Who IS Sherlock Holmes - Neil McCaw

Summary

Sherlock Holmes, one of the most iconic figures in literary history, is far more than just a fictional detective. While his wardrobe, catchphrases, and companions are widely recognized, many of these elements were not part of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories. Over the years, Holmes has been reinterpreted in countless adaptations, from films to propaganda, often diverging from Doyle’s portrayal. This ever-evolving depiction of Sherlock Holmes reveals how the character has been shaped by culture and time, embodying new ideas while retaining his essence as a great detective.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sherlock Holmes is one of the most universally recognizable characters, thanks to his iconic wardrobe, accessories, and famous figures like Dr. Watson and Moriarty.
• 😀 Despite the popularity of these iconic elements, many of them were not present in Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, including the deerstalker hat, calabash pipe, and the phrase 'Elementary, my dear Watson.'
• 😀 Conan Doyle’s Holmes did not rely solely on deduction, often making guesses and false assumptions, and did not always stick strictly to the law.
• 😀 Mrs. Hudson, Holmes’ housekeeper, is barely mentioned in the original stories, and Holmes and Watson did not always live together, contrary to common adaptations.
• 😀 Moriarty, Holmes’ arch-nemesis, appears in only two stories, making his role in the legend less prominent than often depicted.
• 😀 Holmes’ notorious drug use is rare after the first two novels, and his preference was for his own form of natural justice, not the English legal system.
• 😀 Iconic elements like the deerstalker cap and curved pipe were introduced by others: Sidney Paget, the initial illustrator, and William Gillette, the American actor.
• 😀 The phrase 'Elementary, my dear Watson' was not coined by Conan Doyle but by humorist P.G. Wodehouse.
• 😀 Holmes’ character has been shaped and evolved through thousands of adaptations since 1887, spanning stage, radio, film, and television, reflecting his widespread appeal and malleability.
• 😀 Sherlock Holmes is a cultural palimpsest, continually evolving with each new adaptation, reflecting contemporary values and ideas, often diverging from Conan Doyle’s original vision.

Q & A

How has Sherlock Holmes become a universally recognizable figure?

Sherlock Holmes is universally recognizable due to his iconic wardrobe and accessories, such as the Inverness cape, deerstalker hat, and calabash pipe, along with his famous associates like Doctor Watson, Moriarty, and Mrs. Hudson. These elements, along with his extraordinary powers of deduction, have become integral parts of popular culture.

What are some key features of Sherlock Holmes that do not appear in Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories?

In the original stories, Holmes does not always use deduction to solve crimes—sometimes he speculates, guesses, or makes false assumptions. Other iconic features, like the catchphrase 'Elementary, my dear Watson,' do not appear, and the characters of Mrs. Hudson, Moriarty, and the Holmes-Watson relationship are different from modern interpretations.

How did some of the most recognizable elements of Sherlock Holmes emerge?

Some iconic elements, like the deerstalker cap and cape, were first imagined by illustrator Sidney Paget. The curved pipe was chosen by actor William Gillette for better visibility on stage, and the phrase 'Elementary, my dear Watson' was coined by P.G. Wodehouse.

Who is the real Sherlock Holmes according to the script?

The script suggests that the 'real' Sherlock Holmes could be seen as the version inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's mentor, Dr. Joseph Bell, or as the result of the vast array of adaptations over time that have made the character evolve. The real Holmes is often viewed as a cultural palimpsest, shaped by each new interpretation.

How has the character of Sherlock Holmes evolved over time?

Sherlock Holmes has evolved through thousands of adaptations, appearing in various forms across literature, film, television, stage, and radio. Each adaptation has contributed to a new layer of his character, sometimes changing his traits or even values, making him both timeless and ever-changing.

What was the impact of Sherlock Holmes during World War II?

During World War II, Sherlock Holmes was featured in allied anti-Nazi propaganda films. Both Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt were enthusiastic about Holmes, with Roosevelt even joining the Baker Street Irregulars, a Holmes fan club.

How did the character of Sherlock Holmes also appeal to Nazi Germany during World War II?

At the same time as the Allied adaptations, Sherlock Holmes appeared in various German-language film adaptations, which were reportedly favorites of Adolf Hitler, showing that Holmes' appeal transcended political boundaries.

What is a palimpsest in the context of Sherlock Holmes?

In the context of Sherlock Holmes, a palimpsest refers to how each new adaptation overlays itself over previous interpretations, meaning that Sherlock Holmes constantly evolves and embodies new ideas and values with each retelling, while still retaining core elements of the character.

How has Sherlock Holmes' representation changed over time?

Sherlock Holmes' representation has changed with each new adaptation, often reflecting the values and issues of the time in which it was created. Each version adds a layer of complexity or alters his persona, yet the essence of Sherlock remains consistent.

What makes Sherlock Holmes one of the most adapted fictional characters in the world?

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most adapted fictional characters in the world because his character is versatile, allowing for reinterpretation in various forms of media. His enduring popularity and the depth of his character have made him a cultural staple, leading to thousands of adaptations worldwide.