Tuesday, February 14, 2023

For Thursday: Doyle, "The Speckled Band" and "The Copper Beeches"



REMEMBER, no questions this time around, since we'll have an in-class writing response over the two stories. Below are some ideas to consider for Thursday...

* How do racial stereotypes and fears creep into these stories as well, esp. "The Speckled Band"?

* What taboos do these stories uncover about the "civilized world" of English high society? What horrors are being conducted behind closed doors? Or under respectable professions?

* Does Holmes follow a moral code like many superheroes in modern comics & film? Like Batman, does he refrain from killing his victims? Does he go too far?

* How does Holmes' egotism get in the way of his work? Does Watson notice this?

* Why does Holmes fear the country more than the city? What makes the country more dangerous and a greater nest of crime? 

* What role do women play in these stories? Are they still mute victims, like Elizabeth in Frankenstein? Or are they granted more agency (like Irene Adler)? 

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