Sherlock Holmes Detective and Literary Terms Allusion a reference to a place, poem, book, event, etc., which is not part of the story but which the reader is expected to recognize and understand Foil a character whose qualities or actions serve to EMPHASIZE the actions or qualities of the main character (or another character) by providing a strong contrast. Example: the Roadrunner uses Wile E. Coyote as his foil

Foreshadowing the use of hints or clues in a story to suggest what action is yet to come Inference the act of drawing a conclusion that is not actually stated by the author Mood the emotional aspect of the work which contributes to the feeling the reader gets from the book

A red herring is a false clue or lead. comes from the process of curing a herring (fish) when a herring is salted and smoked, it turns a dark reddish brown color gains a strong flavor and scent that overwhelms other scents red herrings were pulled across the trail of hounds to confuse and throw them off the trail writers of detective fiction deliberately “fake-out” readers by planting misleading clues—known as red herrings

Theme in Holmes Mysteries Theme a universal message about life and/or human nature avoid clichés must be figured out based on events of mystery and their inferred possible meanings

Deduction and Rational Thinking Deduction to infer a conclusion from observation, known facts, and/or general principles Rational Thinking piecing together information to draw an inescapable conclusion

Holmesian Story Elements Surprise endings red herrings to mislead insignificant observations often crux of case Holmes’ brilliance shown as the ultimate rational thinker Holmes summarizes facts and conclusions at end of story to prove his superior intelligence

Holmesian Elements cont. Common plot elements in Holmes mystery introduction of crime presentation of case as “unique” or “singular” adding odd characters Watson’s lack of understanding (foil role) setting out of clues and red herrings adding complications to the case resolution of case and explanation by Holmes

Holmesian Elements cont. Doyle’s use of verisimilitude the quality of appearing to be true Doyle refers to actual crimes, people, and places of the time Personality and behavior vs. appearance Holmes is referred to positively both in intellect and appearance adversaries are referred to negatively as physically unattractive, clumsy, deformed, obese, etc… represents untrue concept that looks determine behavior

The Adventure of the Speckled Band The first story you will read is “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” on p. 67 of The Best of Sherlock Holmes. First, read it. Then identify the 3 types of irony and the mood as described in class.

WELCOME TO THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF SHERLOCK HOLMES View the clips of The Great Mouse Detective and discuss the terms and information presented in this PowerPoint. Use the questions on the next slide as a guide. Main characters: Basil of Baker Street, Dawson, Olivia, and Professor Ratigan.

The Great Mouse Detective (excerpts) Who is Basil’s foil? Note some ways he serves as a foil. How is Basil’s brilliance and deductive reasoning ability made apparent? How is the appearance of the characters (unfairly) used to correspond with their behavior? What common Holmesian plot elements are recognizable in the parts we view?