In this post, I'm going to organize the topics that I want to talk about in my paper.
So my essential question was "Why is the character of Sherlock Holmes so compelling? Why has it stood the test of time? How have more contemporary authors changed the character and why?"
I now understand why Holmes is so compelling. First of all, he is very intelligent and can solve any case that he attempts. From what I've read, he's never not finished a case. He uses deductive reasoning and he can interpret situations with only a small amount of evidence. In addition, he can be a ruthless interrogator, but he can also be a humble and benevolent host. He seems to dislike people with inferior minds. In Beekeeper's Apprentice, the author put Holmes up against a female who had the same intuitive mind as he did. The author showed that Holmes can also be a fatherly figure when many readers thought he couldn't be one. Holmes is also a man of duty and adheres to his job at all costs. Another contemporary author, such as Donald Thomas, reveals other qualities of Holmes. Holmes can decode messages and he was almost executed. In addition, the author incorporates new technological advances into Holmes's story. I might add more later, but this is it for now.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Case of the Peasenhall Murder (post 2)
The investigation begins with the questioning of the people were near the scene of the crime. There's a little competition between Lestrade and Holmes. Lestrade and the Scotland Yard have already interrogated everyone, but Holmes believes that everyone has more to say. So, in the end Holmes does all the work and this shows how devoted he is to solving a crime. He says, "You see, my dear fellow? It seems they have not said all they have to say. I believe, Lestrade, this is another of our cases in which you and Scotland Yard will live to thank me for my assistance," (208). I guess Holmes does believe he is better than a group of detectives and it also shows his determination. He doesn't give and believes there is more evidence.
When Holmes and Watson examine the kitchen where Rose was murdered, Holmes like literally yells at Watson to get him to see the point. It seems like Watson is a burden to Holmes. Probably without Watson, Holmes might be quicker in solving a case. He seems to hold Holmes back.
When Holmes and Watson examine the kitchen where Rose was murdered, Holmes like literally yells at Watson to get him to see the point. It seems like Watson is a burden to Holmes. Probably without Watson, Holmes might be quicker in solving a case. He seems to hold Holmes back.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Case of the Greek Key/The Case of the Peasenhall Murder (Post 1)
The Case of the Greek Key ends with the start of the war. The criminal behind the messages is tried and we see Holmes show a little sympathy. For example, he acts as a mediator and advises that Mr. Henshaw choose prison instead of death. He advises him that serving time in prison will eventually allow him to be free whereas being hanged is the end of one's life. It was just surprising to see Holmes show some sympathy for his enemy. Holmes has been in the situation before (his execution) and he doesn't like the idea of being hanged.
In the Case of the Peasenhall Murder, a woman is murdered. The person who is accused is named Mr. Gardiner. In the beginning, we see that Holmes is again a man who's one hundred percent devoted to his work. Watson asks him to take a vacation, but Holmes refuses. He says taht some things are worth seeing, but not worth going to see because he says life is too short to do such things. We also see that Holmes despises religion. He knows that Mr. Gardiner is a man of religion and he emphasizes it. He knows that he is suspicious because of this fact. He is so suspicious because he claims that too many men of religion have committed murder.
In the Case of the Peasenhall Murder, a woman is murdered. The person who is accused is named Mr. Gardiner. In the beginning, we see that Holmes is again a man who's one hundred percent devoted to his work. Watson asks him to take a vacation, but Holmes refuses. He says taht some things are worth seeing, but not worth going to see because he says life is too short to do such things. We also see that Holmes despises religion. He knows that Mr. Gardiner is a man of religion and he emphasizes it. He knows that he is suspicious because of this fact. He is so suspicious because he claims that too many men of religion have committed murder.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Look at Holmes's Image
Holmes is always seen as a man in a poncho almost cloak like apparel. He also wears a funny hat and has a pipe in his mouth and holds onto a magnifying glass. I don't see how this image seems to be associated with Holmes. From what I've read so far, he's only used a magnifying glass in two cases. I would imagine him to have more class and dress more elegantly, but then again he does get his hands dirty in his cases, so the fancy clothing wouldn't suit him. I can imagine him looking more like this:
In this picture, he looks like a man of high class and one who has many connections. Here's another picture of him:
In this picture, he looks like a man of high class and one who has many connections. Here's another picture of him:
This is how he is usually portrayed when he's solving cases. Maybe it's the style of the 19th century. But all in all he's always holding the pipe. I guess that makes someone more intelligent looking than if he/she were to put on glasses. So whenever movie characters hold a pipe, such as an evil villain or something, I'd say they're refering to Holmes because Holmes always smokes a pipe while mulling over a case.The Case of the Greek Key (Post 5)
So, WWI finally begins with the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The government keeps sending messages and documents to Holmes to decode. So, Holmes is basically just another weapon for the war. He's the only one who can break the code. Furthermore, Holmes actually has a master. Well, his master is one of the only people in the world who know the code of Linear B. Holmes finds out that a man named Dr. Gross also knows the code and is the one who is feeding the plans to the Germans. Here, we see that a war that takes place brings Holmes a case. I'm surprised that the government doesn't seek out Holmes's master, Strachan-Davidson, to break the naval code. So Holmes, stays up all night and studies Linear B from a book written by Sir Arthur Evans (he is another person who knows Linear B). The code is written in Linear B and Holmes is able to figure out what the messages say. To comment on Holmes's work rate, I kind of feel sorry for him because he always exerts so much of his mind and heart into a case, but he never gets any reward for it. Maybe the reason Holmes is so popular is because he doesn't work for money, he works because he loves the thrill of coming face to face with danger and finally figuring out a very difficult problem.
The Case of the Greek Key (Post 4)
I would also like to comment on how the development of technology is affecting Holmes. Since the war started, electricity is starting to be used. Holmes uses sulfuric acid to create a battery that powers a transmission device that jots down the signals that are intercepted from the naval code. He takes the print-outs and tries to decode them. But Holmes's enemies are also benefiting from technological advances. England has built a powerful warship and Germany has stolen the plans. Pretty soon, automobiles are going to be used more and Holmes might be involved in car chases. I'm pretty sure the machine gun has already been developed in this time period, so Holmes might come face to face with an enemy who does have one. In the previous books, Holmes had to rely on different methods to help him solve his cases. For example, Holmes employs the Baker Street Irregulars and uses a dog named Toby to obtain more evidence and track down crooks. Now technology is being advanced and it'll only further benefit Holmes as he'll probably track down his enemies much faster.
Also, I looked up Sherlock Holmes on Wikipedia. He isn't a real person, but he was based off of a man named Dr. Joseph Bell, whom Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had worked as a clerk at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Bell was able to make conclusions based on little evidence. He was also interested in crime and even helped the police solve some cases. What was funny is that many of the British believe that Holmes is an actual historical figure. Wikipedia claims that 58% of teens actually believe that he really did live at 221B Baker Street. Of course there is an actual musem in London on Baker Street, so maybe that confuses people. I just found this amusing and figured I share it.
