Who is the killer in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - briefly
The killer in "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is Sir Henry's brother, Rodger Baskerville. He was driven mad by his family's legacy and used a trained hound to commit the murders.
Who is the killer in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - in detail
The identity of the killer in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is revealed through a meticulous unraveling of clues and motives, culminating in an unexpected twist that exemplifies the author's mastery of crime fiction.
At the outset, suspicion falls on several characters due to their proximity to the Baskerville estate and their potential motives. The most prominent suspect is Barrymore, the butler at Baskerville Hall, who has a criminal past and whose wife is found to be an escaped convict. However, as Sherlock Holmes' investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Barrymore's actions are driven by fear and desperation rather than malice.
Another suspect is Dr. Mortimer, the family physician, who harbors resentment towards the Baskervilles for their historical treatment of the poor. However, his motive lacks the intensity required to commit such heinous crimes, and his alibi holds up under scrutiny.
The most intriguing suspect is Sir Henry Baskerville, the last surviving member of the Baskerville family. His arrival at the estate coincides with the escalation of the mysterious events, leading some to believe that he might be targeted or, conversely, the perpetrator behind the crimes. However, Holmes' keen observations and logical deductions exonerate Sir Henry, revealing him as an innocent victim rather than a culprit.
The true mastermind behind the sinister plot is revealed to be Dr. Grimsby Roylott, Sir Charles Baskerville's brother-in-law. Roylott, a disreputable character with a penchant for gambling and illicit activities, stands to inherit the vast Baskerville fortune if Sir Henry were to meet an untimely end. His knowledge of toxicology and his access to various poisons make him an ideal suspect. Moreover, Roylott's unusual behavior—such as keeping a savage hound in his room and maintaining a secretive correspondence with someone named " Laura Lyons"—further raises suspicions.
Holmes uncovers that Roylott has been using the legendary hound of the Baskervilles as a tool of terror, employing a trained dog to instill fear and create confusion. The dog's howls are manipulated to mimic the supernatural beast from local folklore, adding an eerie dimension to the crimes. Roylott's ultimate goal is to drive Sir Henry away from the estate or, failing that, to kill him using the hound as a means of distraction while he administers poison.
In a climactic confrontation at Baskerville Hall, Holmes and Watson apprehend Roylott, exposing his nefarious schemes. The revelation underscores the brilliance of Doyle's storytelling, as the killer is not simply identified but also unmasked through a sophisticated web of deception and manipulation. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" thus stands as a testament to Doyle's ability to weave intricate plots and create memorable characters, ensuring that this classic tale continues to captivate readers generations after its initial publication.