When enthusiastic readers and fans around the globe think of Sherlock Holmes, they do not necessarily associate the stories of the detective with Gothic fiction. Holmes is rather linked to be the supreme example of the classic detective story. Ever since the first Sherlock Holmes story "A Study in Scarlet" has been published, numerous adaptations such as theatre plays, films and a recent BBC series followed. Adding scholarly texts to the adaptations, one can certainly argue that most of the publications deal with Holmes in his role as a detective. Thus, Nils Clausson claims that “the myth of the scientific detective was born” (61).
Certainly, it is more likely to associate Sherlock Holmes with crime fiction than with vampires or zombies. However, Gothic fiction is far to complex to reduce the term only to this associations.
Thus, the purpose of this seminar paper is to lay the focus on Gothic elements and detective fiction in one particular Sherlock Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Hence, the structure of the paper will be as follows. In the first chapter, the paper will be concerned with the term Gothic. This implies an attempt to both define as well as limit the notion to Gothic fiction. Moreover, the paper deals with common motifs or features of the classic Gothic fiction, which developed in the 18th century. In the next sub-chapter, the paper sets the focus on the so – called Gothic revival, which occurred in the late – Victorian era of the 19th century. As it is of peculiar interest for The Hound of the Baskervilles, some characteristics of the late-Victorian Gothic will be implied. The third and the fourth chapter will illustrate the main aspects of the paper. Subdivided into characters, setting and plot, the third chapter will discuss some Gothic elements in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Could The Hound of the Baskervilles either be considered as Gothic fiction or a detective story? Based on this question, the paper will incorporate several scientific statements to find an answer. Finally, the paper will give a conclusion as well as a bibliography.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Gothic Fiction
- Defining Gothic Fiction
- Late-Victorian Gothic and its Characteristics
- Gothic Elements in The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Characters
- Setting
- Plot
- The Hound of the Baskervilles: Gothic Fiction or Detective Story?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to explore the intersection of Gothic fiction and detective fiction within Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. It seeks to determine whether the story aligns more closely with the conventions of Gothic literature or those of the classic detective story.
- Defining and delimiting the scope of Gothic fiction.
- Analyzing the characteristics of Late-Victorian Gothic literature.
- Identifying and examining Gothic elements within The Hound of the Baskervilles (characters, setting, plot).
- Evaluating the narrative's position within the genres of Gothic fiction and detective fiction.
- Exploring the interplay between scientific rationality and supernatural elements in the story.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by challenging the common perception of Sherlock Holmes stories as solely belonging to the realm of detective fiction. It establishes the paper's purpose: to investigate the presence of Gothic elements within The Hound of the Baskervilles. The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, previewing the exploration of Gothic fiction's definition, the characteristics of Late-Victorian Gothic, and the analysis of Gothic elements in Doyle's novel, ultimately questioning its classification as either Gothic fiction or a detective story.
Gothic Fiction: This chapter provides a foundational overview of Gothic fiction. It acknowledges the difficulty in establishing a singular definition for the genre due to its diverse interpretations and applications across various contexts. The chapter distinguishes between the literary meaning of Gothic from its architectural and historical connotations, highlighting the 18th-century Gothic's anti-Enlightenment stance—representing an irrational counterpart to the prevailing emphasis on reason. The discussion extends to the Romantic period, where Gothic fiction incorporated Romantic elements, exemplified by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Crucially, the chapter transitions to the Late-Victorian Gothic, establishing its significance for the analysis of The Hound of the Baskervilles and emphasizing the genre's enduring presence across various national and social contexts, pointing out recurring themes like ruins, monstrosity, insanity, and the supernatural.
Gothic Elements in The Hound of the Baskervilles: This chapter delves into the specific Gothic elements present in Doyle's novel. Divided into sections on characters, setting, and plot, this chapter analyzes how these elements contribute to the overall Gothic atmosphere of the story. It would explore how character portrayals, environmental descriptions, and plot developments evoke the core themes and conventions of Gothic fiction. Examples of specific character traits, descriptions of the moor, and critical plot points would be analyzed for their contribution to the story's Gothic aspects. The analysis would synthesize these aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Gothic elements woven into the narrative of The Hound of the Baskervilles. The chapter sets the stage for the following chapter's exploration into whether the novel leans more towards Gothic or detective fiction.
Keywords
Gothic fiction, Late-Victorian Gothic, detective fiction, Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, supernatural, mystery, science vs. occultism, identity, liminality, degeneration, atmosphere, setting, character analysis, genre classification.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Gothic Elements in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's *The Hound of the Baskervilles*
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a seminar paper analyzing the intersection of Gothic and detective fiction in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's *The Hound of the Baskervilles*. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents outlines the following sections: an introduction, a discussion of Gothic fiction (including its definition and Late-Victorian characteristics), an analysis of Gothic elements in *The Hound of the Baskervilles* (considering characters, setting, and plot), a discussion comparing the novel's classification as either Gothic fiction or a detective story, and a conclusion.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the seminar paper?
The paper aims to determine whether *The Hound of the Baskervilles* aligns more with Gothic literature or the classic detective story. Key themes include defining Gothic fiction, analyzing Late-Victorian Gothic characteristics, identifying Gothic elements within the novel, evaluating its genre placement, and exploring the interplay between scientific rationality and supernatural elements.
What are the key themes explored in each chapter?
The Introduction sets the stage by questioning the usual categorization of Sherlock Holmes stories and outlines the paper's structure. The chapter on Gothic Fiction defines the genre, differentiates it from its architectural and historical connotations, and discusses its evolution, particularly focusing on Late-Victorian Gothic. The chapter on Gothic Elements in *The Hound of the Baskervilles* analyzes the novel's characters, setting, and plot through the lens of Gothic conventions. The final chapter will evaluate the novel's position within the genres of Gothic and detective fiction.
What are the key keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Gothic fiction, Late-Victorian Gothic, detective fiction, Sherlock Holmes, *The Hound of the Baskervilles*, supernatural, mystery, science vs. occultism, identity, liminality, degeneration, atmosphere, setting, character analysis, and genre classification.
What is the scope of the analysis of Gothic elements in *The Hound of the Baskervilles*?
The analysis focuses on identifying and examining how characters, setting (particularly the moor), and plot developments contribute to the overall Gothic atmosphere and themes within the novel. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Gothic elements are woven into the narrative.
How does the paper approach the question of whether *The Hound of the Baskervilles* is Gothic fiction or a detective story?
The paper systematically explores both perspectives. By analyzing the presence and significance of Gothic elements within the narrative, it aims to offer a nuanced assessment of the novel's genre classification, considering the interplay between its detective elements and its Gothic attributes.
- Quote paper
- Daniel Quitz (Author), 2013, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in the Context of Gothic Fiction and the Detective Story, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/273546
