#holmes. relevant

[drawingswatson-holmes]

A Hand, Please 🥺🤲🤝

Your honour, they care for one another greatly.

Practicing drawing them again. :)

[milquetoast27]

Subtext in The Creeping Man

I find that this story of Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes canon features some of the most complex subtext we've had aside from A Study in Scarlet. But rather than being complex early-on because of our lack of knowledge of the characters, it is rather complicated by the fact that we both know too much and too little of their relationship. This story, with astonishing subtlety, conveys the cooperative relationship between Doyle's two characters — the nuance in their limits and strains, but also the joys that they work to reach, together. It emblemises the beauty of the Canon, where it all ties back to the joy and complexity of human understanding and belonging.

This story opens in "those latter days" (1903, near to Holmes's retirement) where Watson describes their relations as "peculiar". The word certainly feels like a euphemism from the ever-polite Dr. Watson, when it is soon made clear that their relations were far from amenable. Watson has become one of Holmes's "concentrated habits", and apparently is as good as a piece of funiture, as all of Holmes's remarks would have been as "appropriately addressed to his bedstead." It's given through snapped sentences; "I was a whetstone for his mind. I stimulated him. He liked to think aloud in my presence." This "irritation" and discordance between them is extremely concentrated in the early pages of this story, but drags through it, as well. Take, for example, the "laconic" (or perhaps iconic?) message:

"COME AT ONCE IF CONVENIENT — IF INCONVENIENT COME ALL THE SAME. S.H."

Watson gives us the original of Holmes's telegram to demonstrate to his readers just how "long-suffering" he is. A true exhaustion is apparent in how he simply shows the telegram, rather than politely referring to it. Compare this with the unendingly civil telegram sent to Watson in The Boscombe Valley Mystery, and you can see the great shift that has taken place in their alliance.

"HAVE YOU A COUPLE OF DAYS TO SPARE? HAVE JUST BEEN WIRED FOR FROM THE WEST OF ENGLAND IN CONNECTION WITH BOSCOMBE VALLEY TRAGEDY. SHALL BE GLAD IF YOU WILL COME WITH ME. AIR AND SCENERY PERFECT. LEAVE PADDINGTON BY THE 11.15."

While long-term and intimate relationships will remove need for over-courtesey, there are two very different reasons for why Doyle has shown both of these telegrams at a point in time. This accumulation of Holmes's ungrateful behaviour not only imparts Watson's utter despondancy, but also, importantly, Holmes’s — and this is something that Watson's ever-perceptive and intelligent heart does not fail to miss. It is important to note that this story nears Holmes's retirement, where he acknowledges that he has been "sluggish in mind". There is no doubt, then, that the great detective is out of his prime. Hence the temperementalness, taking his Watson for granted, and a heavier reliance on those "narrow and concentrated habits."

Despite the turbulent roads of their life, we see Watson's undying devotion co-exist with it. Past all the irritation, Watson closes, "Such was my humble role in our alliance." It is more than clear that he consciously makes the decision to remain at Holmes's side, to be his ally. Such has always been Watson's role in their alliance. His "humble" service extends to his practice as doctor and soldier. His pride is in his duty to others, and to Holmes as his assistant.

There is something that shines through Holmes's unsocial behaviour when we look closely at the text.

I sank back in my chair in some disappointment. Was it for so trivial a question as this that I had been summoned from my work? Holmes glanced across at me. "The same old Watson!" said he. "You never learn that the gravest issues may depend upon the smallest things."

We know from the Canon (opening of DANC and RESI) that Watson's emotions are like an open book to Holmes. This 'sinking in some disappointment' is not missed by Holmes's 'glance'. "The same old Watson!" he says, and I feel it important to note that he compliments one of Watson's most distinguishing features; his stability and fixture — the "one fixed point in a changing age." Yet, we may miss these details, because Holmes, ever in his own insecurity, must back-hand every praise with a teasing chide. We could say that an attempt was made to cheer Watson up, though not very successful.

