Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Hello fellow Crime, Mystery & Thriller readers,

Welcome to our Classic Mystery discussion about A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle, your discussion leader is Gem.
___________________________________________
about spoilers

Please note: If you have not finished reading the book spoilers are permitted in this discussion from the start. If you would like to use the spoiler formatting it can be found on the top right of the comment box in the "(some html is ok)" menu.
___________________________________________


Summary

"A Study in Scarlet" is the first published story of one of the most famous literary detectives of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Here Dr. Watson, who has just returned from a war in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock Holmes for the first time when they become flat-mates at the famous 221 B Baker Street. In "A Study in Scarlet" Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder at Lauriston Gardens as Dr. Watson tags along with Holmes while narratively detailing his amazing deductive abilities.

Discussion Questions

A few overarching questions for now... I'll add some story-specific questions as we go.

When introducing Sherlock Holmes, what does this novel establish about his methods of
detection? Do you think his approach to detection reasonable?

Why do you think Doyle wrote this so that we see Holmes only as reported through Watson’s eyes? What effect does that have on readers� view of Holmes? How would this story differ if it were Holmes writing? What if it were told by an anonymous third-person narrator?

In some ways, Holmes is a difficult character to like, especially because of his contempt
for others in the story and for us. In your opinion, what makes Sherlock Holmes such an
important and enduring figure in British fiction? Why do readers like him?

Did you like the presentation of the Holmes/Watson friendship? What events/circumstances/personal characteristics contribute to the “easy� relationship
that quickly develops between Watson and Holmes, especially since, as we quickly
learn, Holmes does not get along with many people. Did you find yourself charmed by Holmes’s genius?

Not book related - Which actor/series/movie represents your favorite Holmes and Watson. Do you appreciate some of the liberties taken by the writers/directors? For example, Watson being a woman in Elementary.

Hi folks, I'll be leading the discussion for A Study in Scarlet. Since this is book one in the Sherlock Holmes canon I've listed some discussion that overarching, as I read I'll add some story-specific questions we can ponder. Looking forward to a great discussion about this much-beloved character.

When introducing Sherlock Holmes, what does this novel establish about his methods of detection? Do you think his approach to detection reasonable?
His strength is in observation and the ability to notice small details others overlook paired with broad knowledge in many diverse areas and the ability to link the two. I think observation is an essential skill for any detective to have.

Why do you think Doyle wrote this so that we see Holmes only as reported through Watson’s eyes? What effect does that have on readers� view of Holmes? How would this story differ if it were Holmes writing? What if it were told by an anonymous third-person narrator?
Despite his frustration with some of Holmes's behavior and attitudes, Watson has a bad case of hero worship which softens his presentation of some of Holmes's more irritating aspects.
If Holmes wrote it, he would come across as an egotistical SOB.
An anonymous third party writer would not have the personal connection that exists between Watson and Holmes.

In some ways, Holmes is a difficult character to like, especially because of his contempt for others in the story and for us. In your opinion, what makes Sherlock Holmes such an important and enduring figure in British fiction? Why do readers like him?
He is important and enduring because he is so 'out of the norm' he can't be forgotten. He also was to some extent an ordinary Joe, and it's easier for us to relate to people like us, even when they are egotistical know-it-alls like Holmes.

Did you like the presentation of the Holmes/Watson friendship? What events/circumstances/personal characteristics contribute to the “easy� relationship that quickly develops between Watson and Holmes, especially since, as we quickly learn, Holmes does not get along with many people. Did you find yourself charmed by Holmes’s genius?
Watson puts up with Holmes's foibles; Holmes sees Watson as a man he can count on when things get dangerous. They both gained something from the friendship. I admired Holmes's genius, his ability to see things others overlook and recognize their importance, but found his superior attitude a turn off.

I am gonna start reading "The Study of Scarlet" on June 1st.
So excited...

Hi. Where do you have the discussion questions listed?

Bruce wrote: "Hi. Where do you have the discussion questions listed?"

The questions are listed in the first post above.

Varrsha wrote: "I am gonna start reading "The Study of Scarlet" on June 1st.
So excited..."

Great!

Oh ok. I saw it, but thought he was responding to questions written somewhere else.

