What was the Hound of the Baskervilles smeared with? - briefly
The Hound of the Baskervilles was smeared with a luminous substance. This substance was likely phosphorus, which gave the hound its eerie, ghostly appearance in the dark.
What was the Hound of the Baskervilles smeared with? - in detail
"The Hound of the Baskervilles," a classic novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, features a supernatural hound that strikes fear into the hearts of the Baskerville family. The hound is described as a monstrous, spectral creature, and its terrifying appearance is enhanced by a specific substance smeared on its body.
The hound is smeared with a luminous, phosphorescent substance, which is crucial to its eerie and menacing presence. This substance is likely derived from a type of phosphorescent paint or a natural luminescent material, such as certain types of fungi or chemicals that glow in the dark. The use of such a substance serves multiple purposes in the narrative. Firstly, it makes the hound appear otherworldly and supernatural, heightening the sense of dread and mystery. Secondly, it ensures that the hound is visible in the dark, making it a more effective tool for terrorizing its victims.
The luminous substance is not just a superficial detail but a critical element in the plot. It is part of the elaborate deception orchestrated by the novel's antagonist, Rodger Baskerville. By using the hound in this manner, Rodger aims to exploit the family's superstitions and fears, ultimately driving his cousin, Sir Henry Baskerville, to madness and death. The hound's glowing appearance is designed to evoke ancient legends and curses, adding layers of psychological terror to the physical danger it poses.
The specific composition of the phosphorescent substance is not explicitly detailed in the novel, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. However, its effect is undeniable: it transforms an ordinary dog into a nightmarish apparition, capable of instilling deep-seated fear and paranoia. The hound's glowing form is a testament to the power of deception and the manipulation of perception, themes that are central to the novel's exploration of human psychology and the supernatural.
In summary, the hound in "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is smeared with a luminous, phosphorescent substance. This substance is integral to the hound's terrifying appearance and its effectiveness as a tool of fear and deception. The use of such a substance underscores the novel's themes of manipulation, superstition, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.