A CASE OF IDENTITY

1) Who is Mary Sutherland, and why does she seek Sherlock Holmes' help?
• Answer: Mary Sutherland is a young woman who comes to Sherlock Holmes to find her missing fiancé,
Mr. Hosmer Angel. She is upset because Hosmer disappeared on their wedding day, and she hasn't
heard from him since. She is particularly distressed because her stepfather, Mr. Windibank, discourages
her from investigating the matter.
2. What clues does Sherlock Holmes gather about Hosmer Angel's identity?
• Answer: Holmes gathers clues from Mary's description of Hosmer Angel, such as his odd behavior (e.g.,
always wearing tinted glasses and speaking in a whisper), the fact that all correspondence from him
was typewritten, and that she never saw him without these peculiarities. Holmes also notes the
similarity in the handwriting of Mary's stepfather and the letters supposedly from Hosmer Angel.
3. What is the relationship between Mr. Windibank and Hosmer Angel?
• Answer: Mr. Windibank and Hosmer Angel are the same person. Holmes deduces that Mr. Windibank
disguised himself as Hosmer Angel to prevent Mary from marrying and leaving home, thereby ensuring
that her inheritance stays within the family. By pretending to be Hosmer Angel, Windibank was able to
deceive Mary and keep her dependent on him and her mother.
4. How does Holmes solve the case?
• Answer: Holmes solves the case by carefully analyzing the clues provided by Mary and by recognizing
the similarities between Mr. Windibank and Hosmer Angel. He confronts Mr. Windibank with his
deductions, and Windibank confesses. However, Holmes decides not to involve the police, as he
believes that Windibank’s guilt and the fear of exposure will be punishment enough.
5. What does Holmes tell Mary Sutherland at the end of the story?
• Answer: Holmes decides not to tell Mary the truth about her stepfather's deception. He believes that
revealing the truth would cause her more distress and leave her feeling betrayed. Instead, he advises
her to forget about Hosmer Angel and move on with her life.
6. What themes are explored in "A Case of Identity"?
• Answer: The story explores themes of deception, family dynamics, and the vulnerability of women in
Victorian society. It also highlights Holmes' skill in unraveling complex human relationships and his
sense of justice, even when it doesn’t align with the law.
7. Why does Holmes choose not to expose Mr. Windibank to the authorities?
• Answer: Holmes chooses not to expose Mr. Windibank because he believes that the man's cowardice
and fear of being exposed are punishment enough. Holmes often operates based on his own sense of
justice, and in this case, he feels that social disgrace will be more effective than legal punishment.
8. What does this story reveal about Sherlock Holmes' character?
• Answer: The story reveals Holmes' sharp intellect, his ability to see through deception, and his
understanding of human nature. It also shows his compassionate side, as he chooses to protect Mary
from the painful truth and avoids unnecessary legal action against Windibank.
9) How does the story reflect the social and economic conditions of Victorian England?
• Answer: The story highlights the financial dependency of women on male relatives during the Victorian
era. Mary Sutherland's inheritance and income are controlled by her stepfather, Mr. Windibank,
demonstrating the limited autonomy women had. The idea that a man would go to such lengths to
prevent a woman from gaining independence also reflects the restrictive social norms of the time.
10. What role does technology play in the story?
• Answer: Technology, particularly the use of typewriting, plays a significant role in the deception. Mr.
Windibank uses a typewriter to send letters as Hosmer Angel, ensuring that Mary Sutherland cannot
recognize his handwriting. This use of modern technology for deceptive purposes reflects the growing
concerns of the time about how technology could be used to manipulate or deceive.
11. Why does Holmes find the case particularly intriguing?
• Answer: Holmes finds the case intriguing because it involves a clever form of deception where one
person impersonates another to manipulate a situation for personal gain. The psychological aspect of
the case, combined with the challenge of unmasking a fraud, appeals to Holmes' love of solving
complex puzzles.
12. What does Dr. Watson's role in the story tell us about his relationship with Holmes?
• Answer: Dr. Watson acts as a sounding board for Holmes' ideas and observations. His admiration for
Holmes' abilities and his willingness to document their adventures show the strong bond between the
two. Watson’s role also provides the reader with an accessible perspective, as he often asks questions
or expresses doubts that Holmes then addresses, helping to clarify the detective's methods.
