Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Assignment One
Claire Hibbert
p. 1
Observation One
September 29, 2015
BBCS Sherlock
Background Information: The TV show Sherlock takes place in London, England and has two
main characters, Sherlock and John Watson. Together they go out and examine crime scenes to
try and figure out who is behind the crime.
Figured World: is an entire social structure that has smaller communities of practices
within it. The figured world has its own rules and conventions for acceptable behavior
and revolves around people in the communities working together to maintain this social
structure.
Rules and Conventions: There are multiple rules and conventions, such as the way Sherlock
acts and behaves towards others. When he first meets someone, he oversteps his boundaries by
jumping into their personal business. For example, when he meets John, one of the first things
Sherlock asks is Afghanistan or Iraq implying he knew John had served in the military and
knew where he was stationed. Sherlock also doesnt have the best manners. It is shown in the
first episode of the first season by the way he treats Molly, who clearly likes Sherlock. The way
Sherlock interacts with people is a sign of how he doesnt know how to properly communicate
with someone, or he just doesn't care. John usually aids Sherlock in his social interactions. His
poor communication skills is seen through his texting or verbal conversations. Texting/using cell
phones is a major means of communication. Even in quite a few episodes, images of the text will
appear so the audience can read it. Texting is usually how Sherlock contacts anyone he needs to
talk to; he doesn't normally call someone. Verbal communication is another way, but as
mentioned before, Sherlock is not the best at holding a conversation with someone. He almost
always finds a way to offend the other person (unless they are used to it). He tends to say things
that cross the line, but once again has no clue that what he has said is offensive. Texting is the
most acceptable and convenient form of communication for Sherlocks purposes.
Actors: are people who hold a certain position within a specific community. These actors
tend to have purposes throughout the show and each actor is somehow connected.
Without one, the others can suffer.
Sherlock Holmes: Sherlock Holmes plays the role of the consulting detective. He goes
to crime scenes that Police Investigators cant figure out and solve themselves. He is
smarter than the police and even the perpetrators themselves. Sherlock also plays the role
of a son of Ms. Hudson and as Johns friend. It is important to note that his friendship
with John is special because Sherlock has very little friends due to his poor social skills.
Dr. John Watson: Dr. John Watson is Sherlocks closest friend and essentially his side
kick. Watson plays an important role in all of the episodes because he helps Sherlock
with social interactions and figuring out crime investigations. John Watson also plays the
role of Sherlocks friend. This is considered unusual because Sherlock doesnt have any
friends. John understands Sherlock more than anyone else and they get along well.