English File 3rdE - Intermediate - Revise and Check 9&10 -Short Films: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Summary

Dartmoor, a vast moorland in Devon, England, serves as the backdrop for Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles.' Inspired by a local legend, Doyle crafted a mystery where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who was allegedly terrified to death by a monstrous hound. The story unfolds amidst the wild, rocky hills of Dartmoor, with Holmes secretly observing from a Bronze Age hut circle. The tale is a thrilling exploration of fear, superstition, and the power of deduction.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Dartmoor is a moorland area in Devon, England, covering almost a thousand square kilometers.
• 🐶 Dartmoor is the setting for Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mystery, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.
• 📚 In 1896, Doyle wrote 'The Final Problem' intending to kill off Sherlock Holmes, but due to popular demand, brought him back.
• 💡 Doyle met Bertram Fletcher Robinson, who told him about a local legend involving a cursed family and a black dog.
• 🏞️ Dartmoor's landscape, including the tors, played a significant role in inspiring the setting for the story.
• 🔍 In 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', Holmes and Watson investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who was scared to death.
• 🏰 Holmes sends Watson to Baskerville Hall to investigate and protect Sir Henry Baskerville.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Holmes secretly observes Baskerville Hall from a Bronze Age hut circle, hiding his involvement in the case.
• 🤫 Holmes' secrecy is crucial to solving the mystery, as he explains to Watson later in the story.
• 🎭 The story ends with Holmes revealing the true cause of Sir Charles's death, which is a twist that the audience must discover.

Q & A

What is Dartmoor and where is it located?

Dartmoor is an area of moorland in Devon, England, covering almost a thousand square kilometers.

Which famous Sherlock Holmes mystery is set in Dartmoor?

The Hound of the Baskervilles is the famous Sherlock Holmes mystery set in Dartmoor.

Why did Arthur Conan Doyle initially want to stop writing about Sherlock Holmes?

Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to stop writing detective stories because he wrote 'The Final Problem' where Sherlock Holmes appears to have fallen to his death.

How did the public react to the idea of Sherlock Holmes' death?

The public was so fond of Sherlock Holmes that Doyle received thousands of letters asking him to bring the character back.

Who introduced Arthur Conan Doyle to the legend that would become the basis for 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'?

Bertram Fletcher Robinson, a journalist at the time, introduced Doyle to the legend about a cursed family and a huge black dog.

What is the central plot of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'?

The central plot revolves around Holmes and Watson investigating the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, who was apparently frightened to death by a huge dog.

What role does Dartmoor play in the story?

Dartmoor is a major character in the story, providing a mysterious landscape that serves as the setting for the new Sherlock Holmes adventure.

What are the rocky hills in Dartmoor called and what is their significance?

The rocky hills in Dartmoor are called tors, and they are important landmarks in the wild landscape.

Why did Sherlock Holmes send Dr. Watson to Baskerville Hall?

Holmes sent Watson to Baskerville Hall to investigate the death of Sir Charles and to protect Sir Henry Baskerville.

How did Sherlock Holmes approach the investigation of Baskerville Hall?

Holmes traveled alone and in secret, watching Baskerville Hall from one of the stone huts to maintain his anonymity during the investigation.

What was Holmes' reasoning for hiding his involvement in the case?

Holmes believed that if he hadn't hidden, he wouldn't have been able to solve the mystery, as his presence would have alerted the culprit.