Developments continue, as Holmes tryingly says "I had hoped to have a longer chat with you", then parades him with compliments before their client, "Dr. Watson is the very soul of discretion". But mixed indications continue to come as he flips back to patronising language; "You will appreciate it, Watson, when"—. Doyle further cements Holmes's particular unbecoming behaviour on this day as he further also annoys their client, who speaks in a "tone of reproach" when Holmes does not listen, and is "clearly annoyed" at irrelevant interruptions — to which, Holmes only smiles in, what I believe, is pure self-importance.

Here we find a shift — a greater effort on Holmes's part, a second round of appreciation for Watson's stability, even when his opinion is faulty. "Good, Watson! You always keep us flat-footed on the ground". He's then included in his bubble; "We were gradually coming to that conclusion, were we not, Watson?", and even a sordid attempt at bringing Watson with him on the bait of the Chequers in 'Camford' where "the port used to be above mediocrity and the linen was above reproach." (Which he follows up on!)

And, despite these attempts, their connection still does not rekindle. Watson is clearly irritated still with the inconsiderate easiness with which Holmes was able to leave London, leaving only difficulty on Watson's end to join him. It's an indicator from Doyle that nothing's remedied, yet.

Here is an interesting passage for study.

"Have you the effrontery necessary to put it through?" "We can but try." "Excellent, Watson! Compound of the Busy Bee and Excelsior. We can but try — the motto of the firm."

Burstive praise from Holmes at the merest utterance of a phrase — a phrase which has only ever been used one other time in the Canon; the previous story, The Problem of Thor Bridge. This suggests it may be some small motto of Holmes's, though one not often seen in Watson's records — this makes his use of the phrase a very Holmesian approach. This participation, no doubt, is nothing but a delight for Holmes, who is trying to restring their relationship, and continues to overenthusiastically affirm Watson's sturdiness.

Yet it's made clear that superficial praises are not a true apology, as we see signs yet again of Watson's dispassion. As they sit to their meeting with Professor Presbury, Watson writes:

Mr. Holmes smiled amiably.

This sentence may seem unassuming, but be assured it is one of the coldest in the Canon. This usage of "Mr. Holmes" is entirely unique within the Canon. In other times, when Watson has used "Mr. Holmes" or "Mr. Sherlock Holmes", it has been when speaking directly to his readers, since they would be using the honourific. This moment is the only exception, where Watson has intentionally used "Mr." to create distance and convey undesire for intimacy with Holmes (rather than any professional effect). Why has Watson used the line here? Well, Holmes is 'smiling amiably' — in a way that forces a friendly manner, one that attempts to create a good impression with Professor Presbury — which also didn't work out, by the way. Considering all the superficial means up to now employed by Holmes on his companion, Watson no doubt feels cheapened and no more important than Holmes's investigative objects; as if his trust is just as easy to gain as anyone else's, with nothing but an 'amiable smile'.

We are shown time and again that Watson isn't pleased with Holmes's desultory attempts at reconciliation, until finally, a shift happens. One that is not identifiable in the text, and so is reasonable to assume happened unpenned. We find Holmes acknowledging that "Dr. Watson has his patients to attend to", when before this information seemed completely irrelevant to him. Holmes even sent Watson a "short note asking [him] to meet at the train"! The greatest change is when we finally have Watson using "my friend" and "my comrade" for the first time in this story. Now we see Watson taking real excitement in the case, in the "assurance of [his] comrade". Self-teasing also makes its way into their dialogue as Holmes cries "Oh, Watson, Watson, what a fool I have been!" The emphasised address seems to suggest an apology for something more. It's as if he cries 'Look how wrong I have been Watson, how imperfect and daft I can be!' It's adorable, really.

All semblances of reproach towards Holmes disappear as they steal together in darkness, come to the dénoument of their adventure, as Holmes philosophises on science and nature, and described admiringly as "the man of action". Our story ends in a light-hearted resolution, as always.

