What was stolen from Sir Henry in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - briefly
In "The Hound of the Baskervilles," nothing material was stolen from Sir Henry. Instead, the crime involved an attempt to frighten him away from his new inheritance by exploiting local superstitions and creating the illusion of a deadly hound on the moor.
What was stolen from Sir Henry in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - in detail
In Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles," the object that was stolen from Sir Henry plays a pivotal role in driving the plot forward and unraveling the mystery behind the family curse. The item in question is a letter, specifically one written by Sir Charles Baskerville to his friend and confidant, Dr. Mortimer. This letter contains crucial information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sir Charles's death and the legend of the monstrous hound that haunts the moors.
The theft of this letter is a significant event in the story. It occurs early on, setting the stage for the intrigue and danger that follow. The letter's content is not revealed to the reader until much later, adding to the suspense and maintaining the mystery. It is this letter that leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to Baskerville Hall, where they begin their investigation into Sir Charles's death and the threats against his nephew and heir, Sir Henry.
The theft of the letter also highlights the determination of the culprit(s) to conceal vital information from Sir Henry and those trying to protect him. It underscores the urgency for Holmes and Watson to uncover the truth before further harm comes to Sir Henry. The letter's eventual retrieval and analysis by Holmes are instrumental in solving the case and lifting the curse that has plagued the Baskerville family for generations.
In summary, the stolen letter is a critical element in "The Hound of the Baskervilles," driving the narrative forward and providing essential clues to unraveling the mystery. Its theft sets the stage for Holmes's investigation and highlights the stakes involved in protecting Sir Henry from the sinister forces at work.