THEMES:

1. Mystery and Investigation

● Theme: The heart of the novel is a mystery, and in these chapters, the investigation deepens.
● Evidence: In Chapter 4, Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes review the case of Sir Charles
Baskerville's death, scrutinizing the legend of the hound. The investigation grows as Holmes
gathers clues, highlighting their methodical approach to solving the mystery. Holmes sends
Watson to Baskerville Hall to observe and report, as he cannot accompany him at that time.
● Example: Holmes says to Watson: "There is no branch of detective science which is so important
and so much neglected as the art of tracing footsteps.”

2. Fear of the Supernatural

● Theme: The eerie, supernatural element looms over the story, particularly with the legend of the
spectral hound.
● Evidence: In Chapter 5, Watson discusses the fear surrounding the Baskerville curse, and this
fear intensifies upon their arrival at Baskerville Hall. The setting on the desolate moors and the
strange sounds add to the supernatural dread.
● Example: Watson notes in Chapter 7: “A long, low moan, indescribably sad, swept over the
moor. It filled the whole air, and yet it was impossible to say whence it came.”

3. Isolation and the Environment

● Theme: The sense of isolation, both physical and emotional, contributes to the tension.
● Evidence: Baskerville Hall is depicted as remote and surrounded by the grim, foreboding moor.
The vast and empty landscape reflects the feelings of isolation experienced by the characters.
Watson frequently describes the oppressive atmosphere, which adds to the sense of impending
danger.
● Example: In Chapter 6, Watson describes the moor: "The longer one stays here the more does
the spirit of the moor sink into one's soul, its vastness and also its grim charm."

4. Class and Society

● Theme: Class distinctions are subtly discussed through characters' interactions.

● Evidence: Sir Henry Baskerville, as the heir to the Baskerville estate, represents the upper class,
while figures like the Barrymores (servants) highlight the social hierarchy. The tensions between
the wealthy and those who serve them are not directly central to the plot but underline the roles
individuals play within this society.
● Example: The Barrymores act mysteriously, and Watson speculates whether their actions stem
from fear or loyalty. In Chapter 8, Watson observes how Mrs. Barrymore is emotionally affected,
but Sir Henry remains dismissive of the servants' emotions.

5. Loyalty and Friendship

● Theme: Watson’s loyalty to Holmes and Sir Henry emerges as a theme.

● Evidence: Watson takes on the responsibility of looking after Sir Henry and reporting back to
Holmes. He’s also determined to fulfill his role in the investigation, even though the isolation and
strange occurrences start to affect him. His loyalty to Holmes is shown through his dedication to
uncovering the truth.
● Example: In Chapter 7, Watson writes: “It is a great responsibility which I have undertaken, and I
am certainly in danger of telling it too lightly, but Holmes would not have put me into such a
position unless he had known that I was equal to it.”
These chapters effectively develop the suspense, deepen the mystery, and evoke an eerie atmosphere
that draws the reader into the unfolding story.

CHARACTERS

Sherlock Holmes exhibits several key character traits that define his unique approach to solving
mysteries. Although he sends Watson to Baskerville Hall for much of this section, his personality and
methods are still very much present.

1. Analytical and Methodical

● Trait: Sherlock Holmes is known for his sharp analytical mind and precise methodology. In these
chapters, he continues to gather facts and analyze them before jumping to conclusions, showing
his methodical approach to detective work.
● Evidence: In Chapter 4, Holmes carefully goes over the details of Sir Charles Baskerville’s death
and evaluates the legends associated with the hound. He doesn’t dismiss the legend outright but
considers all angles and looks for logical explanations.
○ Example: He says to Watson, "There is no branch of detective science which is so
important and so much neglected as the art of tracing footsteps."

2. Detached and Objective

● Trait: Holmes maintains a calm and detached demeanor, focusing on facts rather than emotions
or personal connections. He prefers to stay removed from sentimentality, which allows him to
remain objective.
● Evidence: When Sir Henry receives a warning letter in Chapter 4, Holmes calmly assesses the
situation without showing emotional concern, instead focusing on the origin of the letter and its
clues.
○ Example: Holmes immediately deduces that the letter was constructed from cut-out
words from a newspaper, showing his focus on the details rather than reacting
emotionally to the threat.

