THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLE

Text based long answer questions-

Q1. How does the author build the atmosphere of mystery and suspense in the beginning of the story?(Chapter 1)
Ans. Conan Doyle effectively creates a mood of suspense and fear in this chapter: even though it is set in Holmes and
Watsons Baker Street apartment, it is filled with haunting descriptions of Baskerville Hall, the site of strangeand,
perhaps, supernaturaloccurrences. The novel is a work of mystery, not horror; nevertheless, this chapter contains
elements which fill the reader with a certain fear. A secret, shameful family history in the tale of Hugo Baskerville:
first description of the so-called hound, with its blazing eyes and dripping jaws; the circumstances surrounding Sir
Charles death, and Mortimers nearly whispered revelation of seeing the footprints of a gigantic hound add to
the element of suspense. The detailed mention of the manuscript creates mystery because we don't know fully what
it means. Doyle sustains the curiosity of the reader by keeping up the conflict between natural and supernatural. The
setting of the novel itself helps in building the atmosphere of suspense. The lonely and deserted moor, the manor
and the strange behaviour of the people living around it keeps the momentum.
Q2. What deductions were made by Holmes and Dr Watson with the help of the stick left by the visitor? Were
they accurate?( Chapter 1)
Ans. The walking stick bears the inscription: "To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H." This allows
the two to begin making some deductions about his character and occupation and age using Holmess methods.
Watson describes a likeable old country doctor who received the stick from a local hunt, a theory that Holmes has
several objections to. He argues instead for the case of a young practitioner presented with the stick when he left
Londons Charing Cross Hospital (C.C.H.) to move to the country. As it turns out, Holmes is only slightly off, as
Mortimer had been given the cane when he was married (which the detective had not guessed). Thus he left the
city.
Q 3. Why were the Baskervilles cursed? What was the nature of the curse? (Chapter 2)
Ans. Hugo Baskerville, ancestor of the ancient and wealthy Baskerville line and a wild, profane and godless man,
kidnapped the maiden daughter of a yeoman who held lands near his estate. The maiden somehow managed to
escape but it made Hugo Baskerville wild with anger and revenge and he followed her on a horse with a pack of
hounds. Hugos revellers followed him but when they reached the scene of action they saw a frightening sight. The
unfortunate girl and Hugo were found dead and Hugo Baskervilles body was ravaged by a great, black beast,
shaped like a hound, yet larger than any hound that ever mortal eye has rested upon. The Baskervilles thus believe
a curse has been placed upon their family for heinous crime. Many of their descendants died under mysterious and
unfortunate circumstances. It was believed that the hound was still there and travelling on the lonely moor at night
was highly dangerous.

Q3. Detective genius of Sherlock Holmes is a combination of sharp observation and astute deduction. Elaborate.
Sherlock is one of the most fascinating detectives of all times. Arthur Conon Doyle presents him as an extremely
sharp and efficient detective. Because of his expertise, he notices more about objects and people than most and
picks up on leads from passing details. He power of observation complimentary to this sense of making deductions
and methodical clue gathering. The reader gradually gets to know about his procedures and gathers information
about the case. First scene of the novel describes how only with the help of one walking stick, he is able to construct
the complete personality of Dr Mortimer. He is able to find his profession, age as well as his nature just by seeing the
condition, engravings, and the condition of the stick. He knows the approximate age of the manuscript just by
throwing a quick glance at it. His solutions are a result of his understanding of the science of crime , powerful
observation and correct deduction which obvious from every incident of the book.

Q4. Why does mystery always fascinate the readers? What are the main features of a mystery novel?
Crime stories have been fascinating readers since a long time. People read series after series involving a single
detective solving a crime. Mystery fascinates us because it allows us to think for ourselves. Apart from the detective
the reader too applies his detective genius to solve the puzzle. We pay attention to every character big or small
because he is a suspect. Mystery represents a dark and unexplored side of human nature. We want to know about it
because we are curious and uncertain about the turn of events. It provides a sense of adventure and thrill.
Murder mystery stories are made up of four essential elements. Exciting characters, intriguing plot, action and
adventure, and a healthy dose of suspense keep the interest alive. The characters should be engaging and
entertaining. There should be an air of secrecy about them. Apart from the major character the minor ones also
should be appealing and compelling. Mystery Stories should have an Intriguing Plot. An intriguing plot builds slowly
to keep the reader in the story. If too much is thrown at the reader at once, then it may become overwhelming
rather than intriguing. For instance, too many characters entering the story at once will not help build a relationship
between the character and the reader. The setting of such novels is very important. Setting of the story should be
able to provide action and adventure. Suspense gives the story makes it exciting. It allows the characters to go
through some crazy situations, and it gives the reader a thrill as they take the ride with the characters.

