Student Question
Why is The Hound of the Baskervilles considered an epistolary novel?
Quick answer:
The story is considered an epistolary novel because it includes sections told through letters and diary entries by Watson, primarily addressed to Holmes. This narrative technique, influenced by authors like Wilkie Collins and Edgar Allan Poe, creates a sense of familiarity and allows readers to gain insight into events ahead of the characters. These elements contribute to the novel's unique storytelling style within the Sherlock Holmes series.
This particular story of Homes and Watson is considered epistolary because of the sections of the story that are told through letters or "epistles" from Watson as well as his diaries but generally addressed to Holmes as Holmes has sent Watson on ahead as he has pressing matters to take care of in London.
This technique is one that is attributed to Wilke Collins' influence on Arthur Conan Doyle as well as perhaps the style of Poe, both authors that Doyle was familiar with. The technique was considered successful at creating a sense of familiarity and giving the reader a chance to be ahead of the characters.
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