Also, I looked up Sherlock Holmes on Wikipedia. He isn't a real person, but he was based off of a man named Dr. Joseph Bell, whom Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had worked as a clerk at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Bell was able to make conclusions based on little evidence. He was also interested in crime and even helped the police solve some cases. What was funny is that many of the British believe that Holmes is an actual historical figure. Wikipedia claims that 58% of teens actually believe that he really did live at 221B Baker Street. Of course there is an actual musem in London on Baker Street, so maybe that confuses people. I just found this amusing and figured I share it.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The Case of the Greek Key (Post 3)
I would like to comment on the direction that the Holmes story is taking. Holmes is helping out the war effort instead of receiving cases to solve like in the first two books. It seems like the government is using Holmes as another weapon in the war (WWI, I think). Well, I learned from the Beekeeper's Apprentice that Holmes was a spy. But I didn't learn much about what he was spying on and for whom. Even in that book he received cases to solve. Now he is portrayed as a man leading the war effort, perhaps. Once Holmes breaks the code, England has a much better chance against the Germans.
In addition, Holmes seems to resemble Robert Langdon from The Davinci Code now. The First Sea Lord came back to Holmes with another type of code and Holmes says that the type of code dates back many centuries. Now he is like Langdon and has the knowledge of scripts and symbols. This just shows that Holmes has many abilities. All of which help him solve mysteries.
In addition, Holmes seems to resemble Robert Langdon from The Davinci Code now. The First Sea Lord came back to Holmes with another type of code and Holmes says that the type of code dates back many centuries. Now he is like Langdon and has the knowledge of scripts and symbols. This just shows that Holmes has many abilities. All of which help him solve mysteries.
The Case of the Greek Key (Post 2)
It is ironic that the government is relying so heavily on Sherlock Holmes to decode the German Naval Code. The government's own decoding squad couldn't even determine the type of code. Holmes believes he has the advantage of "recognising what sort of code it appears to be," (111). Here we see Holmes's conceited attitude. He seems to somehow know that he'll actually figure out the code. We also see that he's still the same workaholic. He doesn't stop his work. He has many, many books laid out on his desk trying to solve the case. I guess this is part of what makes Holmes so compelling. To readers, he may seem like the person who never gives up until something is finished. Plus, Holmes can solve every case that is thrown at him.
In this case, he does solve the code. He finds the answer in one of his books, called Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. He was shocked to find out that the answer lied in this book. He considered this book to be one of the last books he'd have to look through.
In this case, he does solve the code. He finds the answer in one of his books, called Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. He was shocked to find out that the answer lied in this book. He considered this book to be one of the last books he'd have to look through.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Case of the Greek Key (Post 1)
The Case of the Greek Key is another short story which is part of The Execution of Sherlock Holmes book.
Apparently Holmes is a man of humanity. He has a will and he kept a list of correspondences in his old trunk. They were "letters or notes to the poor and the desperate for whom he had worked without fee, rather as great defenders in the criminal courts will take poor persons' defences without recompense of any kind," (97). He has a philosophy similar to Francis Bacon--that "every man is a debtor to his profession and must make some return," (97). So, Holmes isn't so heartless as I once thought. He actually does care about the people and the connections that he is associated with. And again, Holmes shows that he has many connections. he knows the First Sea Lord and architect of the new Royal Navy. So he gets to see a new battleship in action. I'd also like to add to Holmes's special abilities. The British government wants him to break the German naval code. They said that all their workers couldn't do it. Holmes sees the documents and instantly finds an answer. This reminded me of the Davinci Code. Robert Langdon seems to be a Holmes type of character. Except he is devoted to codes and scriptures. Holmes is more of know it all. It is also ironic that the British government would actually come and find Holmes to decode a message. It just shows how intelligent Holmes really is.
Apparently Holmes is a man of humanity. He has a will and he kept a list of correspondences in his old trunk. They were "letters or notes to the poor and the desperate for whom he had worked without fee, rather as great defenders in the criminal courts will take poor persons' defences without recompense of any kind," (97). He has a philosophy similar to Francis Bacon--that "every man is a debtor to his profession and must make some return," (97). So, Holmes isn't so heartless as I once thought. He actually does care about the people and the connections that he is associated with. And again, Holmes shows that he has many connections. he knows the First Sea Lord and architect of the new Royal Navy. So he gets to see a new battleship in action. I'd also like to add to Holmes's special abilities. The British government wants him to break the German naval code. They said that all their workers couldn't do it. Holmes sees the documents and instantly finds an answer. This reminded me of the Davinci Code. Robert Langdon seems to be a Holmes type of character. Except he is devoted to codes and scriptures. Holmes is more of know it all. It is also ironic that the British government would actually come and find Holmes to decode a message. It just shows how intelligent Holmes really is.
The Execution of Sherlock Holmes (Post 4)
From my continued readings, more of Holmes's abilities are revealed. When he was trying to escape the prison, he was able to recall how to scale a prison wall. He was taught how to scale walls by a man named Henry Williams. I think Holmes used to work for a chimney sweeping company and Williams was his master. While he was scaling the prison wall, he kept remembering some of the things that his master used to say. I particularly like the one: "The blades may hurt you, but they won't kill you. Not unless you let'em," (62). The earlier books didn't never revealed that Holmes was an expert at scaling walls. He really gets his hands dirty as a detective. He was also characterized as having the suppleness of a cat. In addition, like in the Beekeeper's Apprentice, he uses disguises as usual. He was disguised as a one arm beggar and hid until it was time to come out of hiding.
Furthermore, we see a change in the relationship between Watson and Holmes. In the Beekeeper's Apprentice, Holmes revealed that he always used Watson and that Watson couldn't keep a secret. In this book, Holmes actually relies on Watson a lot more. From reading the first two Sherlock Holmes books, Watson was always following along and Holmes did all the solving. This time around, Watson is actually able to figure out some of the clues that Holmes sends to him. They communicate through codes whenever Holmes is away or in disguise. There was a musician who Watson stumbled upon and he played a certain tune which triggered a memory in Watson and the memory revealed where to meet Holmes. So we see that Holmes is cooperating with Watson a lot more.
Holmes is almost invincible. He is able to escape anything even his own death. That brain of his is really something! This ends the short story, The Execution of Sherlock Holmes.
Furthermore, we see a change in the relationship between Watson and Holmes. In the Beekeeper's Apprentice, Holmes revealed that he always used Watson and that Watson couldn't keep a secret. In this book, Holmes actually relies on Watson a lot more. From reading the first two Sherlock Holmes books, Watson was always following along and Holmes did all the solving. This time around, Watson is actually able to figure out some of the clues that Holmes sends to him. They communicate through codes whenever Holmes is away or in disguise. There was a musician who Watson stumbled upon and he played a certain tune which triggered a memory in Watson and the memory revealed where to meet Holmes. So we see that Holmes is cooperating with Watson a lot more.
Holmes is almost invincible. He is able to escape anything even his own death. That brain of his is really something! This ends the short story, The Execution of Sherlock Holmes.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Some Movie Tie-ins
In addition, I'd like to tie this in with a movie. Both National Treasure movies are about a man named Benjamin Gates who solves puzzles to find hidden treasure. Gates is a lot like Holmes because he can solve almost any anagram or decode any scriptures thrown at him. Also, Gates can get out of dire situations. In the second movie, Gates was able to find a way out of room filled with water. Gates volunteered to leave himself behind while another person would go through the door. I forgot how he did it though, it happened too fast. I'm probably going to have to re-watch these movies to do a more indepth analysis.