Q5.Why did Doyle choose Watson to narrate story instead of having Holmes tell himself? What are the benefits
and drawbacks of doing it this way?
Ans. The Hound of the Baskervilles is written in first person narration, but not by the detective, by his right-hand
Companion. His is the only perspective that is presented to the reader. This gives readers the opportunity to try and
solve the mystery on their own. Doyle uses Watson as a narrator for two key reasons. In the first place, Watson is
not as intuitive as Sherlock Holmes. In this sense, he allows the reader to join him as he attempts to live up to the
master's standards. By contrast, if Sherlock Holmes were telling the story, we would have little opportunity to solve
the mystery ourselves: witness, for example, Holmes' various and sundry revelations of the truth, which preclude our
participation by effectively beating us to the punch.
The second reason Doyle uses Watson as a narrator is that it allows for the pace he is looking for. Even if Holmes'
character can give us a chance now and then by keeping his conclusions to himself, he is still too quick a thinker to
take on the onerous task of relating all the facts in detail. Only a slow-witted lackey like Watson is fit for the job.
When Holmes' character does appear, he serves more as a catalyst for the action in the story, bringing things to a
quick and exciting climax.

Q5. Describe the facts related to Sir Charles Baskervilles death. What information was provided by Dr Mortimer
regarding this sad incident?
Ans. Sir Charless body was discovered at the end of the alley with no signs of violence on it, but severe facial
distortion, attributed to his heart problems. Unexplained however, is why he appears (from his footprints in the
damp ground) to have walked on his tiptoes from when he passed the gate that leads from the alley to the moor. As
a doctor, Mortimer had become concerned about the stress Sir Charles was under from fear of the legend and
recommended, with the agreement of Mr. Stapleton, that he go away from the moor for a while. He was to leave for
London the next day. Mortimer had noticed when he went to examine the body of his friend that there were
footprints of a large hound about twenty yards away.

Q6.Why were the Baskervilles cursed? What was the nature of the curse? What advice and warning was given in
the manuscript to avoid an evil fate?
It said that Hugo Baskerville had fallen in love with a woman who didn't love him back, so he locked her up in a
tower at Baskerville Hall until she fell in love with him. She escaped, though, and Hugo, along with 12 other men on
horseback to find her. However, he was found dead. A giant black hound was found tearing his throat. It was
believed that the hound was the reason for many violent and mysterious deaths in the family. That is how the Curse
of the Baskervilles began. The manuscript warned the descendants of the Baskerville family to stay away from the
moor in the dark hours of night because the evil spirit of the demonic hound was supposed to be active at these
hours. It was also advised that they should be good in deed and character as that was the only way to remove the
curse. Prayers and virtues have the power to triumph over evil.

Q7. What are three broken threads which Holmes talks about? Why does he find the case interesting?
Ans. The three broken threads relate to three clues or leads to the case. Holmes wanted to follow the bearded man
who was keeping an eye on Dr Mortimer and Henry Baskerville but he lost the trail as the person was quite smart
and was aware of the fact that he was being followed by Holmes. Holmes looked for another clue by trying to trace
the person who wrote a letter of warning to Henry Baskerville. He sent Cartwright to all the twenty three hotels in
the area and told him to go through the waste paper baskets and find if any of them had the cuttings of the Times
newspaper. Cartwright was unable to find anything so this lead also was of no use. His third lead was to trace
Barrymores whereabouts and to ascertain whether at the time of writing the letter, he was in London or
Devonshire. But Holmes failed in this attempt also. He finds the case quite interesting as it was quite a challenging
one. According to him the adversary was quite smart and Holmes expresses admiration for him.

Q8. Life has become like that great Grimpen Mire, with little green patches everywhere into which one may sink
and with no guide to point the track What does this comment of Dr Watson indicate?
Ans. The situation in Baskerville Hall seems to be quite complicated to Dr Watson. After reaching the place he hears
the cry of a woman in the middle of the night and asks Barrymore about it. Barrymore does not give any satisfactory
reply. His suspicion on Barrymore couple increases because he finds Mr Barrymore lying about his wifes sobbing at
night. The death of a pony in Grimpen Mire increases the gloom of the situation. His confusion gets compounded
when Ms Stapleton thinking him to be Henry urges to leave the place. But she refuses to fully explain the reason for
her urgent warning. He is using the moor and mire as a metaphor for his lack of certainty and his inability to
determine in which way to continue his investigation.

Q9.Why is Henry Baskerville so excited about visiting the Baskerville hall? What does Dr Watson think of him
while travelling?
Ans. Henry Baskerville is only heir to the vast fortune left by Sir Charles. It is not the money but the prospect of
seeing the land of his ancestors which fills him with joy and excitement. He sees the natural beauty of the county
and the strange landscape of the moor and gets fascinated by it. He wants to continue the good work done by his
uncle and is undisturbed by the stories of the hound. Dr Watson finds him to be a worthy heir to Sir Charles and is
happy to be accompanying him to Devonshire. Dr Watson knows that it was a risky adventure but finds that the
Henry Baskerville deserved to be protected from any danger at every cost.

Q11. Holmes knew that the case involved danger and was concerned about the safety of Dr Watson. How do we
know of this and what does it speak of their relationship?

