Canon Discussion Post: The Red Circle
Sep. 14th, 2013 11:57 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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sherlock60Welcome back, everyone! Let's have some canon Sherlock Holmes discussion, shall we? What did you all think of Red Circle? As always, I've written up a few of my own random thoughts and questions, which are behind the jump. Please add your own in the comments!
Discussion about the Granada TV adaptation of this story is available in this week's Granada discussion post.
- It is both curious and a bit sad that the character of Sherlock Holmes is known for two things: his deductive ability, and his cold and unfeeling demeanor. Certainly a lot of the blame falls to Watson's descriptions of his machine-like qualities for that. But adaptations over the years have amplified that particular characteristic to the character's detriment. Holmes is a kinder and warmer man than he is given credit for. He is a good man who wishes goodwill on others and connects with other human souls easily, even if they have a difficult time connecting with him. Look at how he reacts to Mrs. Warren. She appeals to him by telling the truth: he is good and loyal to his clients, kindly helping them in their darkest hours when no one else can. It touches his heart (as well as his vanity), and he takes her case.
- So according to the Baring-Gould chronology, this case takes place just eight days after the events of The Illustrious Client. Do you think there's any evidence of that in the text? It could be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, but I thought I could see it in a recovering Holmes, still not 100% whole after his injuries. Watson describes him not just as thin but gaunt. Holmes is reluctant to get involved in the case at all at the beginning, and when he encounters Gregson out on the trail, he freely offers to give up the pursuit to him. That seems rare. It might make more sense if Holmes knows he's not fully up physically to confronting a violent murderer. He does it anyway, of course. Good for everyone the bad guy is already dead.
- Holmes is "almost hypnotic" when he is soothing someone, calming them almost instantly with his touch. That's quite a talent. Was Watson ever the benefactor of this magic trick? Mycroft, maybe? He'd probably never need it. More likely this gift was this reserved only for the fairer sex. As Holmes himself said, it opens a pleasing field for intelligent speculation.
- "It opens a pleasing field for intelligent speculation." - That quote sums up most Sherlockian interest, I think. Intelligent speculation about these characters, this world. They call it The Game, the consideration of and hypothesizing about Holmes and Watson as if they were real people who lived real lives, and it's a game that's been played all around the world for at least 85 years. You are one in a long line of thoughtful speculators about these indelible characters and their world, their histories, their lives, their relationships. This study will outlive us all. There is great beauty in that.
Comment away, and join us next week for The Three Gables!
Discussion about the Granada TV adaptation of this story is available in this week's Granada discussion post.
- It is both curious and a bit sad that the character of Sherlock Holmes is known for two things: his deductive ability, and his cold and unfeeling demeanor. Certainly a lot of the blame falls to Watson's descriptions of his machine-like qualities for that. But adaptations over the years have amplified that particular characteristic to the character's detriment. Holmes is a kinder and warmer man than he is given credit for. He is a good man who wishes goodwill on others and connects with other human souls easily, even if they have a difficult time connecting with him. Look at how he reacts to Mrs. Warren. She appeals to him by telling the truth: he is good and loyal to his clients, kindly helping them in their darkest hours when no one else can. It touches his heart (as well as his vanity), and he takes her case.
- So according to the Baring-Gould chronology, this case takes place just eight days after the events of The Illustrious Client. Do you think there's any evidence of that in the text? It could be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, but I thought I could see it in a recovering Holmes, still not 100% whole after his injuries. Watson describes him not just as thin but gaunt. Holmes is reluctant to get involved in the case at all at the beginning, and when he encounters Gregson out on the trail, he freely offers to give up the pursuit to him. That seems rare. It might make more sense if Holmes knows he's not fully up physically to confronting a violent murderer. He does it anyway, of course. Good for everyone the bad guy is already dead.
- Holmes is "almost hypnotic" when he is soothing someone, calming them almost instantly with his touch. That's quite a talent. Was Watson ever the benefactor of this magic trick? Mycroft, maybe? He'd probably never need it. More likely this gift was this reserved only for the fairer sex. As Holmes himself said, it opens a pleasing field for intelligent speculation.
- "It opens a pleasing field for intelligent speculation." - That quote sums up most Sherlockian interest, I think. Intelligent speculation about these characters, this world. They call it The Game, the consideration of and hypothesizing about Holmes and Watson as if they were real people who lived real lives, and it's a game that's been played all around the world for at least 85 years. You are one in a long line of thoughtful speculators about these indelible characters and their world, their histories, their lives, their relationships. This study will outlive us all. There is great beauty in that.
Comment away, and join us next week for The Three Gables!
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Date: 2013-09-15 07:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-09-15 02:59 pm (UTC)But hey, that's all part of the fun, and lovely long tradition, of playing the game! ;-)
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Date: 2013-09-15 04:43 pm (UTC)"Hold on one moment, Watson." *puts gun down and places hands on Watson's shoulders* "Now what were you saying?"
"I have no idea. I suddenly feel terribly soothed..."
Useful trick if you can do it ^_^ I'm wondering where Holmes learnt how to soothe people: Watson does say "when he wished" which implies it's not instinctive. Perhaps his mother used the technique on him. Or has he worked it out scientifically?
I've been reading a little about The Game. I've learnt so much recently - it's only a few months since I first heard of Baring-Gould. And also about the abbreviations for the stories ^^" (I queried "HOUN" and Hisietari had to explain. I still think BASK would have been better...) It is wonderful the way Holmes and Watson are still with us: "...as if they were real people who lived real lives" - it does feel as though they have transcended their own stories and become independent of their creator. (I can't help but hope that ACD would have been proud of this ^^")
Btw, one thing I particularly like about this story is the way ACD describes Gregson - there's admiration and respect, but there's also some playful poking fun at him. It nicely offsets a rather gory situation.