Is Sherlock Holmes an Individual or a By Product of the Victorian Age?
To the ignorant onlooker Sherlock Holmes is simply a clever detective
amongst a horde of similar duplicates from various tales and myths of
the crime-solving era. Sherlock Holmes is the culmination from a
culture of detectives. Francis Eugene Vidocq, a “Holmes” in the
making, with an utter disregard for the official police, an ability to
disguise himself, and clever plans to catch the criminals accompanied
by an excellent knowledge of the criminal underworld. Lecoq, used
science and his cleverness to solve his crimes. Dupin, a detective who
possessed powers of deduction and reasoning. Conan Doyle used all
these essential ingredients and through an ingenious metamorphosis
produced the ultimate detective; the meticulous observer Sherlock
Holmes.
If we delve deeper into the infinite chasm of Holmes' character we
reveal more about the enigmatic figure that masquerades inside his
majestic exterior.
The entwining, interlocking tentacles of Holmes' deceivingly simple
demeanour knot together to conceal his true being. His character
cannot be confined to the restrictive boundaries we use for one and
another. His character is far more complex and intelligent than his
middle class placement in Victorian society would like to divulge.
Conan Doyle created a character, blessed with gifts of deduction,
intuition and a genius ability to solve crimes. But in forming this
wonderful concoction he thus morphed many other sides to Holmes,
seemingly oblivious to his adoring followers. He formed an untouchable
creature, unable to feel emotion and passion.
"He never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer"
Emotions would only make Holmes weaker, and Sherlock Holmes did not do
weakness.
A cold calculated scientist, an ostentatious performer, an arrogant
conceited artist, a character arisen to a higher level than us
'inferior beings'
Holmes' the bohemian, Holmes' the scientist, Holmes' the detective,
Holmes' the gentleman, Holmes' the musician. Clever, genius,
conceited, arrogant, patronising, condescending. His character is more
than dual-natured. His multiple sided personality forms a complex
persona to investigate.
To dissect the inner chambers of Holme's thoughts, I will protrude
into the depths of a classic narrative; The Red Headed League which
embodies many of Holmes intricate characteristics.
In this classic narrative Mr Wilson, the stereotypical ignorant victim
is used as a long-suffering pawn in a game of cruel political chess,
he is obliviously trapped in a criminal masterminds scheming plan to
gain his revenge on society. The 'red headed league' is an exuberant
ploy to keep Mr Wilson out of his lodgings for days on end under the
preface that his
"Real vivid flame coloured tint"
had earned him a place in the ambiguous "red headed league". He has
Meanwhile, multiculturalism in the United States has been part of their history, considering the fact that almost all its populations, including its founders are immigrants coming from different cultural backgrounds (Citrin, 2001). Due to globalization, there is no reason why other immigrants and new ethnic groups could have difficulty assimilating themselves into American life.
There have been several regions of United States that have gone through cultural changes throughout time. The indigenous people on the East coast went through a cultural change when the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. The people that lived in the North went through a cultural change when the French entered by the St. Lawrence River bringing their Roman Catholicism religion. The people that were living in what is now Alaska went through cultural change when the Russians entered the area with their new language and orthodox religion. More recently, the people of Miami have gone through cultural changes since the Cubans have entered Southern Florida. To understand the migration of Cubans to Southern Florida, one must be familiar with the history of Cuban migration, immigration policies, and their implications.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of the character Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. He was a Scottish writer and physician, he wrote many things in his life. Doyle did not just write detective mysteries he also fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction and historical novels. Even though he wrote many other thing he is mostly well known for writing all of the canon Sherlock stories. Doyle himself had a career in the medical field there he meet many influential people to base his characters from. A letter was found where he wrote to one of his colleagues whose name was Joseph Bell that the most important traits of his character Sherlock was mostly based on him. Bell himself had the career title of forensic
Countries that were once colonies went through various stages of evolution in order to develop economically, politically, and culturally while gaining independence. Cuba, a former colony of Spain, has changed drastically throughout the years. Although in some cases, colonialism has had a positive effect on the country in the area regarding education and health care and on the other hand, has created an economic gap between the citizens. The government, social structure, and economy in the country can be compared and contrasted throughout the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial years.
Located on the lower east coast of Florida the city of Miami is bordered by the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Going east from the city the islands of Key Biscayne and Miami Beach help shelter the bay from the Atlantic Ocean, giving Miami a naturally protected harbor. The elevation of the city never rises above 40 feet and within most neighborhoods the elevation stays under 10 feet. The highest undulations are the Miami rock ridge which is found along the coast. A majority of the city lies on the shores of Biscayne Bay which contains hundreds of natural and artificially created islands, the largest being Miami Beach and South Beach.
