Spencer Burkett

English 12b

29 April 2021

The Adventure of the Speckled Band Analysis

Everyone knows of the exploits of Sherlock Holmes, the world’s greatest detective, and

his trusty sidekick, Watson. A particularly peculiar plot takes place in the Adventure of the

Speckled Band, with pictures to match the text. These pictures quite well encapsulate different

portions of the story, as will be shown through the characters, plot, and setting of the narrative.

Let’s start off with the first image, which depicts Sherlock Holmes in a triumphant pose,

pointing towards the sky as if he has an invaluable insight. His eyes twinkle with intellect and the

desire for adventure. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of Sherlock Holmes: a bright

detective whose intellect is only matched by the number of cases he gets. The third image gives

us largely the same type of impact, giving character to the farming gypsies suspected of murder.

Their ragged clothing reflects their low status as farmers, and their attitudes seem somewhat

jovial. The middle one is shifty-looking, which may reflect Helen’s distrust.

Image two depicts the setting of a large portion of the story; the estate and the gypsy

camp. The scene is empty of life but the foliage, the cheetah, and the baboon. The lack of gypsies

despite the camp being theirs shows that the animals are “feared by the villagers”, as Helen says.

The house does look quite secure, with even protectors wandering around outside the house.

Images four and five are more focused on specific scenes. Image four depicts Mr. Rylott

with a “swamp adder”, according to Holmes, coiled around his head like a band. The picture in

this case does help us to get insight into Holmes’ possible inspiration. It also, however, detracts

from the other discoveries Holmes makes, making it the weakest in my opinion.
Image five shows Watson thoroughly bewildered, with Holmes confidently swaggering out of the

scene. The background shows an erupting volcano, perhaps representing the case being cracked

wide open as Holmes has figured out Mr. Rylott was the killer.

In summary, each of the pictures helps to represent a specific character, scene, or setting

and serves as a great representation of the major events in the story. Images one and three show

off the characters of the gypsies and Holmes himself. Image two gives a beautiful image to show

you the setting. Images four and five perfectly capture specific scenes to represent major plot

points. I believe through these, we can fully well these pictures encapsulate the story.