The Adventure of the Speckled Band Group

Question:

aswenson)91
aswenson)91

In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band, what injury did Sherlock Holmes question Helen about?

sherlock holmes

Rate question:

Posted by aswenson)91 on Sunday April 12, 2009 at 6:07 PM and tagged with helen, injury, sherlock holmes, the adventure of the speckled band.

Answers:

  1. pmiranda2857
    pmiranda2857 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In the beginning of the story, Holmes senses that Helen has been frightened into a state of nervous exhaustion.  She looks terrible.  Her emotional state has made her old before her time. 

    "Her features and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot with premature gray, and her expression was weary and haggard.
    Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, all-comprehensive glances." (Doyle)

    Then Holmes notices something else about Helen Stoner, something that is very disturbing, he sees evidence of physical abuse as well.  He asks her about her bruised wrist, which indicates that her stepfather, Dr. Roylott has gotten physically violent with her.  

    "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes.   The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist.  "He is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own strength." (Doyle)

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/adventure-speckled-qn/social-concerns
    http://www.enotes.com/adventure-speckled-qn/themes

    Rate answer:

    Posted by pmiranda2857 on Monday April 13, 2009 at 6:22 AM