Yeah, I also saw another movie yesterday called, Hot Fuzz. The movie is about the British police force and the main character, Nicholas Angel, had wanted to be a cop since he was like five years old. He was incredibly intelligent and athletic because he held the record for the 300 meter dash or something and aced all the academy exams. He was the top cop in London. He had a record 350 arrests or something and only injured 3 times in action. He took his work really serious. He took it so serious that he had to be relocated to the countryside because he was making the other cops look bad. It was because he was arresting so many people. So in the countryside, he is just as serious and instantly arrests three people a day before he was to begin his new job. He was just like Holmes because he also didn't have a woman in his life. In addition, he was really strict. He pulled someone over for going like 40 mph in a 30 mph zone. He uses his trusty notepad and records the conversation between him and the driver. Angel manipulates him and gives him a ticket. Well, his wife left him because he took his job too seriously. In the countryside, he had to solve a crime because people were starting to die. Angel finds out that the head of the police there was trying to keep the village the best village in the country. It was an award handed out each year and so the conspiracy begins here, they plotted to kill all the criminals, such as graffiti artists or shoplifters. Angel finds the pit where the skeletons of these criminals are and he comes back with some heavy firearms and just annilates the village.
Yeah, I also saw another movie yesterday called, Hot Fuzz. The movie is about the British police force and the main character, Nicholas Angel, had wanted to be a cop since he was like five years old. He was incredibly intelligent and athletic because he held the record for the 300 meter dash or something and aced all the academy exams. He was the top cop in London. He had a record 350 arrests or something and only injured 3 times in action. He took his work really serious. He took it so serious that he had to be relocated to the countryside because he was making the other cops look bad. It was because he was arresting so many people. So in the countryside, he is just as serious and instantly arrests three people a day before he was to begin his new job. He was just like Holmes because he also didn't have a woman in his life. In addition, he was really strict. He pulled someone over for going like 40 mph in a 30 mph zone. He uses his trusty notepad and records the conversation between him and the driver. Angel manipulates him and gives him a ticket. Well, his wife left him because he took his job too seriously. In the countryside, he had to solve a crime because people were starting to die. Angel finds out that the head of the police there was trying to keep the village the best village in the country. It was an award handed out each year and so the conspiracy begins here, they plotted to kill all the criminals, such as graffiti artists or shoplifters. Angel finds the pit where the skeletons of these criminals are and he comes back with some heavy firearms and just annilates the village.
The Execution of Sherlock Holmes (Post 2)
Now, Holmes decides to try and break out of the jail. However, he still isn't successful because he is portrayed as helpless, defenseless and weak. He is sentenced to death and he finally realizes that the only way that he can get out is by using his intuition. He starts out by determining the location of the jail. He hears chimes and bells throughout the jail. He heard all these chimes from different churches that are around the city and from this he figures out that he is in Newgate Prison. Now this is just incredible because Holmes seems to have sharpened and improved his other senses in addition to his eyes. From sounds, he is able to figure out this much. I wonder what else he can figure out from just smaller bits of information.
So, Holmes starts off by using his stare to try and scare the guards. He doesn't succeed with one of them, but he does succeed with one of the guards named Mac. Now Mac is not as evil as the others. Holmes noticed from staring at him that Mac is somewhat more kind-hearted than the others. So, as usual, Holmes uses this weakness to his advantage. He still has the same intuition, he can figure out a person's history just from observing them. Holmes notices that Mac is a former Corporal from the Battle of Omdurman. He even figures out that Mac tried to marry someone and this really freaks him out. He eventually turns Mac to his side and makes an ally out of him. And Holmes asks for water and burnt biscuits. What's really interesting is that he observes all the intervals in which the guards check on the prisoners and he works his magic then. He opened the gas chamber and let the room he was in fill with gas while a guard was in there. He used the burnt biscuits and a pillowcase to make a respirator and from what he has seen of the jail, decides what to do next. Now this is very interesting because Holmes is a very good improvisor. He uses what he has and makes something of it. Also, he seems to know everything and things just come naturally to him, especially knowledge.
So, Holmes starts off by using his stare to try and scare the guards. He doesn't succeed with one of them, but he does succeed with one of the guards named Mac. Now Mac is not as evil as the others. Holmes noticed from staring at him that Mac is somewhat more kind-hearted than the others. So, as usual, Holmes uses this weakness to his advantage. He still has the same intuition, he can figure out a person's history just from observing them. Holmes notices that Mac is a former Corporal from the Battle of Omdurman. He even figures out that Mac tried to marry someone and this really freaks him out. He eventually turns Mac to his side and makes an ally out of him. And Holmes asks for water and burnt biscuits. What's really interesting is that he observes all the intervals in which the guards check on the prisoners and he works his magic then. He opened the gas chamber and let the room he was in fill with gas while a guard was in there. He used the burnt biscuits and a pillowcase to make a respirator and from what he has seen of the jail, decides what to do next. Now this is very interesting because Holmes is a very good improvisor. He uses what he has and makes something of it. Also, he seems to know everything and things just come naturally to him, especially knowledge.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Execution of Sherlock Holmes (Post 1)
So I started The Execution of Sherlock Holmes by Donald Thomas. It contains five short stories and this is the book written by a contemporary author.
It starts off with Holmes breaking into a house. However, their plan goes astray when the owner comes in and Watson and Holmes have to hide behind curtains. A lady visits the man and kills him. Holmes grabs the pistol and runs off with Watson. They meet two guards and shoot the pistol and Holmes just tosses the pistol. He doesn't keep it and is not worried that the police can trace it back to him. Now this is very unlike Holmes and I guess he wasn't thinking when he was faced with death.
Furthermore, this book portrays Holmes as a hopeless and helpless man because he ends up in jail and is about to be condemned to death. The police (I don't think it really is the police, it might be his enemies that are doing this) drug him. They use a drug that wipes away his short term memory. They do this every night and they pin him down and chain him to the bed. Each day he is brought to court and he feels very out of it. Each night he tries to find a way to break out and to figure out who the people are in court but he worries that he'll forget because of the drug. This is a dark and maybe more older Holmes. He seems useless because he's locked up and his food is cut for him. He's in a place where his intuition isn't that much of a help to him. I guess however he comes out of this situation will show what he truly is made of. I can only wonder how he will actually escape his death or will he finally die?
It starts off with Holmes breaking into a house. However, their plan goes astray when the owner comes in and Watson and Holmes have to hide behind curtains. A lady visits the man and kills him. Holmes grabs the pistol and runs off with Watson. They meet two guards and shoot the pistol and Holmes just tosses the pistol. He doesn't keep it and is not worried that the police can trace it back to him. Now this is very unlike Holmes and I guess he wasn't thinking when he was faced with death.
Furthermore, this book portrays Holmes as a hopeless and helpless man because he ends up in jail and is about to be condemned to death. The police (I don't think it really is the police, it might be his enemies that are doing this) drug him. They use a drug that wipes away his short term memory. They do this every night and they pin him down and chain him to the bed. Each day he is brought to court and he feels very out of it. Each night he tries to find a way to break out and to figure out who the people are in court but he worries that he'll forget because of the drug. This is a dark and maybe more older Holmes. He seems useless because he's locked up and his food is cut for him. He's in a place where his intuition isn't that much of a help to him. I guess however he comes out of this situation will show what he truly is made of. I can only wonder how he will actually escape his death or will he finally die?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Post 10)
So I finally finished the book. I have to say this book was very enjoyable. Holmes and Russell finally get out of their mess by distracting Miss Donleavy and pushing the gun out of the way. Russell was pierced by the bullet which went through her and killed Miss Donleavy.