Q. What does the first report of Dr Watson describe? ( Chapter 8)
Ans. In his letter to Holmes dated October 13
th
, Watson has first to report . He (incorrectly) believes the convict
Selden has gone. Stapleton did go and see Sir Henry, as he had suggested doing upon meeting Watson that same
day. He takes the young Baskerville to the spot where the ancestor Hugo supposedly met his end. Sir Henry takes a
romantic interest in Miss Stapleton. Her brothers decidedly disapproving attitude and interferences in the match are
puzzling however. A few days later, Dr. Mortimer shows him and Henry where Sir Charles, died that mysterious
night. Watson has also had a chance to meet Mr. Frankland, a nearby elderly inhabitant who is mostly concerned
with challenging the law . The Barrymores continue to stir up doubts. Mrs. Barrymore puts up an unemotional front,
but Watson suspects she is weighed down by a great sadness. At night, Watson hears Barrymore pass by his room,
barefoot and by candlelight, he follows at a distance and sees him enter an empty room. There, he holds the light to
the window for a few minutes, then puts it out, and returns back down the corridor. Later on that night, Watson
hears a key turn in a lock. He reports these occurrences to Sir Henry in the morning .
Q. What does the second report of Dr Watson describe? ( Chapter 9)
Ans. The second report is dated two days later and the beginning tells of Sir Henrys continued attempts at a
romance with Miss Stapleton, including an ill-fated rendezvous one morning. When he leaves to go out on the moor
to meet her, he discourages Watson from coming along. However, he does anyhow, unable to disregard Holmess
instructions and risk letting the detective down. Watson describes the meeting between Miss Stapleton and Sir
Henry, which consists of Miss Stapleton trying to warn Sir Henry of the danger he is in at the moor and Sir Henry
trying to turn the subject back to love. Jack Stapleton is offended by this move of Sir Henry and it is a puzzling
matter to both Sir Henry as well as Watson that the brother would have any objections to this relationship.
In this report Watson also reports about the escaped Selden who is Mrs Barrymores younger brother and the lights
are a signal system to get food to him every other night. Sir Henry and Watson and he decide to go out in pursuit of
the convict. The frightening sound that Watson heard before once again fills the air. Sir Henry is quite shaken, and
confident that the sound was a hound.Watson sees a man standing on a rock but the possibility of following is
discouraged by Sir Henry, who is still nervous from the sound of the hound.
Q. What impression does Dr Watson get after meeting Laura Lyons?(Chapter 10)
Ans. Watson questions Laura Lyons about the letter, who reluctantly tells him that she wrote to Sir Charles on the
day of his death. Persecuted by her husband and her father (Frankland), she was seeking further assistance toward
her financial independence. She informs Watson that she has also been receiving help from Stapleton. Mrs Lyons
insists, however, that she never went to Baskerville Hall that day; she claims to have received help from elsewhere,
and planned to commence divorce proceedings against her husband, a claim Watson intends to verifyalthough he
must admit to himself that her story hangs together. He still feels, however, that she may be hiding some truth from
him as she did not reveal the exact reason for not keeping the appointment with Sir Charles on the night of his
death.
Q. What do we know about Watsons frustration after he comes to know about the real identity of the mysterious
man on tor ? (Chapter 10)
Ans. Dr. Watsons efforts are admirable, but he will never be able to outshine Holmes. He tries his best to supply
relevant information and clues to his master so that the case can be solved but there are places where he meets a
dead end. He still not able the solve the mystery of Stapletons strange behaviour and Laura Lyons story. He is also
not able to trace the whereabouts of the mysterious man on the tor. So the arrival of Holmes though in a way
provides a certain relief to him, it also foils his efforts to prove his detective ability to Holmes. With his dramatic
entrance Holmes seems to be having some fun at Watsons expense. Though initially Watson feels slightly insulted,
he is later on pacified by Holmes who provides him a valid explanation for his secret stay in that place. Dr Watson
also feels relieved because he feels that now he will be able to reach some conclusion regarding various unsolved
mysteries. For all these reasons, one feels that Holmes arrival on the scene marks the beginning of a re-ordering
of the disordered world of the novel.

Q10.Why did Doyle choose Watson to narrate story instead of having Holmes tell himself? What are the benefits
and drawbacks of doing it this way?
Ans. The Hound of the Baskervilles is written in first person narration, but not by the detective, by his right-hand
Companion. His is the only perspective that is presented to the reader. This gives readers the opportunity to try and
solve the mystery on their own. Doyle uses Watson as a narrator for two key reasons. In the first place, Watson is
not as intuitive as Sherlock Holmes. In this sense, he allows the reader to join him as he attempts to solve the puzzle.
By contrast, if Sherlock Holmes were telling the story, we would have little opportunity to solve the mystery
ourselves.
The second reason Doyle uses Watson as a narrator is that it allows us to view the genius of Holmes in the capacity
of an average man. The reader keeps pace with the narrative of Dr Watson and when he comes across the sharp
intellect of Sherlock Holmes he admires him for his observation and deductions.

Q7. How do Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle handle class differences?
Ans. Both Holmes and Doyle come from a very specific and presumably similar cultural milieu in which gave
privileges to the educated white male and denigrated virtually every other kind of human experience. Though they
relied on and even fostered what might be called a space for only men. Though they relied on the lower classes to
fetch them things and rummage through their garbage, they took little account of them or their dignity either. Two
arguments can be made: one, that the prejudices of the past cannot be judged by the standards of our current
cultural moment and two, that Holmes and Doyle were racist and sexist.It probably makes the most sense to take
the middle road, to situate classism and racisms in their appropriate cultural context, while at the same time
insisting on their inappropriateness in our modern world.

