Sherlock: A Taste Of The 19th Century In The 21st (Part II)

Sherlock: A Taste Of The 19^th Century In The 21^st (Part II)

Sherlock Inspires, Fans Ignore.

Sherlock Holmes a name to conjure with when thinking about the art of the criminologist. Many a Detective has been compared to him in the annuals of history. Whether fictional or real. You can call people like these consulting detectives, CSI’s, PI’s, Gumshoes, or just plan genius when it comes to solving crimes. But before you nod your in agreeing that Sherlock is the be all and end all when thinking about a great detective I have to remind my audience that there was a detective created by one of the greatest fictional writers of the 19^th century. The precursor to every fictional detective from Sherlock to Sam Spade; C. Auguste Dupin a creation of author Edgar Allan Poe. Why mention him if this is a study of Sherlock Holmes? Well to bring home my previous point. Many peoples number one complaint about the current spate of Sherlock Holmes Movies and Television shows is that it’s not exactly like the book. That it lacks the original pathos of the great detective. But forgetting that originality is a well disguised illusion brought by the idea that we as human beings are individuals with our own original ideas. We humans are individuals and none to alike but the idea that only original ideas come from one source and all others are mere copies takes away from the aforementioned individuality. Individuals take what they know and make it better. Invent fire? Well someone comes along and makes a fireplace. Make a fireplace? Well someone comes along and invents the stove. Make up a story about a brilliant detective? Well someone will come along and create a tale of a genius detective that has such thrilling adventures that will inspires others to create television and movies about him.

Edgar Allan inspired Sir Colon Doyle who was also inspired by his Medical Professor and Agatha Christie thought she could do better with Poirot. Dashiell Hammett went gritty and tough with Sam Spade. Then many writers followed with many other characters that inspired many more writers. (and a few real life detectives as well. So when looking into the character of Sherlock Holmes we must always remember what came before and after before falling in love and becoming a fanatic. A judgmental fanatic worst of all!

Who is Sherlock Holmes? Well from all the stories I have read I’ve gather some impressions of the great detective. A scientist who makes a study of crime visa-vi the detection of said crime. Expert in anatomy, chemistry, poisons, and various esoteric knowledge not usual known in the society in which he is a member.

However in everyday common knowledge he is unaware or chooses to be un aware. (See A Study in Scarlet; Chapter 2, paragraphs and sentence 6-11. Site: Webpage 2 of Literature.org.)

Is good at such hobbies of his time such as Billiards, Boxing, Sword fighting, fencing and the playing of the Violin passably well. Sherlock is also well-verse in a western-European martial art called Single stick. Singlestick: It began as a way of training soldiers in the use of swords such as the Saber. As well as the Japanese martial art baritsu (Japanese wrestling). Mr. Holmes has been known to use such weapons in some of his cases. In most cases these weapons of choice vary from the unconventional to the common weapons of choice in the 19^th century. Sherlock’s weapons used in some of his cases are: Canes, Riding crop, Swords, and sometimes a pistol.

Mr. Holmes has been observed by another character. Dr. John H. Watson. “Few men were capable of greater muscular effort.” Which one can take to mean that Holmes; despite his habit of smoking tobacco and imbibing of certain drugs, is in good physical condition of his times.

Offender Profiler And Investigative Psychologist. (I wonder what books he's read as a child?)

In summary this detective can be as cerebral as Poirot and just as active as Sam Spade; all starting from a Doctor’s need to improve criminal detection in the 19^th century in real life. Did this doctor had any idea that he would inspire two writers to create an inspiration that would inspire people all around the world to fight crime , out smart the psychopaths,  and the not so slick criminals out there. Beats me! But it kinds of make you think doesn’t it. I sure do hope so fans and fanatics. Because in my next installment I’m going to look into the much controversial topic when discussing Sherlock Holmes. The “romance” between him and the infamous Irene Adler.

Till next time…..

Media Gurl Out!

 

Sherlk