Hound of the Baskervilles, Ch. 1-2 - Discussion Post
After looking at the poll and considering my obvious inability to post on Mondays, I think we're going to go with two chapters a week. This week: chapters one and two. Next week, on Tuesday instead of Monday: chapters three and four.
Without further ado...THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.
The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Brian Reitz, Flickr
1. Serialized over two years from 1901 to 1902 in the Strand, many consider Hound to be the masterwork of Holmes fiction. Just given the two chapters you've seen, do you think this is true or not? Why?
2. Why do you think Doyle opens the way he does? We are clearly familiar with Holmes and Watson, and we know Watson is not going to get this right; why highlight the fact? Is it just an expository dump, or something more?
3. What do you make of the legend? Do you approve of the level of supernatural insinuation or not? Why?
4. Our victim is represented by his doctor companion. What do you make of this mirroring of Holmes and Watson?
5. What is the purpose of taking this mystery out of the city and into the country? Are there social implications? Political ones? Is it all down to plot?
Of course, any extra questions or comments are always welcome. This truly is a great novel, and I'm excited to read it with you!
Without further ado...THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES.
The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Brian Reitz, Flickr
1. Serialized over two years from 1901 to 1902 in the Strand, many consider Hound to be the masterwork of Holmes fiction. Just given the two chapters you've seen, do you think this is true or not? Why?
2. Why do you think Doyle opens the way he does? We are clearly familiar with Holmes and Watson, and we know Watson is not going to get this right; why highlight the fact? Is it just an expository dump, or something more?
3. What do you make of the legend? Do you approve of the level of supernatural insinuation or not? Why?
4. Our victim is represented by his doctor companion. What do you make of this mirroring of Holmes and Watson?
5. What is the purpose of taking this mystery out of the city and into the country? Are there social implications? Political ones? Is it all down to plot?
Of course, any extra questions or comments are always welcome. This truly is a great novel, and I'm excited to read it with you!