone out before I rose in the morning.
Sometimes he spent his day at the chemical laboratory, sometimes in the
dissecting rooms, and occasionally in long walks, which appeared to take him
into the lowliest portions of the city.” ( Doyle 12) being form Watson’s point of view this
shows Sherlock Holmes to be a quiet average and bit odd fellow. However once
you really get into the book you begin to discover how exceptionally bright he
is and that almost all of his actions are on purpose. If Doyle A. wrote the
book form Sherlock’s point of view then you would not have much of a mystery to
read, and not appreciate his brilliance. B. if he were to write it any other
view then you wouldn’t appreciate the humanistic thoughts and questions that Watson
brings up when on a case with Holmes and/ or is just merely observing him. By reading
it from his point of view you get to better envision the greatness of Sherlock
Holmes.
Good insights about the point of view the stories are told in--I like the different implications of this choice that you explore here. I'm interested to hear which stories were used in the films and how the characters match up with their film counterparts.
ReplyDeleteAs you do these, consider adding a title like the ones in the example. Also, include the page #s or chapters you are covering with each review.