Arthur Conan Doyle

"A Survey of The English Literature of Arthur Conan Doyle"

Survey English Literature

Arrange by:

Dini Sela Fitrianingrum [2230911012]

Shafna Chairunnisa [2230911014]
Rima Zafira Akbari [2230911025]
Andi Salsabila Muthmainnah [2230911036]

English Literature

UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH SUKABUMI

FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATION AND HUMANITIES
 PREFACE

Before we start, the author would like to express gratitude to Allah SWT for His guidance
so that this paper assignment for our final test in Survey English Literature course with the title
"A Survey of The English Literature of Arthur Conan Doyle" could be done.

The purpose of this assignment is so the author themselves can learn what kind of effect
did the legendry writer of Sherlock Holmes affect the Literary world in English. This
assignment's purposes also fulfill the task that has been given to us by our lecturer, Dr. Saprudin,
S.S., M.Hum., for Survey English Literature class.

The author would like to thank our lecturer once more for the material that has been
given to us to complete this paper. As the reader, we hope this paper can give you a great
understanding of how the writer Arthur Conan Doyle gave a certain effect in the development of
English Literature till this day.

Sukabumi, July 18th, 2023

 Table Of Contents

PREFACE........................................................................................................................................2
Table Of Contents............................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 1....................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................4
1.1 Background...................................................................................................................4
1.2 Purposes.........................................................................................................................4
1.3 Problem Formulation.....................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2....................................................................................................................................6
DISCUSSION..............................................................................................................................6
2.1 Biography......................................................................................................................6
2.2 Works of Arthur Conan Doyle......................................................................................8
2.3 Impact of Arthur Conan Doyle on English Literature.................................................11
CHAPTER 3..................................................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................13
3.1 Conclusion...................................................................................................................13
3.2 Suggest........................................................................................................................13
BIBLIOGRAPHY..........................................................................................................................15
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

English literature is rich with famous works that have shaped its history. From the plays of
Shakespeare and his contemporaries in the Elizabethan era to the poetry of Wordsworth and
the Bronte sisters, and from the Victorian novels to the modern creations of J.K. Rowling and
other contemporary writers, the English language has given rise to a diverse array of
exceptional literary achievements. Over time, the language itself has evolved and
transformed, making English literature a remarkable cultural heritage, boasting some of the
world's most cherished and iconic artistic creations.

Within this context, we delve into the renowned writer who contributed to the crime novel
genre: Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's
Sherlock Holmes stories left an indelible mark on English literature and the detective genre
as a whole. These novels garnered widespread popularity across the English-speaking world
and inspired numerous other writers to explore similar forms of detective fiction. Notably,
the Holmes stories introduced a distinctive style and tone to the genre, characterized by
intellectualism and rationality in both problem-solving and storytelling. Furthermore, the
Holmes novels had a lasting influence on how people perceive and interpret the English
language, as they introduced numerous new words and phrases into its lexicon.

The main objective of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of the writer, their works,
and the profound impact they have had on the world of English literature.

1.2 Purposes

Hereby the purposes of the making of this paper with the title "A Survey of The English
Literature of Arthur Conan Doyle" :

1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Arthur Conan Doyle's life, including his

background, upbringing, and significant life events that shaped his literary career.
2. To examine the body of works created by Arthur Conan Doyle, such as the Sherlock
Holmes stories and other notable writings.
3. To assess the critical reception and popular appeal of Conan Doyle's works during his
lifetime and their enduring significance in contemporary literature.

1.3 Problem Formulation

1. What are the key biographical details and significant life events in the life of Arthur
Conan Doyle that influenced his literary career?
2. What are the defining characteristics, themes, and writing techniques employed by Arthur
Conan Doyle in his literary works, particularly the Sherlock Holmes stories?
3. How did Arthur Conan Doyle's writings, especially the Sherlock Holmes stories,
contribute to the development and evolution of the detective genre and its impact on
English literature as a whole?
 CHAPTER 2

DISCUSSION

1.4 Biography

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gained significant acclaim for his famous detective character
Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson. These novels had a lasting impact on
the crime fiction genre. Doyle was a profilic writer who explored various genres, including
crime, historical fiction, adventure, and even poetry.

Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh on May 22, 1859, to Irish parents Charles
Altamont Doyle and Mary Doyle. At the age of nine, he was enrolled in the Jesuit
introductory academy Stonyhurst. However, upon graduating in 1875, he had abandoned
Christianity and become an agnostic. From 1876 to 1881, he studied medicine at the
University of Edinburgh, including a period of time working in the city of Aston (now part of
Birmingham). Considering his study on medicine is part of his later influence in writing.

In 1881, Doyle received his Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees from
Edinburgh, and in 1885, he obtained his M.D. after completing his thesis, "An Essay Upon
the Vasomotor Changes in Tabes Dorsalis."

After completing his studies, Doyle worked as a ship's doctor on a voyage to the West
African coast before opening a practice in Plymouth in 1882. In 1885, he obtained his Ph.D.,
focusing on Tabes Dorsalis. Despite his medical career not being particularly successful, he
started writing stories during the periods of waiting for patients. Before turning twenty, he
had his first literary experience with a publication in Chamber's Edinburgh Journal. Conan
Doyle returned to Edinburgh after further education in Feldkirch, Austria. With the assistance
of Dr. Bryan Charles Waller, a boarder at his mother's house, he prepared for admission to
the University of Edinburgh's Medical School.