13. How does Doyle use foreshadowing in the story?
• Answer: Doyle uses subtle foreshadowing throughout the story, such as when Holmes asks Mary
Sutherland if she has ever seen Hosmer Angel without his glasses and whiskers, hinting that his identity
is not what it seems. Additionally, Holmes’ observation that Hosmer Angel’s letters are typewritten
rather than handwritten foreshadows the reveal that Angel and Windibank are the same person.
14. What is the significance of the title "A Case of Identity"?
• Answer: The title refers to the central mystery of the story—Hosmer Angel's true identity. The case
revolves around uncovering the hidden identity of a man who is not who he claims to be. The title also
suggests themes of deception and the complexities of personal identity, which are explored through
the characters’ relationships and actions.
15. What does Holmes' approach to solving the case tell us about his investigative methods?
• Answer: Holmes' approach in this story demonstrates his reliance on observation, deduction, and
attention to detail. He pieces together seemingly trivial facts, such as the typewritten letters and
Hosmer Angel's peculiar habits, to form a complete picture of the situation. Holmes' methodical and
logical approach, combined with his deep understanding of human nature, allows him to solve the case
efficiently.
16. How does the story illustrate the theme of power and control?
• Answer: The story illustrates the theme of power and control through the dynamics between Mary
Sutherland and her stepfather, Mr. Windibank. Windibank exercises control over Mary by preventing
her from pursuing relationships and by deceiving her into believing in a fictional fiancé. His actions are
motivated by a desire to maintain financial control over Mary and her inheritance.
17. Why does Mary Sutherland not recognize her stepfather as Hosmer Angel?
 • Answer: Mary Sutherland does not recognize her stepfather as Hosmer Angel because of the clever
disguise Mr. Windibank employs. By using tinted glasses, speaking in a whisper, and always meeting her
under dim lighting conditions, Windibank ensures that Mary never gets a clear look at him.
Additionally, her emotional investment in the relationship may have clouded her judgment, making her
less likely to question his identity.
18. How does Doyle create suspense in the story?
• Answer: Doyle creates suspense by gradually revealing clues about Hosmer Angel's true identity while
keeping the reader in the dark until the final reveal. The mysterious disappearance of Angel, combined
with Holmes' cryptic comments and deductions, builds tension throughout the story. The suspense is
heightened by the emotional stakes for Mary Sutherland, who is desperate to find her missing fiancé.
19. What moral questions does the story raise?
• Answer: The story raises moral questions about deception, the ethics of lying to protect someone, and
the use of manipulation for personal gain. Mr. Windibank's actions are clearly unethical, but Holmes’
decision not to involve the authorities also raises questions about whether justice has truly been
served. The story invites readers to consider whether moral actions always align with legal ones.
20. How does "A Case of Identity" fit within the broader Sherlock Holmes canon?
• Answer: "A Case of Identity" fits within the broader Sherlock Holmes canon as a classic example of
Holmes' skill in solving domestic mysteries with significant psychological elements. Unlike some of the
more action-packed stories, this one focuses on the subtleties of human behavior and the use of logic
to uncover hidden truths. It also reinforces the recurring theme of Holmes' ability to see beyond
appearances and uncover the reality beneath deception.

How does Sir Arthur Conan Doyle use characterization to contrast Mary Sutherland and Mr. Windibank?
• Answer: Doyle characterizes Mary Sutherland as naive, emotionally vulnerable, and trusting, while Mr.
Windibank is portrayed as cunning, manipulative, and self-serving. This contrast highlights the power
imbalance between them. Mary’s innocent and straightforward nature makes her an easy target for Mr.
Windibank's deception. Her willingness to overlook obvious red flags, like Hosmer Angel’s strange
behavior, emphasizes her trust in others, which contrasts sharply with Mr. Windibank’s deceitful and
calculating nature.
22. How does Holmes’ attitude toward Mary Sutherland and Mr. Windibank reflect his views on justice and
morality?
• Answer: Holmes exhibits a protective and somewhat paternalistic attitude toward Mary Sutherland,
reflecting his concern for those he views as vulnerable or victimized. He is sympathetic to her plight but
also recognizes her limitations in understanding the situation. His disdain for Mr. Windibank reflects his
moral stance against exploitation and manipulation, particularly when it involves exploiting trust for
financial gain. However, Holmes' decision not to pursue legal action against Windibank suggests a
complex view of justice, where social and personal consequences are sometimes deemed more
effective than legal punishment.
23. What is the significance of Sherlock Holmes’ use of logic and reason in solving the case, and how does it
contrast with the emotional responses of other characters?