To continue with my previous discussion:
This book portrays Holmes as more of a father figure and that he can be human when he needs to be. In this book he isn't all uptight about his detective work. Throughout the book, Holmes was always looking out for Russell, even in the end of the book when they were being threatened. Holmes told Miss Donleavy to leave her out of it and just take him instead. Holmes is actually showing some affection for others which he did not show in the previous books I read. Holmes was willing to put his reputation on the line to save Russell. He was threatened to sign a letter that proved that he was a fraud. This is very unlike Holmes from what Watson has shown us. I think that Holmes was just really happy that he's finally met someone who thinks in the same way he does. It was like he had a daughter, that was how close the relationship was. I mean Holmes is the only person who Russell is really close too. I guess you could say he's even considered family because Russell never liked her aunt. Also, Holmes was able to help Russell overcome her nightmare of guilt. In the end, Holmes was able to help Russell become more like himself. He helped her become an unique individual. I'll add more later if I can think of more things to say, hehe.
To continue with my previous discussion:
This book portrays Holmes as more of a father figure and that he can be human when he needs to be. In this book he isn't all uptight about his detective work. Throughout the book, Holmes was always looking out for Russell, even in the end of the book when they were being threatened. Holmes told Miss Donleavy to leave her out of it and just take him instead. Holmes is actually showing some affection for others which he did not show in the previous books I read. Holmes was willing to put his reputation on the line to save Russell. He was threatened to sign a letter that proved that he was a fraud. This is very unlike Holmes from what Watson has shown us. I think that Holmes was just really happy that he's finally met someone who thinks in the same way he does. It was like he had a daughter, that was how close the relationship was. I mean Holmes is the only person who Russell is really close too. I guess you could say he's even considered family because Russell never liked her aunt. Also, Holmes was able to help Russell overcome her nightmare of guilt. In the end, Holmes was able to help Russell become more like himself. He helped her become an unique individual. I'll add more later if I can think of more things to say, hehe.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Post 9)
Holmes and Russell decide to come out of hiding and go back to London. They decide to put on an act and convince the murderer that they've split up. However, none of it worked as the mastermind found out what Holmes was up to. Russell decoded the message that was inside the burnt cab and she found out that the murderer was her math tutor, who was the daughter of one of the criminals that Holmes killed.
As this apprenticeship develops, Holmes begins to show more of his human features. In this case, he's told Russell that he will have complete faith in her to solve the case. He believes that she can help lure the mastermind out. We also see that this case has pushed Holmes to the edge because the criminal is attacking the people who are most dear to him. He is forced into hiding and he is forced to break down his own defenses and accept the credibility of others. He's not so fearful of inferior minds as before. He even shows a bit of his charisma. Holmes says, "when the time comes, you will do it. I have faith in you, Russ," and the way he said it calmed Russell I guess. He is understanding and knows that he is putting a lot of responsibility in Russell's hands,so he tries to give her some kind of motivation. Holmes never had this type of relationship with Watson. Could this be because Russell is a woman? or is it that Holmes has met an equal? I think it is because he has met his equal. He's met someone who he can nurture and mold into someone who is capable of solving any case like he has. Maybe he says a bit of himself in Russell. Maybe Holmes was once like Russell and had to learn from someone too, he could even have had a master!! He is even acting almost like a lover to Russell. He occasionally embraces her and kisses her forehead. Well maybe more like a father comforting his daughter than a lover. Holmes listened to Russell when she had a recurring nightmare about her family's death. Holmes told Russell just what she wanted to hear. He acknowledged that it was hard for Russell to retain her guilt (she claimed she's killed her family because she yelled at her brother, which distracted her dad from driving. They were hit by a car and somehow Russell flew out of the car while her family tumbled off the cliff.). To be continued later...
As this apprenticeship develops, Holmes begins to show more of his human features. In this case, he's told Russell that he will have complete faith in her to solve the case. He believes that she can help lure the mastermind out. We also see that this case has pushed Holmes to the edge because the criminal is attacking the people who are most dear to him. He is forced into hiding and he is forced to break down his own defenses and accept the credibility of others. He's not so fearful of inferior minds as before. He even shows a bit of his charisma. Holmes says, "when the time comes, you will do it. I have faith in you, Russ," and the way he said it calmed Russell I guess. He is understanding and knows that he is putting a lot of responsibility in Russell's hands,so he tries to give her some kind of motivation. Holmes never had this type of relationship with Watson. Could this be because Russell is a woman? or is it that Holmes has met an equal? I think it is because he has met his equal. He's met someone who he can nurture and mold into someone who is capable of solving any case like he has. Maybe he says a bit of himself in Russell. Maybe Holmes was once like Russell and had to learn from someone too, he could even have had a master!! He is even acting almost like a lover to Russell. He occasionally embraces her and kisses her forehead. Well maybe more like a father comforting his daughter than a lover. Holmes listened to Russell when she had a recurring nightmare about her family's death. Holmes told Russell just what she wanted to hear. He acknowledged that it was hard for Russell to retain her guilt (she claimed she's killed her family because she yelled at her brother, which distracted her dad from driving. They were hit by a car and somehow Russell flew out of the car while her family tumbled off the cliff.). To be continued later...
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Post 8)
Holmes and Russell find their cab burnt and demolished. Holmes has Scotland Yard look at the clues to try and find the whereabouts of the criminal. When Russell leaves the storage room she was in, she calls for a cab. She dismisses two of them and climbs into the third one. Little did she know, Holmes was actually the driver of this one and he made Russell pull the revolver on him. This reveals that Holmes does like to take advantage of people, but in this case he was doing it for a quick laugh. In addition, Russell is introduced to Lestrade and even Lestrade can't believe that Holmes has finally decided to work with a partner.
The book thrives on Holmes's change from the old Holmes into a new and refreshened Holmes. Holmes is now more considerate of females and even acts like a father figure sometimes. He looks out for Russell and gives her nourishment. He is the one who is also guiding her and nurturing her growth as his apprentice. When someone attempted to kill Russell through a window, Holmes immediately isolated her in a windowless room. A package was delivered to their whereabouts and Holmes immediately has the bomb squad examine it. All in all, Holmes wants to keep Russell safe and out of harm's way while in the meantime, he ensures that Russell learns his trade well.
However, there were times when there was a role-reversal. When Russell found more news about the package and didn't want to leave the country so quickly, she yelled at Holmes like a mother would to a young boy. She told Holmes to take a shower and to dress casually and to get some rest. She urges him to recharge because Holmes had been up for a few days. Furthermore, Holmes is beginning to slip. He isn't as sharp anymore and Russell has begun to find some errors in Holmes's reasoning. Russell found out that the criminal is a woman and Holmes overlooked it. Russell even linked the package to the people involved with Jessica Simpson's ransom. Holmes acknowledges all this and doesn't talk to Russell until they arrive in Palestine.
Because of the apprenticeship, we see that Holmes begins to be more relateable. Despite having an immense intuition, he still has human flaws. For example, he cannot win over old age. We see that his mind is starting to deteriorate. Holmes is becoming a totally different person because of his relationship with Russell. However, I think he knows that he's going to have to give up his trade sooner or later. He gave Russell the choice of picking where to go and she picked Palestine. Holmes also mentions making Russell assume mastery instead of staying as an apprentice. I wonder if Holmes will die in this book and maybe finally acknowledge Russell as someone better than him.
