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General Points of Concern 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Add prompt related material Change (formatting or Prompt) Organize Unnecessary Talk about POV Define audience

Kurtis Wragg #41569609 February 19, 2014 Lynda Haas Writing 37 The Modern Eccentric Add hook The BBC Sherlock TV italicize series follows the conventions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles 19th century Sherlock Holmes stories that set the precedent for further mystery genre novels. In the mystery genre a case is presented and the detective plays the "intellectual game" whereby he surveys the scene and gathers evidence. (Dine) Next, he uses that evidence to systematically deduct plausible explanations until the certain capture or death of the guilty. Move to the beginning to make the essay more interesting The influence of modern entertainment makes its way into each of the stories while keeping the original conventions. For example, Holmes is now referred to as Sherlock to mimic modern norms of referring to people by their first name. In particular, Holmes has become more eccentric and dramatic in his actions. In the original text he often was portrayed through Watsons writing as unconventional and having an addictive personality. The new interpretation of Holmes that airs on the BBC has amplified these qualities further signifying their importance to the mystery genre novels. Todays viewership has responded well to the modern interpretations accurate depiction of the historic cases and now boasts 9.2 million viewers after only 9 episodes. (BBC) It follows the

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original as well as incorporates the modern touches that allow the current reader to connect with the show. In one episode, the BBC Sherlock followed the famous story line of The Hound of Baskervilles only changing it name to be The Hounds of Baskerville. In The Hound of Baskverilles Sherlock struggles to keep an inactive mind because he cannot find an interesting case to solve at the beginning. Much like the original, in The Hounds of Baskerville episode, one finds Sherlock pacing up and down his apartment trying to find a case to solve. In both cases, Holmes displays his inability to be inactive. The eccentric behavior of Holmes in both

the original, and Modern interpretation, provides the foundation of his character and explains the mastermind detectives knowledge and ability to observe and deduct. Rewrite to follow formula In the modern version of Sherlock Holmes, the behavior of Holmes helps form his detective capabilities in the minds of the reader. In the opening scene of The Hounds of Baskerville episode, Sherlock paces the room awaiting Watson to find an interesting case for him to solve. Watson reads through the newspaper and Holmes becomes impatient. Holmes has recently decided to quit smoking and demands that Watson give him his cigarettes. Holmes is addicted to nicotine and smokes regularly when he has nothing to do.Delete He becomes erratic and soon is throwing papers into the air in search of his cigarettes. He compares his mind to an engine racing out of control to Watsons brain which is placid in attempt to get compassion from Watson, but fails. The scene ends with the ring of the doorbell and soon Holmes finds his mind deep into a complicated mystery. In this brief clip the reasoning behind the eccentric behavior of Holmes is finally exposed.RepetitiveDelete Doyle develops the eccentricity of Holmes in order to differentiate (him) from societal norms or enhance a sense of inimitable identity (Eccentricity). He is unlike any other detective when it comes to his work so Doyle uses his unique characteristics to further shape his character into a detective genius. His unconventional

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behavior makes him become a more memorable character and further enhances the focus on him. His mind cant be stagnant and needs stimulation. The eccentric and unorthodox behaviors of Holmes create a character that no reader can relate to. The unique behavior raises questions in the minds or the audience and leaves them guessing at what the detective is thinking throughout the case. Furthermore, his uncanny ability to solve mysteries through his use of observation and deduction is explained. His sporadic movements are evidence of an active mind. This leads to the conclusion that he is able to observe all of the details at a crime scene and quickly deduct a plausible scenario to further pursue. These actions help to predict the detectives process to discovery. Re-word The modern show uses techniques of film to further enhance the scene and the importance of main characters such as Holmes. The film cuts from view to view rapidly following whoever was speaking and followed their movements. The voice of Holmes triumphs over Watsons and is the main source of mood for the entire scene. The shots of Watson tend to show him in the background while Holmes is close to the camera. The view shows POV the perspective of where one would be looking if in the room and therefore makes the audience feel as if they are in the room. Holmes is the main character and the entire scene revolves around him much like the entire Sherlock Holmes series of the late 19th century. His outlandish

behavior gets the audience interested and the plot line keeps them interested. The actors dramatized movements make an exciting and engaging screenplay that keeps the everyday viewer interested. Often, actors will overreact or embellish a character in order to illustrate the characters thought process in a more cohesive manner. Had the actors chosen to be dull and unemotional many viewers would not truly understand the character and therefore misinterpret

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the characters qualities such as Holmes effective use of observation, deduction, and knowledge. The producer uses all of this to engage the audience. In the original story, The Sign of the Four, written by Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes is eccentric behavior is used to explain his genius. Watson finally works up the nerve to confront Holmes about his drug use while at their apartment. ADD further explanation before quoting where is the quote from? Why is cocaine no used in the modern text? He had watched him inject cocaine three times daily for the last three months and wanted him to stop. Sherlock goes on to explain his drug use by overruling the ill effects of cocaine on the body due to its benefits. My mind, he said, rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am I my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with the artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave the mental exaltation (Doyle). Holmes drug use further separates him from the other characters of the novel which Doyle uses to make him stand out. His explanation is well thought out, as are all of his other decisions and, although unnatural, seem perfectly logical. It is human nature to begin to wonder about the unknown so because of this, one takes interest in characters like Holmes. He is eccentric to separate him from the rest of the characters in the novel. His overactive mind explains his abilities as a detective. He is able to process massive amounts of information all at once and connect the clues to form a conclusion. Without out his eccentrics, Holmes would be overlooked by most readers WHO and would not be as well-known and popular. This new version of the classic Holmes uses the established characteristics as well as modern additions to create a more attractive show.TO WHO? The producer did this so that the critics who wanted an accurate depiction of Holmes would be pleased while the everyday

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viewer is fascinated and drawn to the screen by his dramatic acting. The producer looked to please both parties to increase his viewership. It is shown through the wide popularity of the TV series to have been effective. He is separated from the average person and stands out while someone may be flipping through the channels. Once someone has seen him in a previous episode they are drawn back to the show due to their interest in his unusual behavior. The

modern interpretation made by the BBC further dramatizes the unusual behaviors of Holmes in order to aid in the development of his character and ease the complexity of understanding him.

Works Cited 1. BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2014.

<http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018ttws>.

2. Dine, S.S. Van. ""Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories"(1928)." Twenty Rules for
Writing Detective Stories (1928) by S.S. Van Dine. Gaslight, Sept. 1928. Web. 19 Feb. 2014. <http://gaslight.mtroyal.ca/vandine.htm>.

3. Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Sign of the Four. Chicago: W.B. Conkey, 1900. Print. 4. "Eccentricity (behavior)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 Feb.
2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eccentricity_%28behavior%29>.