Q8. What is the theme of the novel?
ANS. Burden of Past- The theme of the novel is combination of the importance of past deeds and an uncertain
future. Various characters in the book are coping with the burdens of their past. Sir Charles and Sir Henry, for
instance, are both confronted with the legacy of their family name: the evil deeds of Hugo Baskerville, have cast a
stain upon the Baskerville reputation. With the help of the plot and the setting the novel asserts that none can
escape the task of dealing with the unfinished business of ones personal past.
The Uncertain Future: A further temporal theme in The Hound of the Baskervilles is the anxiety of keeping the faith
in goodness alive while facing a crisis .The novel captures the sense of social discomfort and disorder permeating in
the society and offers readers reassurance about traditional values are useful to restore the social order
The Triumph of Reason: The story also elucidates the point that anything when examined with logic and reason ,
provides valid and correct results. The case which deals with the conflict of natural and supernatural, is duely solved
with help of scientific and rational thinking of a sharp detective.

Q9. Describe the setting of the novel. How does it help to an atmosphere of mystery and suspense?
Ans. The Hound of the Baskervilles is set in two different places during this tale. It begins in London and then
moves to the country, an area called Dartmoor. The story begins in London as it is a perfect place to begin the
confusion of this mystery novel. A big city provides a wonderful place to hide and add confusion.
We then move to Dartmoor, the country home of the Baskerville family that immediately makes the landscape part
of the mystery and mood of the whole tale. It is a desolate land with very few people, limiting who could be the
culprit, but at the same time the land is so lonely and dangerous that one does not know what lies in store. Apart
from this, there is reference to the barren wasteland, the chilling wind, and the darkling sky. The presence of a
diabolic hound, the story of the manuscript, the curse on the family and the strange behaviour of the people involved add to the
effect.
Q.
Q10. Holmes and Watson can be seen as the epitome of the crime-fighting duo. Discuss the way in which their
personalities and skills complement each other. Are there any, and if so, what, characteristics that they are lacking
that would be helpful in their roles as detective and sidekick?
Q11. Provide examples from the text of the ways crime and science interact. Has this relationship changed
throughout the novel, and/ or through time?
Q12. What is the role of the setting in the novel-in setting the mood, enabling events, as a contrast between urban
London and rural Devonshire (which also has an internal contrast between the modern and the ancient)?
Q13. In what ways, if any, would modern technology impact the case?
Q14. Pick three major symbols, and analyse their use and meaning throughout the novel.
Q15. Based on The Hound of The Baskervilles, as well as any additional research, outline Sir Arthur Conan Doyles
views on his time period (ex. inheritance through noble lines, dehumanization in pursuit of money, supernatural
versus science).
Q16. Describe the conflict of natural and supernatural.
Ans. The supernatural plays a major role in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Doyle uses it on multiple occasions in the
story to create interest and excitement. This book begins with the question of how Sir Charles died. Whether it is
from a natural cause, or as believed, from a spectral hound brought on by a supernatural curse on his family.
Sherlock Holmes himself is very sceptical of the possibility of a supernatural answer, but believes that someone is
playing of the superstitions and fears of those in Dartmoor to his benefit. He therefore sends Watson off to
investigate. The superstition seems catching though as Watson hears weeping in the night and odd cries on the
moor. According to Holmes, all the events could be explained in a natural and logical fashion. This question of
natural causes and supernatural causes raise many question in the readers mind and induce mystery and suspense.
Why did Doyle choose Watson to narrate Hound instead of having Holmes tell the story himself? What are the
benefits and drawbacks of doing it this way?
Character Sketch-
A. Sherlock Holmes- Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle. A brilliant London-based "consulting detective", Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his
ability to take almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases. Holmes is fascinating
because he is a person who has overcome all his emotions, fears, and irrationalities to become the perfect, logical
reasoning machine. His main activity is thinking. He often spends a full day or two in thought, as he does in this
novel. Like his imitation, Spock in the Star Trek series, Holmes is never muddled by emotions or sexual attractions or
the other irrationalities that get in the way of ordinary people's logic and reason. Possessed of a keen intellect and a
master of rational, deductive thought (as opposed to giving any credence to superstition or supernatural
explanations, as others in The Hound of the Baskervilles do), Holmes may sometimes prove lacking in ordinary
interpersonal relationships, but does understand the place and power of human emotions as motivating factors in
criminal casesand manages to maintain a close friendship with his roommate, Dr. John Watson.


