Escaped Convict
The desolate landscape of the Moor created such a suspense and danger that became the perfect place for many hidden mysteries. The Hound and the Notting Hill murderer almost became equivalent in their descriptions and treatment, and the story leaves them both feared then killed. The description of Selden, the escaped convict, enlightens the horrific treatment and history of being placed in the nearby prison of Princeton at Dartmoor, that overlaps the conflicts of the reformation that was taking place during the 19th century.
Selden was convicted of murder who was standing on the death penalty. After managing to swerve that penalty by an insanity plea, he fled to the Moor for safety. Watson actually remembered the case well…show more content… The 19th century escaped convicts at Dartmoor were able to hide in the darkness and then vanish by fleeing the country. After the failed attempt to hunt the convict down, Watson was overwhelmed by how dangerous Selden seems, especially after seeing him personally. Selden was full of utter fear, regret, and guilt so much that actions simulated an animal trying to survive. Mr. Barrymore explained that there have been arrangements made. He will be on his way to South America by ship soon. James Krasner outlines the historical references from The Hound of Baskervilles by stating that “…Watson portrays him as an extension of the primeval landscape…he directly identifies him with the ancient Neolithic inhabitants of the moor” (Stealing History). An example of this was when Dr. Mortimer opened up a grave without the consent of the next-to-kin, then found a Neolithic skull on Long Down. The moor was no place to live without safety, but for Selden’s case, it was the perfect place for an escaped convict. From Stanford University, an issue breaking down this book, explained that” The land is dotted with burial mounds, cairns, and religious monuments from several different whereas ancient stone circles and crude medieval stone crosses. The ruins of stone huts remain, too, but are usually less complete than the ones Watson describes in Hound” (Issue 6). This history correlates with another part of Watsons perspective towards Selden as “Foul with mire, with a bristling beard, and hung with matted hair, it might as well have belonged to one of those old savages who dwelt in the burrows on the hillsides” (141). This refers to the “savages” who inhabited the desolate landscape to soon die or be shipped across the country. Victorians feared crime and punishment in the 19th century. Public hangings were most likely the ultimate