The book thrives on Holmes's change from the old Holmes into a new and refreshened Holmes. Holmes is now more considerate of females and even acts like a father figure sometimes. He looks out for Russell and gives her nourishment. He is the one who is also guiding her and nurturing her growth as his apprentice. When someone attempted to kill Russell through a window, Holmes immediately isolated her in a windowless room. A package was delivered to their whereabouts and Holmes immediately has the bomb squad examine it. All in all, Holmes wants to keep Russell safe and out of harm's way while in the meantime, he ensures that Russell learns his trade well.
However, there were times when there was a role-reversal. When Russell found more news about the package and didn't want to leave the country so quickly, she yelled at Holmes like a mother would to a young boy. She told Holmes to take a shower and to dress casually and to get some rest. She urges him to recharge because Holmes had been up for a few days. Furthermore, Holmes is beginning to slip. He isn't as sharp anymore and Russell has begun to find some errors in Holmes's reasoning. Russell found out that the criminal is a woman and Holmes overlooked it. Russell even linked the package to the people involved with Jessica Simpson's ransom. Holmes acknowledges all this and doesn't talk to Russell until they arrive in Palestine.
Because of the apprenticeship, we see that Holmes begins to be more relateable. Despite having an immense intuition, he still has human flaws. For example, he cannot win over old age. We see that his mind is starting to deteriorate. Holmes is becoming a totally different person because of his relationship with Russell. However, I think he knows that he's going to have to give up his trade sooner or later. He gave Russell the choice of picking where to go and she picked Palestine. Holmes also mentions making Russell assume mastery instead of staying as an apprentice. I wonder if Holmes will die in this book and maybe finally acknowledge Russell as someone better than him.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 7)
Chapters 8-10
Holmes, Russell and Watson are targeted by a group of people. Holmes's and Watson's houses were bombed. There was also a bomb taped to the door of Russell's dorm. Holmes, Watson and Russell take refuge with Holmes's brother. Yes, Holmes actually has a brother. Though he's not as smart as him, but he does know Scotland Yard inside and out. His name is Mycroft Holmes, which is a strange name by the way. Furthermore, Russell discovers that Holmes is a master of disguise because he has many storage rooms all over London. Each one has food and clothes to change appearances.
To relate to the case, Holmes is like a superhero. He certainly has intelligence that is unnatural and he even admits that he has many enemies who try to take revenge on him. It doesn't help that Holmes is famous due to the published works of Watson. His relationship with Russell starts to reveal a lot of the humanness inside him. For example, he purposely dressed up as an old woman and convinced Russell that a burglar was inside her dorm. He did this to make sure that she could still pick up clues and make the right decisions in case of an emergency. I saw this as representative of a father who's looking out for the safety of his daughter. I guess he's also very overprotective and he even got into the room with back injuries. This is probably what would happen if Holmes ever had children. When Russell does find out that the old woman is Holmes, the roles switch. Holmes has Russell tend to the wounds in his back. Once she's finished, she orders Holmes to lie on the bed and not sleep in a chair. He gives in like a child to a mother. He even admires Russell's long hair, which is a first. He notes the "vestige of feminity." This is true of an apprenticeship.
In addition, from Russell's point of view, we see that Holmes wasn't fond of Watson. Russell acknowledges that Holmes is always deceiving Watson because Watson cannot lie when asked to.
Holmes, Russell and Watson are targeted by a group of people. Holmes's and Watson's houses were bombed. There was also a bomb taped to the door of Russell's dorm. Holmes, Watson and Russell take refuge with Holmes's brother. Yes, Holmes actually has a brother. Though he's not as smart as him, but he does know Scotland Yard inside and out. His name is Mycroft Holmes, which is a strange name by the way. Furthermore, Russell discovers that Holmes is a master of disguise because he has many storage rooms all over London. Each one has food and clothes to change appearances.
To relate to the case, Holmes is like a superhero. He certainly has intelligence that is unnatural and he even admits that he has many enemies who try to take revenge on him. It doesn't help that Holmes is famous due to the published works of Watson. His relationship with Russell starts to reveal a lot of the humanness inside him. For example, he purposely dressed up as an old woman and convinced Russell that a burglar was inside her dorm. He did this to make sure that she could still pick up clues and make the right decisions in case of an emergency. I saw this as representative of a father who's looking out for the safety of his daughter. I guess he's also very overprotective and he even got into the room with back injuries. This is probably what would happen if Holmes ever had children. When Russell does find out that the old woman is Holmes, the roles switch. Holmes has Russell tend to the wounds in his back. Once she's finished, she orders Holmes to lie on the bed and not sleep in a chair. He gives in like a child to a mother. He even admires Russell's long hair, which is a first. He notes the "vestige of feminity." This is true of an apprenticeship.
In addition, from Russell's point of view, we see that Holmes wasn't fond of Watson. Russell acknowledges that Holmes is always deceiving Watson because Watson cannot lie when asked to.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Post 6)
Book Two
Chapters 5-7
Russell embarks on her first big case with Holmes. It involves the kidnap of a baby and a ransom has to be met in a couple of days. Russell mentions that she'll get to see the true Sherlock Holmes at his best. All the cases she's had were minor ones and now she'll be able to witness Holmes's true ability. Because Russell is attending college, Holmes has begun to embark on cases himself. The author seems to suggest that Holmes is very protective of his image. He wants to ensure that he is still the most intelligent and ruthless man in the world. He constantly has to keep up, so to speak, with the image that Watson has created for him. That's why he prefers to solve some cases by himself. He's overprotective of his cases and likes to work alone. He doesn't like the fact that he's being refered to as a "miracle worker." He's the last man that people go to when cases cannot be solved. This makes him mad sometimes. So I guess Mary Russell is a challenge for him because he's always worked alone. Holmes admits that he's never considered Watson as a true partner. He considers Russell to be his first real partner because she was able to solve the case on her own. She found her own way inside the house where the baby was and carried the baby to safety.
In addition, Holmes decided at first that he didn't want Russell to be a part of the case, but she demanded that she be involved and Holmes gave in. It seems that Holmes may be letting go of his fear and hatred women because of his relationship with Russell. Either that or he's just being nice. Also in this book, the author reveals more change in Holmes. She shows much more about him that I didn't see in the older version. Holmes actually showed compassion when he was speaking to the mother of the baby in order to get information from her. He comforted the mother and held her hand. Furthermore, he treats Russell like a daughter and appreciates her input and presence in the current case. However, he does mock Russell's inexperience. For example, they were trying to figure out how the criminals left the scene. She guessed by automobile but was completely wrong because there were no tracks.
Finally, by having Holmes take an apprentice, such as Russell, it brings out the human side of him. When the baby was finally reunited with her family, Holmes cried. I'm guessing he did because he blew his nose loudly. He also finally acknowledges Russell because she was able to make the right decisions and solve the case by herself without too much help from Holmes. Holmes also reveals his reason for using cocaine after a case-cases usually wear him out. He loses sleep and the body just shuts down and he's completely exhausted. Russell experiences it first hand at the end of the case. She sleeps for a day.
