The “Sherlock Holmes” stories were not exactly what I had expected them to be, but I can certainly see the appeal of them to citizens of 19thcentury London. London was not necessarily the best place to be in the world during this time. With industrialization on the rise along with the population, common people endured many hardships. Workhouses were run under absolutely abhorrent conditions and generally it did not seem like any one “higher up” in society cared much about the working and lower classes. I’m not entirely certain what type of place detectives would have held in society during this time, but it seems as though the work Holmes does in London is very important. As a crucial part of his character, he is highly observant—so much so that he can almost tell someone’s entire life story just by looking at them. At a time where generalizations of masses were seemingly so common, having a character individualize his clients in such a way as Holmes does serves as a reminder of individuality amongst the people inhabiting London.
The city itself plays a rather important role in Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” stories. Where in London events take place are rather vital to the story line. In “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” our heroes get sent all over London trying to find the primary source of the goose stuffed with jewels. London itself, its geography and its inhabitants, play a large role in these stories. Holmes and Watson are not just doing these things to help their clients, they also do it to protect the city and everything that encompasses it.
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