Dr. Watson is a character in the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Watson is Sherlock Holmes's
assistant and flatmate, and is the first person narrator of all but four stories in the Sherlock Holmes canon.
A physician who served the British Army in Afghanistan (as established in A Study in Scarlet) but who, at the time of
this adventure, is sharing rooms with Holmes at 221B Baker Street, London. (In other Holmes stories, which occur
after this one according to internal chronology, Watson has moved out of Baker Street to marry and resume private
medical practice.) In The Hound of the Baskervilles, Watson proves his loyalty and utility to Holmes (although the
detective seems to grant it slightly begrudgingly) by accompanying Sir Henry Baskerville to his family estate to
investigate the death of Sir Henrys predecessor, Sir Charles.
Dr. Mortimer - A medical practitioner and friend of the Baskervilles. Mortimer is tall, thin and good-natured with
rather eccentric habits. He is, nonetheless, a competent country doctor who was made the executor of Sir Charles'
will. He sets the book's plot in train by traveling to London to inform Holmes and Watson about the strange events
surrounding Sir Charles' demise, and alerting them to the dangerous situation that Sir Henry now faces as Sir Charles'
heir. Mortimer continues to assist Holmes and Watson in their twin roles as investigators/bodyguards until the
conclusion of the case.

Jack Stapleton - A bookish-looking former schoolmaster, Stapleton chases butterflies on the moors and pursues
antiquarian interests. A naturalist with a special interest in catching and collecting butterflies. Stapleton is secretly a
member of the Baskerville clan. He is responsible for unleashing his specially bred and phosphorous-decorated
hound upon Sir Charles, causing Sir Charles death; and is scheming to kill Sir Henry as well when Holmes and Watson
become involved in the case. He enlists as his unwilling accomplice his wife, Beryl (Garcia) Stapleton, originally of
Costa Rica, whom Jack presents to the world as his sister. Beryl eventually fears for Sir Henrys life and attempts to
warn him of her husbands plot. Outwardly a polite gentleman, he inwardly possesses a hot temper which reveals
itself at key moments. It transpires that Stapletonin reality a long-lost relative of Sir Henry's who stands to inherit
the Baskerville fortuneis a scheming, manipulative and money-hungry criminal that Holmes and Watson come to
respect and fear.

Beryl Stapleton - Allegedly Stapleton's sister, this dusky Latin beauty turns out to be his wife. Eager to prevent
another death but terrified of her violent spouse, she provides enigmatic warnings to Sir Henry and Watson.

The Barrymores- Mr. John & Mrs. Eliza
The long-time domestic help of the Baskerville clan. Earnest and eager to please, the portly Mrs. Barrymore and her
gaunt husband figure as a kind of red herring for the detectives, in league with their convict brother but ultimately
no more suspicious than Sir Henry.

The Baskerville Family
Sir Hugo Baskerville is a wicked man who kidnapped a yeoman's daughter. He and his friends dragged her to
Baskerville Hall where they locked her in the tower. While he was having dinner with his guests, the girl escaped.
Once it was discovered that she was missing, Hugo Baskerville sent dogs to retrieve her. The guests ran to stop him,
once they found out what he was intending. Yet, when they got to the woods they found that he had already killed
her. However, he was also dead. A giant black hound was found tearing his throat. That is how the Curse of the
Baskervilles began.
Henry Baskerville- The young nobleman who has inherited Baskerville Hall following the mysterious death of its
former master, Sir Charles. Sir Henry is dedicated to rebuilding both the family manor and the family reputation, and
refuses to be scared away from doing so by the legend of a supernatural hell-hound that haunts the family in
retribution for an ancestors long-ago crimes.
Sir Charles Baskerville is a descendant that has information about what happen on the night that the Yeoman's
daugther and Hugo Baskerville are found dead.

Top Ten Quotes
1. You know my methods. Apply them! Holmes to Watson, Ch. 1 (p. 15)

Holmes challenges Watson to emulate his methods of observation in order to ascertain facts about a walking sticks
owner. The incident, in the books first chapter, serves to establish Holmes as a master of logical reasoning and
mental agility.

2. Now is the dramatic moment of fate, Watson, when you hear a step upon the stair which is walking into your life,
and you know not whether for good or ill Holmes to Watson, Ch. 1 (p. 17)

Somewhat pretentious language from Holmes that nonetheless captures the excitement generations of readers have
felt upon beginning any new adventure with the detective and Dr. Watson. The quote sets the stage for the mystery
to follow, inviting readers to set aside presuppositions and to be open, as is Holmes, to the different and unusual
(but always, ultimately, the reasonably explained).

3. The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes Holmes to Watson, Ch. 3 (p. 37)

One of Holmes maxims, a guiding principle that leads him to unravel mysteries that others cannot, or incorrectly
attribute to supernatural explanations.

4. I think anything out of the ordinary routine of life well worth reporting. Holmes to Sir Henry, ch. 4 (p. 46)

These words, too, could well serve as a mission statement for the consulting detective. They reinforce the
paramount importance he places on observation. Careful observation is usually the key to solving the mysteries with
which he is confronted.

5. Dear me! It is a stake for which a man might well play a desperate game. Holmes, Ch. 5 (p. 57)

Holmes articulates one of the eternal motivations for crime: wealth. Sir Charles estate is a prize a criminal might
well take great risks to gain.

6. I tell you, Watson, this time we have got a foeman who is worthy of our steel. Holmes, Ch. 5 (p. 63)

Holmes expresses admiration for their anonymous adversary. The words reflect the detectives ability to appreciate
intelligence, even when it is used to nefarious ends.

7. Life has become like that great Grimpen Mire, with little green patches everywhere into which one may sink and
with no guide to point the track Watson to Beryl Stapleton (Ch. 7, p. 86).