3. Strategic and Manipulative

● Trait: Holmes demonstrates his skill in strategizing and manipulating situations to gain
information or solve the mystery. His actions show a long-term, calculated approach to the
investigation.
● Evidence: Holmes sends Watson to Baskerville Hall to gather information and observe Sir Henry,
keeping his own presence concealed. This allows Holmes to manipulate the situation from a
distance, using Watson as his eyes and ears on the ground.
○ Example: In Chapter 6, Holmes says, "You will report very carefully to me, Watson,"
showing his strategic reliance on Watson to provide vital information without revealing his
own hand too soon.

4. Inquisitive and Detail-Oriented

● Trait: Holmes is deeply inquisitive, constantly searching for every small clue that might lead to a
breakthrough in the case. His attention to detail is one of his most defining traits.
● Evidence: Holmes meticulously examines the warning note Sir Henry receives, focusing on every
element, such as the font, paper, and ink. He even considers the possibility that the sender of the
letter might have worn gloves while assembling it to avoid leaving fingerprints.
○ Example: In Chapter 4, Holmes notes: "The address, you observe, is printed in rough
characters. But this is a man's writing, done with a pen."

5. Confident but Humble

 ● Trait: Holmes is confident in his abilities but also shows humility in knowing that even he can’t be
everywhere at once. He entrusts Watson with the responsibility of managing the case at
Baskerville Hall, acknowledging that Watson’s observations are valuable.
● Evidence: Holmes admits that Watson is up to the task of looking after Sir Henry, despite his own
decision to stay behind in London for a while. He has enough confidence in Watson's abilities to
let him act independently.
○ Example: Holmes tells Watson in Chapter 6, "I could not wish for a better agent."

6. Secretive and Mysterious

● Trait: Holmes often withholds information or keeps his plans secret, even from Watson, in order
to maintain control of the situation or to avoid tipping off others.
● Evidence: Holmes doesn’t initially reveal to Watson why he is staying in London while Watson
goes to Baskerville Hall. This decision to withhold his reasoning is part of Holmes' mysterious
nature and his tendency to keep his strategies private until necessary.
○ Example: Holmes’ decision not to accompany Watson to Devonshire and his cryptic
remark about staying in London suggests that he has his own undisclosed plans.

7. Intellectual Curiosity

● Trait: Holmes is driven by an insatiable intellectual curiosity, constantly seeking to solve puzzles
and uncover the truth. He finds excitement in the challenge of unraveling a mystery, regardless of
the personal stakes.
● Evidence: Holmes’ decision to take on the Baskerville case is driven not only by a desire for
justice but by his fascination with the unusual and complex nature of the case, particularly the
legend of the supernatural hound.
○ Example: In Chapter 4, when discussing the legend, Holmes expresses his eagerness to
dig deeper into the facts: “It is very extraordinary how credulous the peasants are about
here.”

8. Logical and Rational

● Trait: Holmes consistently applies logic and rationality to all situations, dismissing superstition
and irrational fears. He approaches even the supernatural elements of the case with reason,
refusing to accept any explanation that cannot be proven with evidence.
● Evidence: While others, including Watson, are troubled by the possibility of a spectral hound,
Holmes remains focused on finding a logical explanation, even though the Baskerville curse has
terrified generations of people.
○ Example: Holmes says in Chapter 4, “I have hitherto confined my investigations to this
world,” indicating his skepticism of supernatural explanations.

In these chapters, Sherlock Holmes displays his typical intelligence, attention to detail, and strategic
thinking while also revealing a reliance on Watson’s abilities and an understated sense of humility. His
cool, rational approach to the eerie mystery around Baskerville Hall sets him apart from those who are
more affected by the superstition and fear surrounding the case.

1. Dr. Watson

● Loyal and Dutiful: Watson is deeply committed to Holmes and his task of protecting Sir Henry
and investigating the mystery. He faithfully follows Holmes’ instructions and reports back on the
situation at Baskerville Hall.
○ Evidence: Watson takes on the investigation in Holmes' absence, despite feeling the
weight of responsibility: "Holmes would not have put me into such a position unless he
had known that I was equal to it."
 ● Observant and Analytical: While not as brilliant as Holmes, Watson is a capable observer. He
makes detailed notes on people and events around him, trying to deduce clues about the
mystery.
○ Example: His notes on the Barrymores' odd behavior or his careful study of Sir Henry
show this side.
● Courageous: Watson does not shy away from the dangers of the moor or the fear surrounding
the Baskerville curse. He faces eerie noises and ominous landscapes head-on.

