Analyse the stories of Sherlock Holmes in terms of their narrative

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Analyse the stories of Sherlock Holmes in terms of their narrative

structure and the way they follow a set pattern.

All of the Holmes stories follow a set pattern and have a similar

narrative structure. These can be categorized for example Holmes being

upset for a client would go in the category of emotions and secrets.

The beginning of Sherlock Holmes stories is usually set at 221b Baker

Street, which is Holmes residence. This is because his clients report

a crime to him at his house. The client is more often than not female,

as at the time of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle females were seen to be more

vulnerable than males, this is less true today. If there is no work

Holmes will occupy himself by performing scientific experiments or

writing notes "As I have preserved very full notes of all these

cases." Throughout the beginning of the story Dr Watson, ensures a

relationship of trust between him and the reader, everything he says

is believable and this increases the mystery and suspense. An example

of this is: "My practice had steadily increased, and as I happened to

live at no very great distance from Paddington Station, I got a few

patients from among the officials."

Frequently in the vast majority of the stories Holmes shows his

aptitude in a number of ways. For one he can give out a wealth of

information just by viewing the state of their dress. An example can

be seen in The Blue Carbuncle where by looking at a hat he notices

that the owner is enduring marital problems, as his hat has not been

brushed for a long period of time. He also noticed the person's hair

colour and when the hair was last cut. Holmes then asks Watson to view

the hat but he notices nothing, this is to make Holmes look more

knowle...

... middle of paper ...

...elights when I was stepping into the

carriage. It was chestnut.'

'Tired-looking or fresh?'

'Oh, fresh and glossy.'

Whereas the events are described in great detail this gradually builds

up the suspense to allow the reader to wonder what the answer could be

and what could be so unusual.

When the whole truth is finally revealed, usually where the story

started, 221b Baker Street it is ever more vivid and much more

successful in entertaining the reader.

In conclusion, I will say that using all these devices, Doyle

successfully categorises the events using little but heavy

description, he is able to build up a powerful image that will keep

the reader in suspense. The stories follow a similar pattern, which

carry the reader through a roller coaster of emotions this pattern

also helps the reader understand all of the events as and when they

happen.

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