• Answer: Holmes’ use of logic and reason is central to the story, highlighting his ability to detach himself
emotionally from the situation to solve the case effectively. This contrasts sharply with Mary
Sutherland’s emotional attachment to Hosmer Angel and her inability to see the truth. Her emotional
response blinds her to the inconsistencies in Angel’s behavior, while Holmes’ rational approach allows
 him to see through the deception. This contrast emphasizes the importance of objectivity in detective
work and serves as a critique of how emotions can cloud judgment.
24. How does the theme of identity play a central role in the story, both in terms of the plot and the
characters?
• Answer: The theme of identity is pivotal, as the entire plot revolves around the true identity of Hosmer
Angel. The story explores the fluidity of identity and how it can be manipulated. Mr. Windibank’s ability
to assume a false identity and deceive Mary Sutherland raises questions about how easily identity can
be fabricated. It also reflects on how identity is perceived by others, as Mary’s trust in Hosmer Angel is
based on superficial traits rather than a deeper understanding of who he really is. The story suggests
that identity is not just a matter of appearance or behavior but is also shaped by the perceptions and
assumptions of others.
25. In what ways does "A Case of Identity" critique societal norms, particularly those related to gender and
class in Victorian England?
• Answer: The story critiques Victorian societal norms by highlighting the limited agency of women and
the power dynamics within the family structure. Mary Sutherland’s financial dependency on her
stepfather and her limited social mobility reflect the broader constraints placed on women during the
period. The story also critiques the societal expectation that women should remain submissive and
reliant on male relatives. Additionally, the deception at the heart of the story can be seen as a
commentary on the superficiality of social interactions, where appearances often take precedence over
substance.
26. What role does deception play in shaping the narrative, and how does it influence the reader's perception
of the characters?
• Answer: Deception is a driving force in the narrative, shaping the actions of the characters and the
progression of the plot. Mr. Windibank’s deception of Mary Sutherland creates the central mystery,
while Holmes’ role is to uncover the truth behind the lies. The reader’s perception of the characters is
influenced by their relationship to this deception: Mary is seen as a victim of her own gullibility, while
Mr. Windibank is viewed as morally corrupt for exploiting her trust. Holmes, as the detective, is
positioned as the agent of truth, restoring order by exposing the deception.
27. How does Doyle use setting and atmosphere to enhance the themes of the story?
• Answer: The setting of Victorian London, with its foggy streets and hidden corners, mirrors the themes
of deception and hidden identities. The city serves as a backdrop where appearances can be deceiving,
and people can easily disappear or assume false identities, as Hosmer Angel does. The contrast
between the mundane domestic settings of Mary Sutherland’s life and the darker, more mysterious
elements of the case emphasizes the duality of appearances and reality. Doyle uses the setting to
create an atmosphere of uncertainty and suspense, reflecting the complexities of human relationships.
28. How does "A Case of Identity" address the theme of trust, and what does it suggest about the nature of
trust in relationships?
• Answer: The story addresses the theme of trust by showing how easily it can be manipulated and
betrayed. Mary Sutherland’s trust in Hosmer Angel is based on her desire for love and companionship,
making her vulnerable to deception. Mr. Windibank exploits this trust for his own gain, highlighting the
darker side of human relationships where trust can be a tool for manipulation. The story suggests that
trust, while essential in relationships, must be tempered with caution and critical thinking, as blind
trust can lead to exploitation.
29. How does Sherlock Holmes' reaction to the case reflect his personality and philosophy as a detective?
 • Answer: Holmes' reaction to the case reflects his pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of human
nature. He is not surprised by the deceit at the heart of the case, recognizing it as a common
occurrence in his line of work. His decision not to pursue legal action against Mr. Windibank shows his
belief that not all cases require the involvement of the law, and that sometimes social consequences
are more appropriate. Holmes’ philosophy as a detective is rooted in logic, reason, and a deep
understanding of human behavior, allowing him to approach cases with a level of detachment that
ensures his success.
30. What is the significance of the final conversation between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and how does
it encapsulate the story's themes?
• Answer: The final conversation between Holmes and Watson serves to encapsulate the story's themes
of deception, justice, and human folly. Holmes expresses a certain resignation about the outcome,
recognizing that while he has uncovered the truth, the social structures and human weaknesses that
allowed the deception to occur remain unchanged. This conversation also highlights Holmes’ view that
justice is not always served through legal means, and that understanding human nature is key to
resolving such cases. It reinforces the story’s exploration of the complexities of identity, trust, and
morality.