What is the book The Hound of the Baskervilles about? - briefly
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic mystery novel featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson. The story revolves around an ancient curse and a monstrous hound that threatens the Baskerville family, leading Holmes to investigate the eerie happenings on the desolate moors of Devonshire.
What is the book The Hound of the Baskervilles about? - in detail
"The Hound of the Baskervilles," written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of the most renowned works in the Sherlock Holmes series. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the eerie and desolate moors of Devonshire, where the Baskerville family has resided for centuries. The story commences with Dr. John Watson receiving a visit from Dr. James Mortimer, who is concerned about his friend Sir Henry Baskerville's safety due to an ancient legend that haunts the Baskerville lineage.
According to the legend, a monstrous hound, said to be supernatural and hellish in appearance, has been terrorizing the family for generations. The most recent victim of this curse was Sir Charles Baskerville, whose body was found on the moor with an expression of utter horror etched on his face. Dr. Mortimer fears that Sir Henry, who has recently inherited the Baskerville estate, may be the next target of the hound's wrath.
Upon hearing this intriguing tale, Sherlock Holmes is immediately drawn into the mystery and decides to take on the case. Along with Dr. Watson, he travels to Devonshire to investigate the strange occurrences surrounding Sir Henry Baskerville and the legend of the hound. Upon their arrival, they encounter a cast of peculiar characters, including the loyal butler Barrymore; his timid wife; the enigmatic Stapleton siblings, who have a keen interest in natural history; and the cunning Mr. Frankland, a neighbor with a questionable past.
As Holmes delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deception and intrigue that extends beyond the superstitious folklore of the hound. He discovers that Sir Charles was not merely a victim of a mythical creature but rather a pawn in a sinister plot orchestrated by someone seeking to claim the Baskerville fortune. Holmes's meticulous observation and deductive reasoning lead him to suspect that there are human agents behind the hound's appearances, aiming to frighten Sir Henry away from his inheritance.
The climax of the story takes place on the desolate moors, where Holmes, Watson, and their allies confront the mastermind behind the scheme. The hound, it is revealed, is not a supernatural entity but a trained animal used by the culprit to instill fear in his victims. The final showdown exposes the truth behind the legend and brings justice to those responsible for the Baskerville curse.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is not only a gripping mystery but also an exploration of the power of superstition and the dangers of unfounded fear. Through Holmes's keen observation and logical reasoning, Doyle masterfully dismantles the myth of the hound, revealing the human motivations behind the supposedly supernatural events. The novel remains a classic in the detective genre, captivating readers with its atmospheric setting, complex plot, and unforgettable characters.