1. Everything David said, however, he does have diverse knowledge, but there’s some areas he chooses to remain ignorant of, as even he can’t store too much in his head. Also, while he does know a lot, his main skill is in deduction, which is what sets him apart from others. It’s not quite like the idea people have that “Sherlock knows everything.� He knows what he sees, and he stores enough facts on topics - but not a literal encyclopedia - so he can recognize things on others or at the scene of investigation.

2. The narrator in detective stories was introduced with Dupin. Yes. It is so there’s an objective third party apart from Holmes who can view it, and is learning the case as the reader does. It would partly be arrogant if Holmes narrated it, although he does narrate a few stories later, but the main thing is, he knows what’s happening. Also, while Watson is a third party and average person, he’s really very intelligent himself, much more than he’s given credit for. In fact, while Holmes may knock him at times, it’s kind of in a back handed compliment way, and even Holmes knows Watson is smarter than most people, otherwise he more than likely wouldn’t be friends with him. Holmes, while there’s some arrogance, isn’t the kind of person to have an actual unintelligent friend just to boost his ego.

David wrote: "..."

Brilliant observations across the board.

I finished chapter two last night. I don't believe I've read this one before so it's interesting reading about how the characters were introduced and what Watson's observations and thoughts about Holmes are.

3. I’m honestly not sure. I do know one thing I like is, that he’s a civilian, and an average citizen. With that comes the aspect that he’ll sometimes do what he thinks is right for a case, even though it’s clearly illegal. I’ve been a fan for over 30 years, since I was 10 or so, so I don’t remember too well what drew me to the stories. I know a couple things I liked were the atmosphere and the stories themselves when I discovered him. I think most people when they’re initially introduced to him, or hear about him, know mainly just his attire (not in this novel) and that he’s “all knowing.�

4. I think there’s a little bit of the yin and the yang, where Holmes and Watson fit, although a lot of it is that Watson is a bit more introverted and calm. However, the impression I get is that after the war, while he was affected from it, he does get a restlessness at times, and I think partly chooses to associate himself with Holmes so he can share his adventures and satisfy a craving for at least a brief period of excitement.

Thanks Gem for selecting this book as a month read, I don't think I would have read it otherwise. It was my first Sherlock Holmes book and I finished last night, it exceeded my expectations.

I agree Monica. I tried reading the Hounds Of The Baskervilles a few years ago and couldn't get into it. I might give it another go after reading this one.

I fell behind in my self-imposed reading schedule (what's new, lol). I finished the first part and started the second part this morning. It was a jolt... not sure how else to describe it... to be reading about the events in London then to be taken to a wagon train in the American Southwest(ish) with no warning. I'm not sure I liked this transition.

Yeah. I loved the second half, but Doyle/Watson didn’t give a good transition to prepare readers. I’ve heard some people think that they’re reading a different book. It comes together, but to know you’re reading the same book, you may have to remember the names of some of the characters.

This is actually my all time favorite novel.

I finished A Study in Scarlet, and I loved it so much

@Gem, yes Gem, I also thought that only, but the second part is where we actually get to know why the murderer murders the victims kinda like flashback, it was a little boring for me, but it got better.

Varrsha wrote: "@Gem, yes Gem, I also thought that only, but the second part is where we actually get to know why the murderer murders the victims kinda like flashback, it was a little boring for me, but it got be..."

Exactly. I prefer to read things in chronological order. I know it would have been too obvious whodunit if Doyle gave us the second part first/first part second (chronologically). And I wouldn't have minded it so much if there was a little preparation. I can appreciate the technique now, after having finished and being able to look back, it all makes sense.

Monica wrote: "Thanks Gem for selecting this book as a month read, I don't think I would have read it otherwise. It was my first Sherlock Holmes book and I finished last night, it exceeded my expectations."

Good to hear. I've always wanted to read Doyle's work but I'm an "in order" kind of gal. Maybe we can do a buddy read for book 2.

Bruce wrote: "Doyle/Watson didn’t give a good transition to prepare readers..."
Yes, that's it exactly... it needed some kind of transition. Perfect word!

@Gem, Will we be reading book 2 in Sherlock Holmes in the upcoming group reads?

I think I'm going to do it as a buddy read since the July and August books have already been selected.

@Gem, then, when can we buddy read it?