Jan 1, 2010

The Red-Headed League | Themes

As the story of bank robbers thwarted by a capable investigator, "The Red-Headed League" presents readers with a number of themes related to the classic contest between good and evil. The opposition between detective and criminal tests the warring values each represents. With the detective's victory, the beliefs and qualities he embodies are confirmed as superior.

Knowledge and Ignorance
Sherlock Holmes's love of mental puzzles leads to his interest in the odd story Jabez Wilson tells him. His knowledge of crime and ability to reason allow him to discern that a...