Sherlock Holmes

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Pages: 4

The cold and concise depictions of England’s finest private investigator, do not accurately portray the sense of authenticity and kindness that exist in Sherlock Holmes. Instead of handling clients and their cases with the tactless and monotonous approach of a calculating machine, Mr. Holmes shows complete delicacy and discretion with each. The type of case is of no special significance to patient Holmes. In fact, he never considers one case above or of more importance than another. Each is dealt with properly and professionally. The first story, “The Blue Carbuncle,” contains an example of this.
As soon as Henry Baker responds to the advertisement in the newspaper concerning his lost property, Holmes greets him as described by Watson, “‘Mr. Henry Baker, I believe,” said he...greeting his visitor
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The man is so frazzled that he begins banging his head on the parlor wall in despair. In response, as Dr. Watson reports, “Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy chair, and, sitting beside him, patted his hand, and chatted with him in the easy soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ” (Doyle 254). From this description of the detective, it is clear that Holmes is able to connect with his clients, even expressing feelings of empathy toward them. Though some argue that this is merely a professional gesture on the part of Holmes, the article "'Real' Men: Construction of Masculinity in the Sherlock Holmes Narratives" takes the opposing view that Holmes sets the example for both chivalry and conservatism in this matter (Kestner). His courtesy, combined with incredible affability, create a sense of humanity in the otherwise known “machine.” The elements that form this awe-inspiring character are many, and are in no way limited or restricted to the aspects lately