The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

This is the second story in the collection alluding to foreign affairs, this time in connection with the United States. It is also the only story dealing with race, albeit in an indirect way. The eccentric uncle is painted in a somewhat negative light, highlighting his antisocial behavior. The story leaves it unclear whether he was a member of the K.K.K., but if he was, he presumably took part in their crimes.

What makes the story somewhat tragic is the death of the young man, John Openshaw. He is innocent of his relative’s wrongdoings and does not seem to agree with his uncle’s opinions. His youth and appearance (Watson calls him, “well-groomed and timely clad, with something of refinement and delicacy in his bearing”) predispose readers in his favor (89). The fact he is murdered for no good reason, especially after he turns to Holmes for help, endows the story with a tragic element, despite the puzzle’s successful resolution. The criminals’ drowning appears somewhat karmic.

This story is also one of the few works in the collection that touches on the theme of nature and its power over human civilization. In the beginning, Watson marvels at people’s ability to subdue the elements through their creation of cities. However, in the end, all human plans, including Holmes’s carefully constructed revenge, are overturned by nature’s forces. Watson’s perception of human superiority is shown to be illusory, and Holmes’s powers of deduction are useless or superfluous in the face of the elements.

In this story, Holmes reveals a new aspect of his character. His pride is hurt as it was his advice that drove the young man back onto the street and to his death. He also gives voice to the injustice of killing a young life, full of potential. In this story, the detective takes it upon himself to act as an avenging angel, even if ultimately it is unnecessary.