Chapters 5-7
Russell embarks on her first big case with Holmes. It involves the kidnap of a baby and a ransom has to be met in a couple of days. Russell mentions that she'll get to see the true Sherlock Holmes at his best. All the cases she's had were minor ones and now she'll be able to witness Holmes's true ability. Because Russell is attending college, Holmes has begun to embark on cases himself. The author seems to suggest that Holmes is very protective of his image. He wants to ensure that he is still the most intelligent and ruthless man in the world. He constantly has to keep up, so to speak, with the image that Watson has created for him. That's why he prefers to solve some cases by himself. He's overprotective of his cases and likes to work alone. He doesn't like the fact that he's being refered to as a "miracle worker." He's the last man that people go to when cases cannot be solved. This makes him mad sometimes. So I guess Mary Russell is a challenge for him because he's always worked alone. Holmes admits that he's never considered Watson as a true partner. He considers Russell to be his first real partner because she was able to solve the case on her own. She found her own way inside the house where the baby was and carried the baby to safety.
In addition, Holmes decided at first that he didn't want Russell to be a part of the case, but she demanded that she be involved and Holmes gave in. It seems that Holmes may be letting go of his fear and hatred women because of his relationship with Russell. Either that or he's just being nice. Also in this book, the author reveals more change in Holmes. She shows much more about him that I didn't see in the older version. Holmes actually showed compassion when he was speaking to the mother of the baby in order to get information from her. He comforted the mother and held her hand. Furthermore, he treats Russell like a daughter and appreciates her input and presence in the current case. However, he does mock Russell's inexperience. For example, they were trying to figure out how the criminals left the scene. She guessed by automobile but was completely wrong because there were no tracks.
Finally, by having Holmes take an apprentice, such as Russell, it brings out the human side of him. When the baby was finally reunited with her family, Holmes cried. I'm guessing he did because he blew his nose loudly. He also finally acknowledges Russell because she was able to make the right decisions and solve the case by herself without too much help from Holmes. Holmes also reveals his reason for using cocaine after a case-cases usually wear him out. He loses sleep and the body just shuts down and he's completely exhausted. Russell experiences it first hand at the end of the case. She sleeps for a day.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 5)
Chapters 3-4
We see that Holmes becomes more of a father figure. For example, Holmes began making puzzles for Russell to solve. They've also began playing chess. He even shows her how opium is made. So, Holmes is still a bit of a drug addict.
Holmes has many connections. He's come in contact with "kings, and sewer-men, and ladies of uncertain virtue," (35). He socializes with the upper class and maybe that's why he hates inferior beings.
However, Holmes does view Russell as Russell and not as some female. He would ignore the fact that she is a female. It was her attitudes, her choice of clothing and the shape of her body that protected him from having to acknowledge her nature. Holmes still has the fear of the opposite sex.
Furthermore, Russell attends Oxford University. When she came back for her birthday, she received presents from Watson, Holmes, and Mrs. Hudson. He received a brooch made of silver that was covered by pearls. Inside was a picture of Holmes's grandma who looks just like Russell.
Russell and Holmes finally receive their first case together. Mr. Barker was ill and his wife wanted to find the cause of it. She also thought he was a traitor to England and was sending messages to Germany. Holmes and Russell observed his house at night. They finally catch the criminal who was one of Mr. Barker's servants. However, it was Holmes who really did all the work. He went up onto the roof of Mr. Barker's house and found cigarettes and a slab of wood. He analyzed and even found out that someone was monitoring Mr. Barker's calls through a telephone line. Russell was merely following Holmes.
Next, Russell finds a case that she wants to solve for her friend. But Holmes at first objected to it because he doesn't care for smaller cases. But he gave in and eventually went to the scene of the crime. Holmes has definitely changed because he usually wouldn't give in so easily, but this time it was Russell who urged him to. They even use a dog to trace the ham that was stolen. I don't know why someone would steal hams, but they chase the criminal to a smokehouse and he was holding the box that he stole.
Sorry, if these brief summaries don't really make sense, I didn't feel like summarizing too much.
We see that Holmes becomes more of a father figure. For example, Holmes began making puzzles for Russell to solve. They've also began playing chess. He even shows her how opium is made. So, Holmes is still a bit of a drug addict.
Holmes has many connections. He's come in contact with "kings, and sewer-men, and ladies of uncertain virtue," (35). He socializes with the upper class and maybe that's why he hates inferior beings.
However, Holmes does view Russell as Russell and not as some female. He would ignore the fact that she is a female. It was her attitudes, her choice of clothing and the shape of her body that protected him from having to acknowledge her nature. Holmes still has the fear of the opposite sex.
Furthermore, Russell attends Oxford University. When she came back for her birthday, she received presents from Watson, Holmes, and Mrs. Hudson. He received a brooch made of silver that was covered by pearls. Inside was a picture of Holmes's grandma who looks just like Russell.
Russell and Holmes finally receive their first case together. Mr. Barker was ill and his wife wanted to find the cause of it. She also thought he was a traitor to England and was sending messages to Germany. Holmes and Russell observed his house at night. They finally catch the criminal who was one of Mr. Barker's servants. However, it was Holmes who really did all the work. He went up onto the roof of Mr. Barker's house and found cigarettes and a slab of wood. He analyzed and even found out that someone was monitoring Mr. Barker's calls through a telephone line. Russell was merely following Holmes.
Next, Russell finds a case that she wants to solve for her friend. But Holmes at first objected to it because he doesn't care for smaller cases. But he gave in and eventually went to the scene of the crime. Holmes has definitely changed because he usually wouldn't give in so easily, but this time it was Russell who urged him to. They even use a dog to trace the ham that was stolen. I don't know why someone would steal hams, but they chase the criminal to a smokehouse and he was holding the box that he stole.
Sorry, if these brief summaries don't really make sense, I didn't feel like summarizing too much.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 4)
Saanchi, you made a good observation about Russell's name and its connotation.
Chapter 2
"One came hither, to the school of the bees, to be taught the preoccupations of all-powerful nature...and the lesson of ardent and disinterested work; and another lesson too...to enjoy the almost unspeakable delights of those immaculate days that revolved on themselves in the fields of space, forming merely a transparent globe, as void of memory as the happiness without alloy," (King).
Russell and Holmes grew closer as time passed. Russell spends at least one day a week in Holmes's house. Usually she would also spend more time if Holmes needed an extra hand on an experiment. Holmes became her "foremost friend, tutor, substitute father, and eventually confidant," (29). So I see that their relationship has become more of a father-daughter relationship. Obviously, Russell looks up to Holmes for guidance and help. They've stopped addressing each other formally with "Mr." and "Miss." They've become so close that they "came to end the other's sentences, even to answer an unasked question," (29). This father-daughter relationship has given Holmes a new purpose in life. Before he had met Russell, he was drugging himself to death and was lifeless. Now he seems to be lively and he's even stopped his cocaine addiction! And I thought he hated women? But I think it's because he's found an equal, a best friend basically. He's found somehow who's interested in the same stuff that he is and who is as intelligent as he is. Finally, Watson believes that Holmes has been resurrected by Holmes denies it.
In addition, Russell met Watson for the first time. She hated him at first and wondered why Holmes still kept in touch with him. However, she finds Watson to be the purest of people. Holmes states his reason:
"Polished is a good image. Seeing myself reflected in Watson's eyes was useful when contemplating a case that was giving me problems. He taught me a great deal about how humans function, what drives them. He keeps me humble, does Watson. At any rate, as humble as I can be," (33).