Watson is commenting on his confusion when confronted, not only with Beryls refusal to fully explain her urgent
warning to leave, but also the state of affairs surrounding the Baskerville family in general. He is using the moor and
mire as a metaphor for his lack of certainty and his inability to determine in which way to continue his investigation.
His words may also reflect a broader fin-de-sicle (end of the century) malaise as the late Victorian society in which
Conan Doyle wrote struggled to move from the inherited certainties of the past to the unknowns of a new century.

8. It is murder, Watsonrefined, cold-blooded, deliberate murder. Holmes to Watson, Ch. 12 (p. 144)

Holmes summarizes the crime at the heart of the Baskerville mystery. Although in its particulars the case has
proved vexing, Holmes words show that, at its core, it is one of the oldest crimes known to humankind. These words
(some of the most often quoted from the book) display the detectives talent for incisively determining the crux of
the cases that confront him.

9. He burst into one of his rare fits of laughter I have not heard him laugh often, and it has always boded ill to
somebody. Watson about Holmes, Ch. 13 (p. 156)

Watson gives a sharp insight into Holmes character, painting him as a man not given to merriment, but who does
find delight in pursuing and capturing criminals, ensuring that justice is meted out to them.

10. The more outr and grotesque an incident is the more carefully it deserves to be examined, and the very point
which appears to complicate a case is, when duly considered and scientifically handled, the one which is most likely
to elucidate it. Holmes to Watson, Ch. 13 (p. 179)

These words articulate one of Holmes guiding investigative principles. His maxim means that the unusual or bizarre
details involved in a mystery generally contribute to arriving at its proper solution. The words reinforce Holmes faith
in the rational, scientific method, and thus contribute to the triumph of reason and critical thinking over
superstitious fear and belief in the supernatural, a conflict that runs throughout the novel
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Text based short answer questions
Chapter 1,
Who was the narrator?
Ans. Watson (Sherlock Holmes' Assistant)
From what object did Watson and Holmes learn about James Mortimer? What clues did it provide?
Ans. His cane. It was quite beaten up, left at a house (or on a street?) and had deep jaw marks of a dog in one spot. It
showed he had a spaniel, walked a lot, and was quite friendly with his clients because he left his cane at someone's
house.
How did Mortimer inadvertently insult Holmes?
Ans.Mortimer called him the second best detective in Europe, and Holmes had quite a high opinion of himself.

In Chapter 2,
What was Dr. Mortimer's relationship with Sir Charles Baskerville?
Ans.They were patient/doctor as well as friends.
What did the manuscript dated 1742 say?
Ans.It said that Hugo Baskerville had fallen in love with a woman who didn't love him back, so he locked her up in a
tower at Baskerville Hall until she fell in love with him. She escaped, though, and Hugo, along with 12 other men on
horseback to find her. He eventually sold his soul to the devil if he could have her, accidentally selling the souls of
every Baskerville to come.
What were the circumstances of Sir Charles Baskerville's death?
Ans.People think he died of a heart attack, but when he was told the tale of Sir Charles' death, you could see he
stood for 5-10 min. and went from a walk to a run. You could also see footprints of a giant dog about 100 yds. away.
Who were Charles Baskerville's next of kin?
Ans.Henry Baskerville and Rodger Baskerville
What were the "private facts" Mortimer told Holmes?
Ans.Charles believed the family was cursed, the dog footprints, Dr. Mortimer saw dog footprints, the dog was as big
as a calf.


Chapter 3,
Why had nobody else seen footprints of the hound?
Ans.They were 20 yds. away from the body and nobody had paid attention to them.
Describe the creature on the moor that several people had seen prior to Sir Charles' death.
Ans.ghastly, luminous, giant
What did Dr. Mortimer want of Holmes?
Ans.Dr. Mortimer wanted to know what to do with the heir- to stay at the manor or go to America.
Who were Sir Charles' other kinsmen? Rodger Baskerville, black sheep of the Baskervilles like Hugo, flew to South
Ans.America and died of yellow fever, Hugo Baskerville, and Henry Baskerville
What advice did Holmes give Mortimer?
Ans.He said not to tell Henry about the legend and to come back to him with Henry so he could tell Henry.
What was Holmes' theory about Sir Charles' death?
Ans.He was waiting for someone when he saw the dog and his heart gave out because of shock.

Chapter 4,
Henry Baskerville received a note at the Northumberland Hotel. What was the message?
Ans."As you value your life or your reason keep away from the moor."
What did Holmes induce from the message?
Ans.The writer was an educated man trying to look like an uneducated one. He was trying to conceal his handwriting
because it may be known to Henry. He was writing at a hotel because the ink was spluttering.
What had Henry lost at the hotel?
Ans.A boot
Why did Holmes follow Henry Baskerville and Dr. Mortimer?
Ans.He was trying to see who the man was that wrote the letter by seeing if anyone was following them.
Who did Holmes see in the cab on Regent St.? Describe the person.
Ans.A man with a bushy black beard and piercing eyes, looked at the men then yelled at the driver.
In Chapter 5,

