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Allusions
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Watson & Holmes:
In Chapter 1, Dr. Watson and Holmes are introduced to their new client, Dr. Mortimer, through his walking stick. The story establishes Watson and Holmes as foils, with Holmes asking Watson to deduct the identity of the stick's owner purely through observation:
'Well, Watson, what do you make of it?’ Holmes was sitting with his back to me, and I had given him no sign of my occupation. ‘How did you know what I was doing? I believe you have eyes in the back of your head.
Related Themes:
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Selden & Mrs Barrymore:
In Chapter 9, after Watson learns the notorious murderer Selden is related to Mrs. Barrymore, he is shocked and wonders:
Was it possible that this stolidly respectable person was of the same blood as one of the most notorious criminals in the country?
According to Watson, Selden is:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A danger to the community, an unmitigated scoundrel for whom there was neither pity nor excuse. We were only doing our duty in taking this chance of putting him back where he could do no harm. With his brutal and violent nature, others would have to pay the price if we held our hands.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Man on the Tor:
Doyle first sets up an instance of situational irony—overturning audience expectations—in Chapter 9 when Watson, writing to Holmes, describes seeing a mysterious figure on the Tor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There, outlined as black as an ebony statue on that shining background, I saw the figure of a man upon the tor. Do not think that it was a delusion, Holmes. I assure you that I have never in my life seen anything more clearly. As far as I could judge, the figure was that of a tall, thin man. He stood with his legs a little separated, his arms folded, his head bowed, as if he were brooding over that enormous wilderness of peat and granite which lay behind him.
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—The Man on the Tor:
Doyle first sets up an instance of situational irony—overturning audience expectations—in Chapter 9 when Watson, writing to Holmes, describes seeing a mysterious figure on the Tor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There, outlined as black as an ebony statue on that shining background, I saw the figure of a man upon the tor. Do not think that it was a delusion, Holmes. I assure you that I have never in my life seen anything more clearly. As far as I could judge, the figure was that of a tall, thin man. He stood with his legs a little separated, his arms folded, his head bowed, as if he were brooding over that enormous wilderness of peat and granite which lay behind him.
Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—The Man on the Tor:
Doyle first sets up an instance of situational irony—overturning audience expectations—in Chapter 9 when Watson, writing to Holmes, describes seeing a mysterious figure on the Tor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There, outlined as black as an ebony statue on that shining background, I saw the figure of a man upon the tor. Do not think that it was a delusion, Holmes. I assure you that I have never in my life seen anything more clearly. As far as I could judge, the figure was that of a tall, thin man. He stood with his legs a little separated, his arms folded, his head bowed, as if he were brooding over that enormous wilderness of peat and granite which lay behind him.
