The Relationship of Sherlock and Watson in Conan Dole’s amazing stories of Sherlock Holmes

837 Words2 Pages

In Conan Dole’s amazing stories of Sherlock Holmes there is a set undertone to the relationship between the main character and the relationship to the narrator Dr. Watson. Watson views Holmes as almost an ideological figure and uses his stories and life to fulfil the true desires that he is missing in his own life. In this paper we will look at this relationship, why the author chose to tell the stories from Dr. Watson’s perspective, and lastly the how the modern day versions of the stories have twisted or defied this very important characteristic of the stories.

From the very first publish of the stories of Sherlock Holmes, ”A Scandal in Bohemia,” the story is started out from the perspective of Dr. Watson telling of his separation from his friend Sherlock. The story states that the pair had drifted apart due to Watson’s Marriage and the Dr. Watson had only heard from Sherlock in the stories of the cases he had been involved in. After reuniting again the true relationship between the two is immediately established. From the beginning of their meeting Sherlock begin to belittle Dr. Watson of the choices he has made due to marriage and the weight that he has gained. Sherlock also concludes that Dr. Watson was not happen in his marriage and that he had indeed been having an affair while married to his wife. In reality, Watson yearned for this. Before even entering the house Watson stated,” I was seized with a keened desire to see Holmes again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers.”(Doyle,” The Strand No. 7” pg. 61)

It was true, as proven by Holmes that Watson was not happy in his life and this lead Dr. Watson back to Sherlock to fulfil his self-desires of life through the adventures of Sherlock. In ...

... middle of paper ...

...erlock needs to belittle and use Dr. Watson just as Dr. Watson yearns to be used. This need from Dr. Watson is the ultimate underlying fact to why he share these stories with us. The stories help him to relive and fulfil the life he desires. These stories are one of the greatest legacies in literary history and it should be applauded that the stories still continue as long as we leave this bittersweet relationship between Sherlock and Watson in its perfectly dysfunctional state.

Works Cited

Conan Doyle, The Strand No. 7,” A Scandal in Bohemia” pg. 61-75 Jul. 1891

Conan Doyle, The Strand No. 14,” The Adventure of the Speckled Band” pg. 142-57 Feb. 1892.

Washington University in St. Louis. "Others may know us better than we know ourselves, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 February 2010. .

Open Document