In their previous partnership, I guess Holmes had all the brains, while Watson had the sympathy for human existence. I don't know if this makes any sense.
Chapter 2
"One came hither, to the school of the bees, to be taught the preoccupations of all-powerful nature...and the lesson of ardent and disinterested work; and another lesson too...to enjoy the almost unspeakable delights of those immaculate days that revolved on themselves in the fields of space, forming merely a transparent globe, as void of memory as the happiness without alloy," (King).
Russell and Holmes grew closer as time passed. Russell spends at least one day a week in Holmes's house. Usually she would also spend more time if Holmes needed an extra hand on an experiment. Holmes became her "foremost friend, tutor, substitute father, and eventually confidant," (29). So I see that their relationship has become more of a father-daughter relationship. Obviously, Russell looks up to Holmes for guidance and help. They've stopped addressing each other formally with "Mr." and "Miss." They've become so close that they "came to end the other's sentences, even to answer an unasked question," (29). This father-daughter relationship has given Holmes a new purpose in life. Before he had met Russell, he was drugging himself to death and was lifeless. Now he seems to be lively and he's even stopped his cocaine addiction! And I thought he hated women? But I think it's because he's found an equal, a best friend basically. He's found somehow who's interested in the same stuff that he is and who is as intelligent as he is. Finally, Watson believes that Holmes has been resurrected by Holmes denies it.
In addition, Russell met Watson for the first time. She hated him at first and wondered why Holmes still kept in touch with him. However, she finds Watson to be the purest of people. Holmes states his reason:
"Polished is a good image. Seeing myself reflected in Watson's eyes was useful when contemplating a case that was giving me problems. He taught me a great deal about how humans function, what drives them. He keeps me humble, does Watson. At any rate, as humble as I can be," (33).
In their previous partnership, I guess Holmes had all the brains, while Watson had the sympathy for human existence. I don't know if this makes any sense.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 3)
Chapter 1 (cont.)
Despite age getting the best of Holmes, he is still considered "A Legend." Russell considers Holmes a legend and the stories from Watson have immortalized Holmes as one. But the funny thing is that Russell isn't amazed by the "legend" so far. His manners are terrible and he seems to lack the intuition that he was once so famous for.
Though, Russell is just like Holmes. Because of this, this makes the book very interesting to read. She views the world almost the same as Holmes too. She has the same opinion of bees as does Holmes. They both believe that bees are like humans. The females do all the work while the males do nothing and all the bees ever do is gather honey. Honey that is only to be stolen and used by humans.
Furthermore, the author zooms into the relationship between Holmes and Mrs. Hudson who is his housekeeper. Now, the previous books didn't reveal much about her, but Holmes doesn't really appreciate Mrs. Hudson. Holmes is not fond of the amount of food that Mrs. Hudson makes for Holmes. She manages his diet and was glad that Holmes actually ate when Russell was over.
So Holmes wants to learn more about Russell, but she challenges him to a contest. They will try to figure out each other's past using Holmes's deductive reasoning. Holmes goes first and believes that his mind is rusty. But it isn't and he is spot on. He figured out everything about Russell from just looking at her. However, not everyone is fond of Holmes's ability. Watson was astonished by it, but Russell feels that his ability is like witchcraft. She claims that he would have been burned 200 years ago. Then Russell begins to try and figure out Holmes's past. She fails at first because she guesses the wrong age. Apparently Holmes hates guessing. He believes it is "a weakness brought on by indolence and should never be confused with intuition," (21). Russell tries harder and seems to get it right. While she was doing this, it revealed a lot about Holmes's past. He has a shaky relationship with his parents and it seems that he's distanced himself from his family. But he still keeps a formal photograph of his family on the shelf close to his chair. He doesn't mount it on the wall and it seems that he still wants to remember them somehow. Russell believes his past relationship with his family has prevented him from trusting women. She even discovers that he used to be a spy and was supposed to spy on the Kaiser of Germany. She had noticed that he had an area of pale skin on his chin where a goatee used to be. After she finished Holmes could do nothing but stare with amusement.
Finally, Holmes seems to find much pleasure in this new relationship. He's found someone who shares the same gift that he has. It will be interesting to find out more about the clash between a feminist and a woman-hater.
Despite age getting the best of Holmes, he is still considered "A Legend." Russell considers Holmes a legend and the stories from Watson have immortalized Holmes as one. But the funny thing is that Russell isn't amazed by the "legend" so far. His manners are terrible and he seems to lack the intuition that he was once so famous for.
Though, Russell is just like Holmes. Because of this, this makes the book very interesting to read. She views the world almost the same as Holmes too. She has the same opinion of bees as does Holmes. They both believe that bees are like humans. The females do all the work while the males do nothing and all the bees ever do is gather honey. Honey that is only to be stolen and used by humans.
Furthermore, the author zooms into the relationship between Holmes and Mrs. Hudson who is his housekeeper. Now, the previous books didn't reveal much about her, but Holmes doesn't really appreciate Mrs. Hudson. Holmes is not fond of the amount of food that Mrs. Hudson makes for Holmes. She manages his diet and was glad that Holmes actually ate when Russell was over.
So Holmes wants to learn more about Russell, but she challenges him to a contest. They will try to figure out each other's past using Holmes's deductive reasoning. Holmes goes first and believes that his mind is rusty. But it isn't and he is spot on. He figured out everything about Russell from just looking at her. However, not everyone is fond of Holmes's ability. Watson was astonished by it, but Russell feels that his ability is like witchcraft. She claims that he would have been burned 200 years ago. Then Russell begins to try and figure out Holmes's past. She fails at first because she guesses the wrong age. Apparently Holmes hates guessing. He believes it is "a weakness brought on by indolence and should never be confused with intuition," (21). Russell tries harder and seems to get it right. While she was doing this, it revealed a lot about Holmes's past. He has a shaky relationship with his parents and it seems that he's distanced himself from his family. But he still keeps a formal photograph of his family on the shelf close to his chair. He doesn't mount it on the wall and it seems that he still wants to remember them somehow. Russell believes his past relationship with his family has prevented him from trusting women. She even discovers that he used to be a spy and was supposed to spy on the Kaiser of Germany. She had noticed that he had an area of pale skin on his chin where a goatee used to be. After she finished Holmes could do nothing but stare with amusement.
Finally, Holmes seems to find much pleasure in this new relationship. He's found someone who shares the same gift that he has. It will be interesting to find out more about the clash between a feminist and a woman-hater.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 2)
Chapter 1
Yeah, like I said I'm going to break down my discussion.
"The discovery of a sign of true intellect outside ourselves procures us something of the emotion Robinson Crusoe felt when he saw the imprint of a human foot on the sandy beach of his island," (King).
Mary Russell describes her early encounter with Holmes at the age of fifteen. She was reading a book and she bumped into Holmes. As usual, Holmes still looks down on people. He still has his "singularly condescending and irritating manner," (6). What was funny was that Russell was ready to fight Holmes because of his response. It'll be interesting to see Holmes's conflict with a young and pugnacious girl. In there encounter, Holmes was challenged because Russell was able to figure out Holmes's reason for lying in the hillside. She figured out that he was watching for bees in order to replenish his stock. She did this using the same deduction methods that Holmes has. So Holmes has met his match at last? Yes and no because her deduction isn't as sharp as Holmes and I'll explain this in the next post. After Russell figured out Holmes's plans, he replied, "My God it can think," (8). Yes, Holmes is still not fond of the weak minded. But, Russell snaps back, "My God, it can recognise another human being when it's hit over the head with one. And to think that I was raised to believe that old people had decent manners," (8). It is amusing to see the clash between Holmes and Russell because Russell is much more rebellious.
