Student Question
Why is Holmes and Watson's relationship crucial to a detective novel's progression?
Quick answer:
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is crucial to a detective novel's progression because they act as foils, highlighting each other's traits. Holmes's unmatched intelligence contrasts with Watson's more ordinary deduction skills, emphasizing Holmes's brilliance. Meanwhile, Watson's loyalty and dependability provide essential support to Holmes. This dynamic enhances the narrative, as their interdependence and contrasting qualities drive the plot and highlight their individual strengths.
I think the relationship between these two famous literary figures is captured through the way that Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson actually act as foils for each other in all of their adventures. A foil is a character that is placed next to another character for purposes of comparison. Of course, if you have two characters paired like this, the extremes of each are emphasised and exaggerated. Think about the relationship of these two characters: what is notable of course if the fierce intelligence of Sherlock Holmes that Dr. Watson can never attain. When Dr. Watson tries to use his skills to deduce facts, he is always shown up by Sherlock Holmes. Yet at the same time, Watson possesses a fierce loyalty to Holmes that Holmes is forced to depend upon to solve numerous cases. The two characters need each other, but also Watson's ignorance emphasises the intelligence of Sherlock Holmes.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.