2. Sir Henry Baskerville

● Brave and Determined: Despite the legend of the hound and the ominous atmosphere, Sir
Henry is determined to take possession of his family estate and restore it. He does not easily give
in to fear.
○ Evidence: Sir Henry insists on staying at Baskerville Hall even after receiving warnings
and a threat in the form of the mysterious note: “If you value your life or your reason keep
away from the moor.”
● Impetuous and Quick to Act: He can be impulsive, as seen in his immediate decisions and
desire to confront challenges head-on, whether it's tracking down the Barrymores or investigating
the moor.
○ Example: His determination to pursue the mystery and his initial refusal to heed warnings
show his impulsiveness.
● Honorable and Just: Sir Henry treats his servants with fairness and is concerned for their well-
being, as shown when he questions the Barrymores' loyalty but doesn’t jump to conclusions.

3. Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore

● Mysterious and Secretive: The Barrymores, particularly Mr. Barrymore, behave suspiciously,
leading Watson and Sir Henry to question their motives. Their actions, such as sneaking around
at night, add to the sense of mystery in the Hall.
○ Evidence: Watson observes Mr. Barrymore standing at a window late at night with a
candle. His odd behavior makes him a figure of suspicion.
● Loyal but Troubled: Despite their strange behavior, the Barrymores are shown to be loyal
servants to the Baskerville family. Mrs. Barrymore’s emotional breakdown and Mr. Barrymore’s
concern for his wife suggest deeper issues, later revealed to be connected to Selden, the convict.
○ Example: Watson notices Mrs. Barrymore’s distressed state and later learns that she is
Selden’s sister.

4. Mr. Stapleton

● Intelligent and Knowledgeable: Mr. Stapleton is introduced as a naturalist with extensive

knowledge of the moor and its environment. His scientific mind makes him a useful guide to
Watson and Sir Henry.
○ Evidence: Watson notes Stapleton’s keen interest in the flora and fauna of the area: “He
was a small, slim, clean-shaven, prim-faced man, flaxen-haired and lean-jawed.”
● Charming but Controlling: Stapleton comes across as friendly and charming, particularly in his
interactions with Watson. However, he shows signs of being controlling, especially toward his
sister, Miss Stapleton, trying to dictate her actions and feelings.
○ Example: Watson notices Stapleton’s irritation when his sister speaks to Sir Henry and
later intervenes in their growing relationship.
● Secretive: Stapleton’s true nature and motives are hidden, as he is later revealed to have more
sinister intentions, but even at this point, his secrecy is hinted at by his controlling behavior and
evasive responses.

5. Miss Beryl Stapleton

 ● Beautiful and Mysterious: Miss Stapleton is portrayed as a striking figure, contrasting with her
brother’s controlling demeanor. She catches the eye of Sir Henry and behaves in ways that make
her seem mysterious, particularly with her warning to Watson.
○ Evidence: She mistakenly warns Watson to leave the moor, thinking he is Sir Henry: “Go
back! Go straight back to London, instantly."
● Conflicted and Fearful: Miss Stapleton’s behavior indicates that she is caught in some inner
conflict, particularly regarding her brother and Sir Henry. Her fear of the moor and the legend of
the hound shows a deeper knowledge of the danger, and she tries to protect Sir Henry.
○ Example: Her urgent warning suggests her fear of the hound or the true danger lurking
on the moor, and her relationship with her brother appears tense.

6. Selden (The Convict)

● Dangerous but Pitiful: Selden is described as a violent criminal who escaped from prison,
heightening the fear and tension on the moor. However, he is later revealed to be Mrs.
Barrymore’s brother, and the family’s attempts to care for him add a layer of sympathy to his
character.
○ Evidence: In Chapter 8, Mrs. Barrymore’s tears suggest the Barrymores are helping
Selden out of familial loyalty, despite his criminal background.

