The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Sherlock Holmes’ Most Chilling Case
The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of four crime novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. Originally serialized in The Strand Magazine between August 1901 and April 1902, this gripping mystery takes place in the eerie moors of Dartmoor, Devon, in England’s West Country. The novel follows Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, as they investigate a chilling legend about a supernatural hound said to haunt the Baskerville family.
This novel holds a special place in the Sherlock Holmes canon, as it marked the detective’s return after his apparent death in “The Final Problem,” where Holmes had seemingly fallen to his doom alongside his archenemy, Professor Moriarty. The immense popularity and success of The Hound of the Baskervilles ultimately led Doyle to fully revive Holmes in later stories, much to the delight of readers worldwide.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Dr. James Mortimer seeking Sherlock Holmes’ help regarding the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. Sir Charles was found dead on the grounds of Baskerville Hall, and though the official cause was a heart attack, Mortimer believes his death was connected to an ancient family curse. According to legend, a ghostly, supernatural hound has haunted the Baskervilles for generations, killing any Baskerville who ventures onto the moors.
With Sir Henry Baskerville, the last surviving heir, arriving in England to claim his inheritance, Mortimer fears that the curse will strike again. Holmes, intrigued by the case, agrees to investigate, sending Watson to Baskerville Hall to keep an eye on Sir Henry while he conducts his own inquiries in London.
The novel masterfully builds suspense as Watson uncovers strange occurrences on the desolate moor—footprints of a giant hound, mysterious cries in the night, and shadowy figures lurking in the fog. The sense of dread intensifies with each new revelation, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and fear.
As the investigation deepens, Holmes eventually joins Watson at Baskerville Hall. Through his brilliant deductions, Holmes uncovers a complex plot of inheritance, murder, and deception. Far from being supernatural, the hound is revealed to be a trained creature, used as a tool in an elaborate scheme to frighten and kill Sir Henry, allowing a distant relative to claim the Baskerville fortune. Holmes and Watson confront the villain, solving the mystery and putting an end to the curse once and for all.
Themes in The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Science vs. Superstition
One of the central themes in The Hound of the Baskervilles is the clash between rationality and superstition. The novel’s supernatural premise—the cursed hound—is presented as a seemingly unsolvable mystery. However, Sherlock Holmes’ character represents the triumph of logic and science over fear and superstition. Holmes consistently dismisses any notion of the supernatural, instead using his deductive reasoning to uncover the truth behind the legend. The resolution of the case underscores the importance of critical thinking in the face of fear and uncertainty. - The Gothic and the Natural World
Set against the bleak and haunting backdrop of the Devon moors, The Hound of the Baskervilles exemplifies the gothic tradition. The wild, untamed landscape of Dartmoor serves as both a physical and psychological maze, reflecting the characters’ fear and uncertainty as they navigate the mystery. The moor itself becomes a character in the novel, amplifying the tension and adding an air of menace. The use of fog, isolation, and mysterious sounds heightens the gothic atmosphere, making the moor a symbol of the unknown and the untamable forces that lie beyond human control. - Loyalty and Friendship
The novel also highlights the close relationship between Holmes and Watson. While Holmes is often portrayed as coldly logical and emotionally distant, The Hound of the Baskervilles demonstrates the deep trust and camaraderie between the two. Watson’s role in the story is crucial, as he serves as Holmes’ eyes and ears on the ground at Baskerville Hall. Though he may lack Holmes’ brilliance, Watson’s loyalty, bravery, and insight make him an invaluable partner. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and friendship, and it serves as the emotional core of the story.
Holmes’ Return to Mystery
One of the most notable aspects of The Hound of the Baskervilles is the revival of Sherlock Holmes after his supposed death in “The Final Problem.” Doyle had originally intended to end the Holmes series with that story, feeling that the character had overshadowed his other literary works. However, the overwhelming demand from readers for more Sherlock Holmes stories led Doyle to bring him back, starting with The Hound of the Baskervilles, though chronologically, it takes place before Holmes’ death. The success of this novel confirmed that the public’s love for Holmes was far from over, leading Doyle to continue writing more stories, beginning with The Adventure of the Empty House, which explained Holmes’ return after faking his death.
Legacy and Adaptations
The Hound of the Baskervilles is widely regarded as one of the greatest detective novels of all time. Its influence can be seen in countless adaptations across film, television, and theater. The novel’s gothic tone, thrilling mystery, and iconic characters have made it a favorite among Sherlock Holmes fans and mystery lovers alike. It has been adapted into numerous films, with notable portrayals of Holmes by actors like Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing, and more recently, Benedict Cumberbatch.
Whether experienced through its original form or through its many adaptations, The Hound of the Baskervilles remains a staple of detective fiction, proving that some mysteries—like the allure of Sherlock Holmes—never die.