Why did Holmes look at the hotel register and what did he find?
Ans.He wanted to see if the man that was following them was staying there, (who'd checked in after Henry) he
wasn't.
Why was Holmes glad Sir Henry decided to go to Baskerville Hall?
Ans.They wanted to get him out of the hotel to see if the stalker would come to Dartmouth with them, they wanted
to find out more about Barrymore.
Why did Holmes send a telegraph to Barrymore?
Ans.To find out where he was.
Who went to stay with Sir Henry at Baskerville Hall? Why?
Ans.Watson stayed with Sir Henry because Holmes didn't think it was safe for Baskerville to go alone, Watson would
protect him from whoever was following him.
What were the "three broken threads"?
Ans.The newspaper wasn't to be found, Barrymore is at Baskerville Hall, the cab driver said the passenger was
"Sherlock Holmes"
What people did Holmes want Watson to especially study?
Ans.The Barrymores and the Stapletons.
Why was there a mounted soldier along the road by the moor?
Ans.A convict from Princetown had escaped, Selden the Notting Hill Murderer.
Why did Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore want to leave Baskerville Hall?
Ans.They were really close with Sir Charles and it was painful for them to be at the house.
What sound did Watson hear in the middle of the night?
Ans.The sob of a woman.
In Chapter 7,
About what did Mr. Barrymore lie?
Ans.He lied about not hearing his wife cry
Why did Watson go to Grimpen, what did he find out there?
Ans.He wanted to see if the telegram had been delivered to the hands of Mr. Barrymore. It was delivered to his wife,
not him.
Who ran up behind Watson on the road from Grimpen to Baskerville Hall?
Ans.Mr. Stapleton
Identify Merripit House
Ans.Right by Grimpen Mire, where the Stapletons live
What bad place did Stapleton claim to be able to cross?
Ans.Grimpen Mire, a bog that looks like a grassy area.
What strange sound did Watson hear in the moor while at Merripit House with Stapleton? What explanation did
Stapleton give?
Ans.a loud groan, "the hound calling for the soul of the Baskervilles" a rare bird or the bog bubbling
What warning did Stapleton's sister mistakenly give to Watson?
Ans.She thought he was Henry Baskerville, telling him to go back to London instantly and never step foot on the
moor again.
In Chapter 8,
Watson said his "popularity would soon suffer" if he were to carry out Holmes' order to the letter. Why?
Ans.The instructions were to never let Sir Henry go out alone, but if Henry started dating Stapleton's sister, they
would want to be alone.
What did Watson tell Holmes about Frankland?
Ans.Passion for British law, fought and argued for mere pleasure, going to sue Mortimer for digging up a body
without permission, amateur astronomer, had a telescope and looked for Selden, the Notting Hill Murderer on the
moor
What strange event did Watson witness in the middle of the night?
Ans.Barrymore was walking in the middle of the night across the balcony to an empty room with a window
overlooking the moor. He was waiving a candle as if signaling someone
Chapter 9
What did Watson discover about the window Barrymore had looked out? What conclusion did he draw?
Ans.The window had the best view of the moor, Watson thought Barrymore was trying to communicate with
someone.
What did Watson witness from the hill?
Ans.He saw Henry and Ms. Stapleton talking and Mr. Stapleton interrupted angrily.
What explanation did Stapleton give for his behavior towards his sister and Henry?
Ans.He said that he really loved his sister, she was his everything, and if she left he'd be lonely.
What explanation did Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore give for Mr. Barrymore's late-night visits to the west window?
Ans.Barrymore was trying to make sure Selden, Mrs. Barrymore's brother, had food and clothing.
Why did Watson and Sir Henry venture out onto the moor?
Ans.They wanted to capture Selden and bring him to the police.
What sound did Watson and Henry hear when they were out on the moor looking for Selden?
Ans.the howling of the Hound of the Baskervilles
Chapter 10
Why did Sir Henry agree not to persue Selden anymore?
Ans.Selden was leaving for South America in a few days and wouldn't be causing any trouble.
What information did Barrymore give Watson?
Ans.Before Sir Charles died, he got a letter from L.L. to meet him at the moor at 10 p.m. on the night of his death.
Who was L.L.?
Ans.Laura Lyons, (Frankland's Daughter, was getting a divorce from a hurtful relationship and was very vulnerable
and desperate, was falling in love with Stapleton and thought he felt the same way)
What useful information about the "other man on the moor" did Barrymore give Watson?
Ans. There was another man and a boy. The boy got the man's food and Frankland was using his telescope to try and
see the man. (It was Sherlock Holmes)
How did Watson get L.L. to answer his questions?
Ans.He threatened to make her divorce a public scandal.
Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, why did L.L. write to Sir Charles seeking a meeting?
Ans.Stapleton urged her that Sir Charles would be a good person to ask for financial help, so she needed money for
her divorce.
In Chapter 11, why didn't L.L. keep her appointment to Sir Charles?
Ans.Stapleton promised her money, so she didn't need Sir Charles' money. Stapleton told her to stay back so he
could kill Sir Charles.
In Chapter 11, what good information did Watson get from Frankland on his day of celebration?
Ans.He took Watson upstairs and showed him that Holmes was the other man on the moor.
In Chapter 11, who was "the man on the tor"?
Ans.Sherlock Holmes
In Chapter 12, how did Holmes know Watson was inside the dwelling?
Ans.He saw the stub of Watson's cigarette (Bradley, Oxford St.)
Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, who was Miss Stapleton?
Ans.Mr. Stapleton's wife, not sister
In Chapter 12, Mrs. Stapleton deceived Henry (among others). Who did Mr. Stapleton deceive about marital status?
Ans.Laura Lyons
In Chapter 12, whose death did Holmes and Watson witness on the moor?
Ans.Selden's death; he was attacked by the Hound of the Baskervilles while wearing Sir Charles' clothes
In Chapter 13, why didn't Watson and Holmes want Stapleton arrested for killing Selden?
Ans.They had no evidence.
Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, what was interesting to Holmes about the portrait of Hugo Baskerville?
Ans.He looked exactly like Stapleton.
In Chapter 13, what was Stapleton's motive for killing Charles and Henry?
Ans.He was next in line for the estate, or he thought. He wasn't aware of another heir that lived in Canada.
In Chapter 13, how'd Holmes get Laura Lyons to divulge all she knew?
Ans.Holmes told her Stapleton was already married.
Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, who did Watson see at Merripit House? Who was missing?
Ans.Sir Henry and Mr. Stapleton, Mrs. Stapleton was missing.
In Chapter 14, what unexpected problem caused trouble for Holmes' plan?
Ans.The fog, they couldn't see.
In Chapter 14, what surprised Holmes and Watson?
Ans.They didn't expect to see the hound and see it look that way.
In Chapter 14, what happened to the "Hound of the Baskervilles"?
Ans.Holmes killed him with 5 barrels of a revolver.
In Chapter 14, what made the hound appear to have a flaming mouth?
Ans.Phosphorous
In Chapter 14, who did Watson and Holmes find on the upper floor bedroom of Merripit House?
Ans.Mrs. Stapleton
In Chapter 14, what help did Mrs. Stapleton offer?
Ans.She showed them where he escaped to.
In Chapter 14, what happened to Mr. Stapleton?
Ans.He drowned at the mire.
In Chapter 14, what did they find at the mine?
Ans.The skeleton of Mortimer's spaniel (the hound had been fed it), the mixture of phosphorus, and Henry's boots.
Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, what was disclosed?
Ans.It was the denouement; Stapleton was a Baskerville and followed Henry around in London
Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is the ever-observant, world-renowned detective of 221b Baker Street. For all his assumed genius
and intuition he is virtually omniscient in these stories, and Holmes becomes more accessible in the context of his
constant posturing and pretension.