What angers Russell even more was that Holmes's deduction fails him. He calls her "young man." This just enrages Russell. But Holmes's shows a side that he didn't show in the previous books I read. He laughs at this and it shows that he's still a regular human being despite having his gift. He never laughed in the previous books. I guess old age seems to make people nicer since they know their lives are coming to an end. Another example is that Holmes seems to want to enjoy life more as he gets older. When he escorted Russell to his house for tea, he ran down a hill with full speed almost like a child would. Maybe he isn't what he used to be, a hard and unbreakable man who doesn't trust women. Someone who always keeps his defenses up. But he's still hospitable as he offers an invitation to Russell for tea at his house.
What's also intriguing is that Holmes has declined a right to knighthood previously. In addition, why would Holmes become a beekeeper? He's even turned to writing books.
Yeah, like I said I'm going to break down my discussion.
"The discovery of a sign of true intellect outside ourselves procures us something of the emotion Robinson Crusoe felt when he saw the imprint of a human foot on the sandy beach of his island," (King).
Mary Russell describes her early encounter with Holmes at the age of fifteen. She was reading a book and she bumped into Holmes. As usual, Holmes still looks down on people. He still has his "singularly condescending and irritating manner," (6). What was funny was that Russell was ready to fight Holmes because of his response. It'll be interesting to see Holmes's conflict with a young and pugnacious girl. In there encounter, Holmes was challenged because Russell was able to figure out Holmes's reason for lying in the hillside. She figured out that he was watching for bees in order to replenish his stock. She did this using the same deduction methods that Holmes has. So Holmes has met his match at last? Yes and no because her deduction isn't as sharp as Holmes and I'll explain this in the next post. After Russell figured out Holmes's plans, he replied, "My God it can think," (8). Yes, Holmes is still not fond of the weak minded. But, Russell snaps back, "My God, it can recognise another human being when it's hit over the head with one. And to think that I was raised to believe that old people had decent manners," (8). It is amusing to see the clash between Holmes and Russell because Russell is much more rebellious.
What angers Russell even more was that Holmes's deduction fails him. He calls her "young man." This just enrages Russell. But Holmes's shows a side that he didn't show in the previous books I read. He laughs at this and it shows that he's still a regular human being despite having his gift. He never laughed in the previous books. I guess old age seems to make people nicer since they know their lives are coming to an end. Another example is that Holmes seems to want to enjoy life more as he gets older. When he escorted Russell to his house for tea, he ran down a hill with full speed almost like a child would. Maybe he isn't what he used to be, a hard and unbreakable man who doesn't trust women. Someone who always keeps his defenses up. But he's still hospitable as he offers an invitation to Russell for tea at his house.
What's also intriguing is that Holmes has declined a right to knighthood previously. In addition, why would Holmes become a beekeeper? He's even turned to writing books.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (post 1)
I have a lot to say about this book so far, so I'm going to break it up into separate posts.So a little background on the Beekeeper's Apprentice:
Sherlock Holmes has been retired for a decade and a half. The nineteenth century has ended-gas lamps are replaced by electric ones, horse drawn carriages are replaced by automobiles and telephones were beginning to circulate. Moreover, Europe is engulfed in the first world war...
After reading the summary on the sides of the cover, I realized that this book is going to be great. It pits Holmes against a younger woman who's trying to learn his trade and technique in solving cases. It'll be interesting to see how Holmes deals with this younger woman because from what I have read so far about Holmes, he doesn't seem too fond of women and he definitely doesn't trust them at all.
I've read the prelude and it really made me interested. I think I'm going to quote the phrases that occur before each chapter/section:
"To this spot a sort of aged philosopher had retired...Here he had built his refuge, being a little weary of interrogating men...."
So Holmes has moved out of London and I think he lives in the countryside. From Mary Russell's (who is the woman that Holmes encounters) prelude, she states that Holmes has been immortalized by writers and journalists of his time period. Holmes has had stories and novels written about him where authors are "plucking him up and setting him down in bizarre situations, putting impossible words into his mouth, and obscuring the legend still further." Watson has published his accounts of Sherlock Holmes and from there, Holmes has "become ethereal, dreamy. Fictional." Russell keeps mentioning Conan Doyle and this is making me believe that Holmes was actually real, I don't know if he is. I'll try and research more about that. From the prelude, Russell says she be offering a different perspective of Holmes. Watson had viewed Holmes from "a position of inferiority, and his perspective was always shaped by this." But now Russell is an equal to Holmes. She has the same kind of intuition as he does. So it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Lastly I leave the last lines of Russell's Prelude that I thought were very metaphorical and they make a lot of sense:
"To continue with the analogy, my perspective, my brush technique, my use of colour and shade, are all entirely different from his[Watson]. The subject is essentially the same; it is the eyes and the hands of the artist that change."
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Chapters 10-12
Oh snap! first post of 2008
So, Holmes and Watson borrow a police boat and they chase down the Aurora. A battle ensues in which, Tonga, the man who fired the poisoned arrow is killed. They capture Jonathan Small, who is the man with the wooden leg and Watson brings the treasure chest to Miss Morstan. However, when they open it there is nothing inside. Small tells his story and reveals who the "four" were. Including Small, they were people who originally found the treasure. Major Sholto and Captain Morstan were involved because Small promised to divide the treasure by 5, but Major Sholto ran off with the treasure and Small wanted revenge. And this leads to the death of Major Sholto, whom Tonga kills.
I don't really have much to say about the final chapters, though I did notice that Holmes is afraid of love. Holmes believes love "is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things. I should never marry myself, lest I bias my judgment," (157).
In addition, Holmes definitely is a drug addict. Watson is a bit disappointed that everyone else is rewarded. For example, Watson is going to marry Miss Morstan and Jones gets all the credit. Holmes says that he gets the cocaine-bottle. When I first read this I laughed. It just seems odd for a man of such intelligence to reward himself with cocaine. And this is how the book ends-Holmes reaches up for the bottle... Well on to my next book
So, Holmes and Watson borrow a police boat and they chase down the Aurora. A battle ensues in which, Tonga, the man who fired the poisoned arrow is killed. They capture Jonathan Small, who is the man with the wooden leg and Watson brings the treasure chest to Miss Morstan. However, when they open it there is nothing inside. Small tells his story and reveals who the "four" were. Including Small, they were people who originally found the treasure. Major Sholto and Captain Morstan were involved because Small promised to divide the treasure by 5, but Major Sholto ran off with the treasure and Small wanted revenge. And this leads to the death of Major Sholto, whom Tonga kills.
I don't really have much to say about the final chapters, though I did notice that Holmes is afraid of love. Holmes believes love "is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things. I should never marry myself, lest I bias my judgment," (157).
In addition, Holmes definitely is a drug addict. Watson is a bit disappointed that everyone else is rewarded. For example, Watson is going to marry Miss Morstan and Jones gets all the credit. Holmes says that he gets the cocaine-bottle. When I first read this I laughed. It just seems odd for a man of such intelligence to reward himself with cocaine. And this is how the book ends-Holmes reaches up for the bottle... Well on to my next book
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)