These character traits not only build suspense but also layer the story with tension, as their actions and
motivations intertwine with the mystery and eerie atmosphere of Baskerville Hall and the surrounding
moor.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGES:

1. Similes

● Description of the moor (Chapter 6):

○ Quote: "The moor is very sparsely inhabited, and those who live near each other are
thrown very much together, like the islanders in an ocean."
○ Effect: This simile compares the isolated residents of the moor to people stranded on
islands in the ocean. It highlights the loneliness and separation that defines the area
around Baskerville Hall, adding to the feeling of isolation.
● Holmes' metaphorical grasp of clues (Chapter 4):
○ Quote: “It is as if all the premonitory symptoms were observed, yet the danger itself was
unknown.”
○ Effect: This simile likens the investigation to observing symptoms without knowing the
cause of the disease. It emphasizes Holmes' sense that danger is lurking, but the true
nature of the threat is still unclear.

2. Metaphors

● Description of the moor (Chapter 7):

○ Quote: "The longer one stays here the more does the spirit of the moor sink into one's
soul, its vastness and also its grim charm."
○ Effect: The moor is personified as having a "spirit" that can seep into a person’s soul.
This metaphor conveys the oppressive and haunting atmosphere of the moor, which
seems to have a malevolent influence over those who live near it.
● Barrymore’s demeanor (Chapter 6):
○ Quote: "Barrymore...stood like a black-bearded giant."
○ Effect: This metaphor compares Barrymore to a giant, emphasizing his imposing,
possibly threatening appearance. It adds to the mystery surrounding his character.

3. Personification
 ● The setting (Chapter 6):
○ Quote: "A long, low moan, indescribably sad, swept over the moor. It filled the whole air,
and yet it was impossible to say whence it came."
○ Effect: The moor is given human-like qualities, as though it is capable of producing
sounds that convey emotion. This personification heightens the eerie, supernatural
atmosphere, making the landscape seem alive and haunted.
● Holmes' focus on clues (Chapter 4):
○ Quote: “The thread is narrowing, narrowing; the knot is being tied.”
○ Effect: The investigation is personified as a knot being tied, suggesting that the clues are
coming together to reveal the truth. This intensifies the suspense, as it suggests that
Holmes is close to solving the mystery.

4. Imagery

● Describing Baskerville Hall and the moor (Chapter 6):

○ Quote: "A broken fringe of rocks grew clearer and clearer, until they seemed to be
closing in upon us from all sides."
○ Effect: The imagery here vividly describes the ominous and claustrophobic feeling of
traveling through the moor toward Baskerville Hall. The "closing in" of the rocks creates a
sense of entrapment, reflecting the growing tension and fear.
● The atmosphere of the moor (Chapter 7):
○ Quote: "The night was clear and fine above, but underfoot the ground was heavy with
rain."
○ Effect: This image contrasts the clear sky with the sodden ground, enhancing the
desolate, oppressive mood of the moor. It evokes a sense of heaviness, suggesting that
despite outward appearances, the moor holds hidden dangers.

5. Alliteration

● Description of the environment (Chapter 6):

○ Quote: "Gloomy old house in the middle of the moor."
○ Effect: The repetition of the "m" sound in “middle of the moor” and “gloomy” helps to
create a rhythmic, almost ominous tone. This use of alliteration emphasizes the isolation
and dark atmosphere of the Hall and its surroundings.

6. Hyperbole

● Holmes’ commitment to solving the mystery (Chapter 4):

○ Quote: “I would not lose this man Watson, for all the world.”
○ Effect: Holmes' exaggerated declaration of how important this case is to him shows his
dedication to the investigation and the intensity with which he approaches his work. It
also heightens the stakes, indicating the gravity of the situation.

7. Foreshadowing

● The warning to Sir Henry (Chapter 4):

○ Quote: “If you value your life or your reason keep away from the moor.”
○ Effect: This cryptic note foreshadows the dangers that await Sir Henry on the moor. The
mention of losing one’s life or sanity hints at both physical and psychological threats,
setting up an atmosphere of fear and tension.

8. Symbolism

● The hound as a symbol of fear (Chapter 6-8):

 ○ Quote: The legend of the spectral hound represents the manifestation of fear and
superstition that plagues the Baskerville family.
○ Effect: The hound is a symbol of the ancestral curse and the darkness that haunts the
Baskerville lineage. It also serves as a metaphor for the unknown dangers that lurk in the
moor and the way fear can distort reality.

Doyle's use of figurative language in these chapters is critical in establishing the mood, intensifying the
suspense, and drawing readers into the eerie world of Baskerville Hall and the moor.