Discussion Post: The Sussex Vampire

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

It's Sunday, so let's talk canon, shall we? What did you think of The Sussex Vampire? It may not be supernatural, but it certainly is unsettling. As always, I've written up a few of my random thoughts and questions about the story. Please add your own!

- I liked the telling way each character reacts to the possibility of the supernatural. Holmes simply dismisses the notion out of hand, Watson tries to explain the bizarre circumstances medically, and their client Robert Ferguson simply does not know what to believe -- he leaves that job to the professionals.

- Why is it that the later these stories were written, the more Watson says Holmes rarely or never laughs? Here we get from him a "dry chuckle which was his nearest approach to a laugh." But in Study in Scarlet, their first case together, Watson specifically mentioned Holmes' laugh ("merry" or "explosive") a number of times. So, any theories? Is it a misrepresentation? Which is the truth? Or did Holmes become more reserved about his mirth as he aged?

- Enter... the giant rat of Sumatra! Or hints about it, anyway. It's too bad the world will now never be prepared to hear that story. It must be a doozy.

- Speaking of hearing stories, we get another glimpse of what's in Holmes' index. What wouldn't I give to get my hands on that book! With forgers, circus acts, snakes, and monsters (both gila and undead) listed in just the portion of the letter V's entries Holmes gives us, what might the rest be filled with?

- I have to say, few characters in these canon cases are creepier than Jack here. His relationship to his father is... disturbing. Is a year at sea any kind of punishment or rehabilitation for Jack for attempted fratricide? It seems ridiculous as a suggestion from Holmes. With Jack's disability, is that even possible? Why would Holmes suggest it as a solution? What really happened with Jack after this?

Comments

[wytchcroft.livejournal.com]

ACD himself did a formative tour at sea which 'manned him up' as he often said. He also had issues with a father (albeit different ones). Maybe it was that at the back of his mind? Victorians did go in for that sort of thing, making relatives or dependants go abroad for a spell or join a taxing organisation or move somewhere 'bracing'.

Then again, maybe a year at sea suggests something entirely different...

Good point about the Holmes chuckle - perhaps that was Doyle being influenced by the actors now playing Holmes? Just a guess - i hadn't caught that change before.

Anyhow, i like this story very much, although it is far too short, everyone (and the author) in very fine fettle. The introduction is even funnier given that ACD is playing on his own reputation for being overly gullible when dealing with matters supernatural.

The story itself as you say is creepy and unsettling - and the genuine distress of the family is communicated well.

It also speaks volumes for Holmes' ambiguous feelings re; women, that he never seriously suspects the mother. Is this too a subtle retcon? If so, it is not one i object to. Holmes shows similar sympathies in Thor Bridge.

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

I agree concerning Holmes and women, that ever-unnerving topic. People love to portrait him a misogynyst, but to be honest, I still miss concrete proof of that. Not wanting a sexual relationship with women is far from the same, and I think that that is the whole base for all the "he doesn't like women" stuff. To me, Holmes is too logical to discriminate, and he probably doesn't even want to spend precious brain cells upon the matter.

[wytchcroft.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's a thorny issue!

And it's also really hard to answer given Holmes reticence as well as Watson clouding the issue with his Victorian romanticism. I also think that Holmes has a more 'continental' view of law and women, taking a passionate nature for granted. I suppose such a view could be open to criticism.

Ach, I don't know.

My opinion (ie my instinct) is the same as yours that for Holmes the issue is a non-issue.

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

I actually just wrote about that year at sea, before I even read your questions! No, I doubt it would have turned out well.

He wouldn't have been able to enlist in the navy, certainly, but a position as cabin boy aboard a merchant ship might have been arranged.

Victorian (and specifically Doyle's, as he took the view that spending time at sea himself at 21 - on a Greenland Whaler - "made a man of him") views of how to get people to improve themselves could be a litle strange...Jacky would be off to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services quick-sticks nowadays.

[wytchcroft.livejournal.com]

Yes, Jacky could carve out a fine career (perhaps c/o Morrison, Morrison & Dodd) and wind up on the Matilda Briggs!

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

Ha! I think I might base today's story on laughter. I was desperate enough to think about sparkling giant bats, good Lord we're save of that now. ;P

Sunday, June 10, 2012 and Monday, June 11, 2012

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User bwblack referenced to your post from Sunday, June 10, 2012 and Monday, June 11, 2012 (http://holmesian-news.livejournal.com/213879.html) saying: [...] by (BBC) + Misc Discussion Post: The Sussex Vampire [...]