It is our differences that make us unique and it is our similarities that make us strong. In science classes it can be difficult to talk about different cultures, but I think it’s important to create an inviting classroom atmosphere. It is human nature to associate with people who like you, talk like you and act like you. It is my job to create a culturally responsive classroom. Heterogeneous grouping is one way I combat this human instinct. When students are grouped based on their varying abilities, it completely negates the student’s ability to group themselves based on who they are friends with and what is most comfortable
While certain characters in novels have flaws that provide a mysterious or strange image toward them, Mr. Wilson is completely far from that “mysterious” feel, until we catch a glimpse of his true colours nearing the end of the novel. Throughout the book, Mr. Wilson is merely a person who works in a car garage all day, just to save enough money to relieve himself out of his terrible position. “[He’s] been here too long. [He] wants to get away. [His] wife and [him] want to go west.”(Fitzgerald. 123) This quote exemplifies how Wilson wants to shift from the Valley of Ashes to a more decent household that will satisfy his greater needs. These personal goals to succeed in life ...
Years after he had not returned and Polly was left without answers of his whereabouts, her love for her husband led her to travel blindly to find him and be by his side. Soon after she arrived in Canada a series of fateful events unfolded that led her untimely death. John Wilson had murdered his wife to be by the side of his young, unsuspecting mistress. Simmie states that “And as I wrote about Polly Wilson I thought often of my grandmother, Annie Thomson, who came to Ontario from Scotland as a young woman ----She was a courageous, resourceful woman with a strong faith and like Polly Wilson, she worked as a seamstress.” (p 216). This connection to her grandmother sparked a passion for the story and led her to begin her research into the Secret Lives of Sgt. John Wilson. John Wilson led a life of lies, much to the point that he no longer knew the truth. Simmie took every accurate detail of his recorded life, personal and professional, and used her knowledge to tell the story of a man so desperate and broken, no boundary was too far, the act of murder nothing but a means to an
The results of colonization can be considered an act of pleasantry for some while not the same for others. In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, known today as Cuba. History states that after chief Hatuey a cacique from one of the aboriginal native tribes was burned at the stake in 1912, and the Indian resistance collapsed - colonization of Cuba took full effect and quickly spread throughout the island. Exploitation began and freedom was forbidden to the natives and its people from afar (slaves). Cuba had now become the property of the Spaniards provoking the will to resist, from which revolts were born. A resistance that resulted finally in the ousting of Spanish governance in 1898, the first step to became an independent republic in 1902.
Often America is referred to as “The large melting pot.” The idea that the United States is a land of opportunity, where anyone can come and blend into a new breed that is uniquely American. However, the cultural diversity in America is clearly evident, from physical characteristics to different religious beliefs and customs. As minorities immigrate to America and attempt to assimilate in society, they are forced to live a pluralistic lifestyle of blending with the current society, while struggling to maintain their heritage and identity “Minority individuals must learn to function in two environments: their own culture and that of the mainstream society” (de Anda, 1984: p101). There are some who successfully leave their
Cultures of Thinking is a places where a group’s collective as well as individual thinking is valued, visible, and actively promoted as part of the regular, day-to-day experience of all group members. “It’s not something that is mysterious of foreign. But, rather is something that represents some of the best and most productive experiences as learners” (intro). Culture is a hidden tool because it can be used to transform our schools and offer our students the best learning possible (p.6). Ritchhart also believes that teachers focus on eight cultural forces that can be seen in the learning situations of individual groups, which can be interpreted.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia, demonstrates how a specific character can be used to expand upon the complexity of the story’s main character. Specifically in the case of Irene Adler, Conan Doyle does not go into much detail about her, as much as he uses her as a contrast to Holmes. Adler’s presence in the story is the antagonist, but seems much more than that to Holmes’. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s use of Adler seems to be very unique and creative compared to some of his other works, though after her appearance, Conan Doyle’s works with Sherlock all come to a similar structure, that Sherlock seems to come to adore the villains, more so the villains intellect, and put up with the people that hire him.
The first problem Delpit identifies is the culture clash that often exists between students and the school. According to Delpit (1995) this cultural clash is manifested in two ways, through teachers misreading students intents, and abilities as a result of a difference in language and interaction styles, and al...
Although Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre are comparatively different, the characters are delicately crafted to unfold a captivating theme throughout each novel which embodies the idea of the social outcast. The Monster and Jane Eyre struggle through exile due to an inability to fit into the social norms presented by the era. The characters embark on a journey while coping with alienation and a longing for domesticity which proves to be intertwined with challenges. Character, developed as social outcasts are appealing and sympathized with by readers because of their determination to reach a level of happiness. The voyage toward domesticity, away from the exile of society which Jane Eyre and The Monster embark on
Sherlock Holmes, a name most people would know if they were to hear it, has come to greatly influence the modern world of mysteries. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had no idea a character he started to write about for the first time in 1887 would still be carried alive by other TV and movie producers in 2014. Doyle also never new that Holmes would become such a popular character or result in a name mostly everybody would know. Even if there was a person who did not know who or what Sherlock Holmes was, they are certain to have at least heard his name before. “Doyle turned his principal character into a household word” (Haining 7). Doyle started a legacy that lives on forever. Sherlock Holmes personality and looks may change with every generation he is in, but his main characteristics remain the same. Sherlock Holmes’ style of deduction, great sense of observation and strange personality in Arthur Doyle’s stories influenced how TV and movie producers would portray Holmes in their version of Doyle’s mysteries in shows such as Elementary and Sherlock.