Comparing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A Scandal In Bohemia And A Scandal In Belgravia

Classic works serve as timeless pieces for the enthusiast reader. However, in order

for these works to have the same impact it is important that the audiences connect with

the story at hand. A great number of differences are evident between Sir Arthur Conan

Doyle’s original short story “A Scandal in Bohemia,” and A Scandal in Belgravia,

written by Stephen Moffat, from BBC’s Sherlock. It is due to these differences that the

episode serves as an effective representation of Doyle’s work for modern audiences. This

is achieved through the adaptation of Irene Adler’s character, a dramatic change in plot,

and with hidden sexual tension between major characters

The character of Irene Adler has always been an important figure in the

adaptations of Doyle’s

However, with the growing acceptance of the LGBT

community, as well as the inherent sexualization present in nearly all aspects of modern

entertainment and society, writers often choose to incorporate both concepts to attract a

larger modern audience and increase viewership. This is clearly evident throughout

BBC’s series, and further expanded upon in A Scandal in Belgravia, when Moffat

contrasts the original text not only by showing Sherlock’s affection for Irene, but also

through small remarks about the relationship between Sherlock and John. Moffat greatly

deviates from Doyle’s work by depicting Sherlock’s respect for Irene as his affection, this

is evident when Sherlock endangers himself to save Irene. Furthermore, Moffat, on

numerous occasions, infers that Sherlock and John are in a homosexual relationship,

evidence of this is found when Irene says, “And somebody loves you. Oh, if I had to

punch that face, I 'd avoid your nose and teeth, too.” Additionally, John often