"There is an early train to town, Watson, but I think we shall just have time for a cup of tea at the Chequers before we catch it."

To conclude, this story presents so much so subtly in its pages; a reflection of the small, nuanced and unseen processes between human beings, but those which we must be attentive to in order to find fuller understanding between each other. Yet, there is still much uncertainty in my inferences; which also shows the uncertainty of language and communication. We simply must be clear of ourselves, as we can only assume Holmes and Watson were, off-page, for them to have found that resolution, rather than fleeting smiles and compliments. Arthur Conan Doyle, with this story, further cements the triumph of bonds and connection, perhaps far more than any other of his stories.

[nox-in-a-box]

So there's another character I'm working on that I'm naming Arsalan (for now at least). He puts a high emphasis on practicality, knowing a decent amount of information on most things, even the more niche ones, as long as he finds a reason for that knowledge to be useful in some kind of context. His view is that there isn't really a point in knowing way too much about a subject. This puts him at odds with Jay, of course, who has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge in anything involving the creatures of the deep. Jay says that Arsalan just doesn't have anything that interests him like that yet. Arsalan doesn't really say anything to confirm or deny this.

[balkanlila]

i have insane memory for things i'm interested in. completely clueless about stuff i don't care about.

[kaseisheretoread]

HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM HOLM KRANOM

[bumblee27]

Yes I know I'm very behind but I'm listening to Part 2 of Black Peter, and I have been filled with dread by John's remark of "I'm not a maniac, Stanley!" and then Hopkins' little awkward giggle because...

That's got to be foreshadowing. Hasn't it?

When we get to the Fall.. he'll refuse to believe Sherlock is dead. He'll go into complete denial.

The people John trusts are going to think he's mad.

[spark-circuit]

it's Loving Arsène Lupin hours again chat 💙

[zylaa]

I’m a little more than halfway through A Study in Scarlet, which I’ve never read before, and

(1) wow, Holmes has really always been like that! (affectionate)

(2) I can’t believe this story, the first ever Holmes story, opens with him dunking on the two most-famous fictional detectives of the time. Like. What a move of hubris from Doyle, except that he was right!! Nobody remembers those guys anymore, and everyone knows Sherlock Holmes!!

(3) why are we on an extended Mormon flashback

[affectbreathe]

Ngl the fact that we as social animals have decided that platonic relationships aren't supposed to be committed, are supposed to be temporary, and need limits on the affection that is acceptable, is kind of super messed up.

[warblingandwriting]

We've all acknowledged that Sherlock's scratched phone charger=alcoholic thing was stupid, but I think we also need to acknowledge that Elementary Sherlock's 'you have multiple alarms so that means you hate your job' thing was also pretty dumb

[sunflowerdigs]

Everyone wondering why Maddie is suddenly about to pop on the Tim "time blindness" Minear show.

[sailor-brunette]

Kinda late posting about this,but...the other day,Seven Seas announced that they're licensing the shoujo manga I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons in English print this November!!! It was previously only licensed digitally by J-Novel Club,but now it's getting a print release!!! I really hope and pray this means more digital only licenses will get English print releases in the future! Hoping and praying!

[karasukarei]

Was revising legal philosophy with my classmates last night and we came to the revelation that if Sherlock Holmes (OG Holmes) got into the law (not as an investigator) he'd probably be like an American Legal Realist l o l

(for reference, Holmes says other investigators have a tendency to come to conclusion first then manipulate the facts to reach that conclusion, when the correct way should be to follow the facts as is and draw a conclusion based on the facts)

[spark-circuit]

still utterly obsessed with how Arsène Lupin is written tbh. this trickster fey decided to make the whole of France his playground and no one can do anything about it. and he'd be right at home writing tumblr shitposts too.

[notthewriteryourelookingfor]

A thought about Sherlock Holmes: he'll only ever be as smart as the writer is.

If the writer is an obtuse shithead who won't ask others or even specialists, that's all Sherlock will be.