What was smeared on the Hound of the Baskervilles? - briefly
In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles," Sherlock Holmes discovers that the mysterious hound that haunts the moors was covered in phosphorus, which gave it an eerie glow at night. This substance was used by Dr. Jack Mortimer to create the illusion of a supernatural beast as part of his plot against the Baskerville family.
What was smeared on the Hound of the Baskervilles? - in detail
The Hound of the Baskervilles, a classic mystery novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, features an intriguing plot involving a fearsome hound that terrorizes the Baskerville family. The substance smeared on the hound is a crucial element in the story's unfolding.
The legend of the Baskerville Hound is deeply rooted in local folklore, with tales of a monstrous creature stalking the moors for centuries. In the novel, this ominous figure is used by a villain to instill fear and carry out his nefarious plans. The substance smeared on the hound is a key component in creating this sinister image.
The villain, Jack Stapleton, uses phosphorus to create the eerie glow that makes the hound appear supernatural. Phosphorus was a common element used in early matches and can emit a faint luminescence under certain conditions. By smearing phosphorus on the dog, Stapleton enhances its fearsome appearance, making it seem like a spectral creature from the moors' dark history.
This use of phosphorus is not just a clever plot device but also a reflection of the era's scientific advancements. Conan Doyle, known for his precise and detailed writing, incorporates this element to add realism and intrigue to the story. The smeared substance serves as a tangible link between the mystical legend and the practical world, emphasizing the villain's cunning use of science to achieve his goals.
In conclusion, the phosphorus smeared on the Hound of the Baskervilles plays a pivotal role in the novel's narrative, heightening the creature's menace and contributing to the story's rich atmosphere of mystery and suspense.