A question about Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler

[fs_playground]

In the original version of "A Scandal in Bohemia": Did Sherlock Holmes fall in love with Irene Adler or not

Comments

[insaneladybug]

Ah, the eternal question. No one really knows the answer, so it's pretty much up to each individual to decide for themselves.

Personally, I have a hard time believing Holmes fell in love. But I have wondered about that photograph....

[fs_playground]

Yes, she didn't seem to love him. But he seemed abnormally attached to her when he asked for that photograph. He usually got souvenirs from his clients, and maybe he just wanted to remember his lesson so that he wouldn't ever underestimate a woman again. But taking the photo is something else, which is why I wondered if, at least unconsciously, he did consider her as somebody who he could have fallen on love with if they had met under different circumstances (not that I think it would have worked out in any way XD).

[insaneladybug]

Yeah, that photograph is probably the most interesting evidence when considering the question. I usually think of it as him wanting to remember his lesson, but it is intriguing to ponder on what else he may have had in mind, even if only unconsciously.

[fs_playground]

Somehow I don't want to believe that a man with a brain like his didn't consider falling in love once just out of curiosity, to see what's so great about it. After all, he often carried out experiments on himself.

[skysamuelle]

I think the truth of the matter was somewhere in between yes and not

[fs_playground]

I love that fic (Lover's Path). It's one of the few one-shots I reread over and over again, along with June's "Fifty Pills" and SN's "Modus Operandi." It's one of the few fics that put Shinichi and Ai into a rather unexpected situation while keeping them as in-character as possible. And it was so extremely well-written, too. Most people can't write love scenes without making them really corny or repulsive. I wish somebody would turn it into a doujinshi

.

[skysamuelle]

Thank you for the grand compliment to my fic (I am still surprised I actually went into such darkish/decadent territory with that one). It means a lot coming from you as you know how much I adore your stories. In fact, I'll be very curious to see how you frame your parallels, altough I have a feeling it fits well with the noir-like mood and the 'trick' Shiho pulled with her disappeareance

Re: .

[fs_playground]

I wonder whether the dark and decadent quality of that fic is the one that makes me reread it so often. *shot. XD They did things they would never do in Gosho's universe and yet everything seemed so natural in the universe of the fic. I thought the ending was hilarious, too, how she simply let him stand in front of the door while he was completely stupefied. XD I was sad for poor Agasa, though (SN likes to kill him off as well).

One thing I've wondered while reading that story was: Is sixteen actually underage to have a sexual relationship in Japan? XD

Yes, the Irene in Guy Richie's version was a completely different interpretation of Irene, which is one of the reasons I liked her.

[juneaddams]

I don't think so, at least not in ACD canon. I wouldn't even call it an infatuation. It is not even so much his capacity for affection--that's a topic for another day. The scope and abruptness of their meeting doesn't lend to such intimate emotions as love.

I think what it comes down to is respect. The metaphorical bow or the tipping of his hat. She teaches him a lesson in never underestimating a foe, and through her letter to him she shows that she has more integrity than his client. I think the nickname is a show of admiration - there is the impression that he doesn't get outwitted by anyone too often, if ever. Doesn't mean it's any less special that it isn't love, though. Respect for someone like him isn't easily earned.

[fs_playground]

It's true that it's difficult to earn Holmes' respect (especially as a woman). Irene is an intriguing figure although she only appeared once. I can understand why so many pastiches let her meet Holmes again.