The Mysterious Visitor

Dr. Mortimer visits Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, leaving behind a walking stick that sparks Holmes's curiosity. Mortimer returns to explain the legend of the Baskerville family curse, involving a spectral hound that haunts the Baskerville heirs. Sir Charles Baskerville has recently died under mysterious circumstances, and Mortimer fears for the life of the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, who is arriving from Canada.

The Baskerville Curse

Mortimer recounts the Baskerville legend: Hugo Baskerville, a notorious ancestor, was killed by a supernatural hound after abducting a local maiden. The curse is said to doom the Baskerville heirs. Sir Charles's recent death, with large hound footprints nearby, has revived fears. Holmes is intrigued but skeptical, agreeing to investigate while Watson accompanies Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall.

The Moor's Secrets

Watson reports from Baskerville Hall, describing the eerie moor and the strange behavior of the servants, the Barrymores. He learns of an escaped convict hiding on the moor and encounters the naturalist Stapleton and his sister, Beryl, who warns him of danger. Watson observes Barrymore signaling someone on the moor at night, deepening the mystery.

The Hound's Howl

Watson and Sir Henry hear the chilling howl of a hound on the moor. Watson investigates further, discovering that Barrymore is secretly aiding the convict, Selden, who is Mrs. Barrymore's brother. Meanwhile, Watson learns of a mysterious man living on the moor, who seems to be observing them.

The Hidden Observer

Watson discovers that the mysterious man is none other than Sherlock Holmes, who has been secretly investigating. Holmes reveals that Stapleton is the true villain, using the legend of the hound to scare Sir Charles to death and planning the same for Sir Henry. Stapleton's "sister" is actually his wife, coerced into aiding his schemes.

The Trap is Set

Holmes devises a plan to catch Stapleton by using Sir Henry as bait. They arrange for Sir Henry to walk across the moor alone, while Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade lie in wait. As Sir Henry walks, the spectral hound, coated in phosphorus to appear ghostly, attacks. Holmes and Watson shoot the hound, saving Sir Henry.

The Final Confrontation

With the hound dead, Holmes and Watson confront Stapleton, who flees into the deadly Grimpen Mire and is presumed dead. Holmes explains Stapleton's plot to inherit the Baskerville fortune by eliminating the heirs. The case is closed, and Sir Henry is safe, though shaken by the ordeal.

Characters

Sherlock Holmes

Holmes is the mastermind behind the investigation, using his deductive skills to unravel the mystery of the Baskerville curse. His ability to remain unseen and gather information is crucial to solving the case.

Dr. John Watson

Watson accompanies Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall, providing protection and reporting back to Holmes. His observations and bravery play a key role in uncovering the truth.

Sir Henry Baskerville

Sir Henry is the last of the Baskervilles, targeted by Stapleton's plot. His courage and determination to reclaim his family's estate are central to the story.

Dr. James Mortimer

Mortimer brings the case to Holmes, fearing for Sir Henry's life. His knowledge of the Baskerville legend sets the investigation in motion.

Mr. Stapleton

Stapleton is the mastermind behind the plot to kill Sir Henry, using the legend of the hound to his advantage. His true nature is hidden behind a facade of friendliness.

Beryl Stapleton

Posing as Stapleton's sister, she is actually his wife, coerced into aiding his schemes. Her warnings to Watson reveal her inner conflict and desire to escape Stapleton's control.

The Barrymores

The Barrymores are the caretakers of Baskerville Hall, hiding the secret of Selden, the escaped convict, who is Mrs. Barrymore's brother.

Selden

Selden is the escaped convict hiding on the moor, inadvertently becoming part of the mystery surrounding the Baskerville curse.

Plot Devices

The Baskerville Legend

The legend of the spectral hound is central to the plot, used by Stapleton to instill fear and manipulate events to his advantage.

The Moor

The desolate moor provides a haunting backdrop, filled with hidden dangers and secrets that contribute to the story's suspense.

Disguise and Deception

Stapleton's use of disguise and deception, including posing his wife as his sister, is a key element in his plot to inherit the Baskerville fortune.

Analysis

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" explores the tension between logic and legend, with Holmes representing the power of reason to dispel fear and superstition. The novel critiques the dangers of blind belief in myths, showing how they can be exploited by those with malicious intent. Through Holmes's methodical investigation, Doyle emphasizes the importance of evidence and rational thought in uncovering truth and achieving justice. The story also highlights themes of loyalty and courage, as Watson and Sir Henry face their fears to confront the unknown.

Last updated: February 19, 2025