Who was the killer in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - briefly
The Hound of the Baskervilles is a classic mystery novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes. The story revolves around the Baskerville family, who are believed to be cursed by a supernatural hound. The narrative unfolds on the desolate moors of Dartmoor, where the family's ancestral home, Baskerville Hall, stands. The tale begins with the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who is found dead on the moors, his face contorted in terror. The local legend speaks of a spectral hound that has haunted the Baskervilles for generations, striking fear into the hearts of those who dare to venture onto the moors at night.
The primary suspects in the case include:
- Rodger Baskerville, the heir to the Baskerville estate, who stands to gain from Sir Charles's death.
- Dr. Mortimer, the family physician, who initially brings the case to Holmes's attention.
- Selden, a notorious criminal known as the "Notting Hill murderer," who is hiding on the moors.
- Stapleton, a naturalist and neighbor to the Baskervilles, who harbors a dark secret.
The plot thickens as Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. Watson arrive at Baskerville Hall to investigate. They uncover a web of deceit and manipulation, ultimately revealing the true identity of the killer. The killer in The Hound of the Baskervilles is Rodger Baskerville, who had faked his own death years earlier and returned to claim his inheritance. He used the legend of the hound to strike fear into the hearts of his potential victims, ensuring his own safety while eliminating obstacles to his claim on the estate.
Who was the killer in The Hound of the Baskervilles? - in detail
"The Hound of the Baskervilles," a classic novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is renowned for its intricate plot and atmospheric setting on the desolate moors of Dartmoor. The story revolves around the Baskerville family, cursed by a supernatural hound that has allegedly claimed the lives of several family members. The narrative is driven by the arrival of Dr. James Mortimer, who seeks the help of Sherlock Holmes to protect Sir Henry Baskerville, the heir to the Baskerville estate, from the alleged curse.
The mystery deepens as Holmes and his companion, Dr. Watson, investigate the Baskerville family history and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Sir Charles Baskerville and his ancestors. The novel is rich with red herrings and misleading clues, designed to keep the reader and the characters guessing until the very end. One of the central figures in the story is Rodger Baskerville, Sir Charles's older brother, who was believed to have died in a madhouse. However, it is later revealed that Rodger Baskerville is very much alive and has been living on the moors under the alias of Selden, a notorious criminal known as the "Notting Hill murderer."
Rodger Baskerville's motives are driven by a desire for revenge and the Baskerville estate. He had been disinherited by his father, Sir Charles Baskerville, and had been confined to a madhouse due to his violent and erratic behavior. Upon escaping, he adopted the identity of Selden and began to plot his revenge. Rodger Baskerville's plan involved using the legend of the hound to strike fear into the hearts of the Baskerville family and claim the estate for himself. He trained a large, ferocious dog to appear as the supernatural hound, using it to terrorize and ultimately kill Sir Charles Baskerville.
The climax of the novel occurs on the moors, where Sir Henry Baskerville is pursued by the hound. Holmes, who had been conducting his investigation from a safe house, intervenes just in time to save Sir Henry. In the ensuing struggle, Rodger Baskerville is killed, and the hound is revealed to be a mere dog, albeit a terrifying one. The legend of the Baskerville hound is thus debunked, and the true killer is exposed.
The novel's resolution underscores the themes of rationality versus superstition, as Holmes uses his deductive reasoning to unravel the mystery and expose the truth behind the alleged curse. The character of Rodger Baskerville serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive power of revenge. Through his actions, Rodger Baskerville not only seeks to destroy the Baskerville family but also to claim what he believes is rightfully his, even if it means resorting to murder and deception. The novel's exploration of these themes, coupled with its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, has cemented "The Hound of the Baskervilles" as a timeless classic in the genre of detective fiction.