THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES - WEEK 7 - CHAPTERS 11 -12

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by Arthur Conan Doyle

Next week we'll wrap up Hound of the Baskervilles and cover chapters 13-15. Stay tuned for our next bookclub pick!

I have really enjoyed some of the literary devices that Doyle has built into this fantastic tale to help promote imagery. This week I'm going to start off with a couple examples of those.

The first is the metaphorical net of the unseen force drawn around Watson. I loved the claustrophobic feeling that gave me as I imagined being closed in on or trapped.

The second is an example of juxtaposition. I love juxtaposition. It helps us understand the drastic difference between things sometimes. As Watson approaches the cave, determined to finally know who the unknown person is on the moor, Doyle shows the beauty of nature surrounding him, the peaceful picture of the smoke coming out of the chimney, etc. contrasted with how Watson feels inside. He can't appreciate the scene due to his nerves. We get that, don't we? I would guess that each of us has been in a situation where we are oblivious to the surroundings because of the intensity of the mission we are on!

Oh my goodness, chapter 12 was packed with great action, wasn't it?!

First off, our mysterious man is SHERLOCK! Of course it is! He couldn't leave Watson hanging. Can't you just physically feel the relaxation of Watson as he now knows he has someone to hear the burden of this case with?

Second, Miss Stapleton is really MRS. STAPLETON! Did you see that one coming? Now we can relate to why Stapleton was angry with Sir Henry, but for goodness sake, the man put his wife out there to catch Sir Henry's attention. I'm feeling a whole Abraham, Sarah, and Pharaoh vibe here!

Third, we think that Sir Henry dies. What? Just when we know that Sherlock is there, he dies? Then the body is rolled over and it's actually Selden. Oh the relief! Then Stapleton gets a look and we know a flash of shock passes over his face, but he buries it deep inside. Oh Stapleton, Stapleton! You bad, bad man.

Fourth, Laura Lyons. I will just leave that for someone else to grab if they would like!

Okay, it's your turn! Lots of great things to run with in these chapters!