Holmes lets down his guard and admits of a fragile ego. When challenged at the beginning of the bookMortimer
calls him the second best crime solver in Europe and Holmes lets down his guard and asks who could possibly be the
first. By and large, however, Holmes' ego is kept in check by a constant dose of adulation from Watson. Holmes
regularly announces some absurd and unsubstantiated conclusion only to mock Watson by revealing the most
obvious of clues. In the end, Holmes toys with his associates (and particularly Watson) at least as much as he flouts
his enemies, equivocating, misleading, and making fools out of them only to up his own crime-solving cachet.
Dr. Watson

The good doctor plays the sidekick to Holmes' self-obsessed hero figure. Watson is a lowly apprentice and live-in
friend, who spends most of the book trying to solve a difficult case in his master's stead. Always on hand to stroke
Holmes' ego, Watson is nonetheless intent on proving his own mettle by applying Holmes' techniques.
Watson's never-ending adulation, which is presumably meant to mirror our own understanding of the legendary
detective, comes through most forcefully at the end of the novel, when Holmes arrives at Devonshire. Holmes
announces that he meant for Watson to think he was in London, and a pouty Watson reacts: "Then you use me, and
yet you do not trust me!" Codependent throughout, Holmes and Watson fill each other's needs. Watson provides
Holmes with an ego boost, and Holmes needs Watson's eyes and ears to inconspicuously gather clues. Watson is
awestruck by Holmes' power of observation, and Watson feels more powerful by association.
Mr. Jack Stapleton

Intended to incarnate ill will and malice, Stapleton is conflated at various points with the lecherous libertine Hugo,
whom he resembles. Stapleton is a black-hearted, violent villain hidden beneath a benign, bookish surface.
If Hugo operates as a kind of Doppelganger for his entomologist heir, then the convict offers an interesting parallel
as well. Serving mainly as a red herring in the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, the convict also operates as
a foil for the real culprit, Stapleton. Personifying "peculiar ferocity," "wonton brutality," and even dubious sanity, the
convict is shown to be a pathetic, animalistic figure on whom the detectives ultimately take pity. Not so with
Stapleton, a man with a "murderous heart," and a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Stapleton is a worthy adversary because of his birthright. If the convict is a simple murderer, he is also simply born,
related by blood to the Baskerville's domestic help. Thus, the convict is part of a lower class than Holmes, and
therefore is not a worthy adversary. Stapleton, however, is an intellectual, and when his evil side comes out, his
hidden nobility comes out as well. Once Holmes is handling an educated and noble rival, he begins to take things
much more seriously. In this sense, Stapleton's character adds to the strong classist themes imbedded in this book.