Recently revealed, Arthur Conan Doyle's family letters provide a new and remarkably candid
depiction of the author of Sherlock Holmes. The majority of the over 600 letters in this
collection were written to his vibrant mother between 1867, when he departed for boarding
school, and 1869. When Doyle's first story, "The Riddle of the Sasassa Valley," was
published in Chambers magazine in 1879, he had no plans to become a writer. He was a
trained and inclined doctor, and he wrote what he called his "little adventure stories"
primarily to supplement his low income as a junior member of the medical profession.

The lives of Arthur Conan Doyle and the Beach magazine were closely intertwined, to the
extent that the majority of the obituaries commemorating their deaths were unable to mention
one without alluding to the other. It was not until he relocated his practice to Portsmouth that
he started dedicating more time to literature. A Study in Scarlet, published in Beeton's
Christmas Annual in 1887, marked the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes, who was
modeled after Doyle's former university lecturer, Joseph Bell. Intriguingly, Rudyard Kipling
commended Doyle's accomplishments, wondering, "Could this be my old friend, Dr. Joe?"
While living in Southsea, Doyle assisted in the formation of Portsmouth F.C., the city's first
football team. It is commonly misconceived that Doyle was the club's first goalkeeper;
however, he played for an amateur team (the professional team's first goalkeeper was Matt
Reilly).

In 1885, Doyle married Louisa (or Louise) Hawkins, also known as "Touie," who died of
tuberculosis in 1906. He married Jean Leckie in 1907, after meeting and falling in love with
her in 1897 while maintaining a platonic relationship out of loyalty to his late wife. Doyle
had five children, two from his first marriage (Mary and Kingsley) and three from his second
marriage (Jean, Denis, and Adrian). Doyle's passion for writing and his constant need for
additional income, particularly after starting a family, compelled him to work diligently,
writing short stories and novels in between attending to patients and fulfilling the
responsibilities of a doctor. For twelve years, he effectively balanced his roles as a doctor and
a writer.

Doyle's interest in medicine led him to study ophthalmology in Vienna in 1890. Ultimately,
writing proved to be not only more financially rewarding but also more enjoyable than his
medical profession. By 1891, when he finally achieved his medical goal of opening an office
near Harley Street, he saw no patients as he devoted all his time to writing. This decision was
sensible, considering that the man who had initially believed he could not produce decent
prose went on to publish over thirty full-length books and more than one hundred and fifty
short stories.

In his autobiography, he mentioned that not a single patient walked through his door. This
allowed him more time to write, and in November 1891, he wrote to his mother, "I think of
killing off Holmes... and winding him up for good and all. He diverts my attention from more
important matters." He did so in December 1893 to devote more time to what he considered
"important" writings, particularly his literary works pitting Holmes against his arch-nemesis,
Professor Moriarty.

In the story "The Final Problem," it appeared that both Holmes and Moriarty perished
together by falling down a waterfall. However, Doyle revived the character in "The
Adventure of the Empty House," explaining that only Moriarty had fallen while Holmes had
planned to be temporarily "dead" due to other serious adversaries. In total, Holmes appeared
in 56 short stories and four novels by Doyle. (Since then, Holmes has also appeared in other
novels and short stories by different authors.)

In 1920, Doyle's mother passed away. The recently revealed family letters provide a vivid
depiction of their relationship, filled with charm, humor, and a prevailing sense of hope even
 in the darkest of times. Conan Doyle grew up in poverty and struggled for years to establish a
successful medical practice after setting out on his own at the age of twenty-three.

1.5 Works of Arthur Conan Doyle

In the literary world, the concept of mimesis takes on significance. Mimesis is a term used in
philosophy and literary criticism, referring to the process of imitation or mimicry through
which artists portray and interpret the world. Doyle's own experiences and encounters served
as a rich source of inspiration for his literary works. For instance, the character of Dr. Watson
in the legendary Sherlock Holmes series reflects Doyle's own desire to experience the life of
a soldier. In 1900, he attempted to enlist in the South African War, albeit being rejected due
to his age and weight. Nevertheless, he volunteered as a medical doctor during the war,
showcasing his adventurous spirit and dedication to service.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary period falls within the Victorian era (1837–1901), which is
often regarded as the Golden Age of English Literature, especially for British novels. During
this time, the novel emerged as the leading literary genre in English, while poetry and plays
also held significant importance in Victorian cultural life. However, the period is particularly
renowned for being the great age of the novel.

The popularity of the novel was further fueled by the serial form of publishing, where
installments of a novel were released at regular intervals, captivating engaged audiences.
Realism became the dominant narrative mode of the Victorian novel, with a focus on
portraying realistic events happening to believable characters in a lifelike manner. The
Victorian novel encompassed various forms of realism, showcasing the diverse creative
approaches of writers during the era.

In the latter part of the Victorian period, approximately from 1880 to 1900, a period known
as the "fin de siècle" emerged, which translates to "end of the century" in French. During this
time, novels took on a more melancholic and bleak tone compared to earlier Victorian works
that conventionally had happy endings. The fin de siècle literature also witnessed a shift
away from the dominance of realism, with authors delving into genre fiction and exploring
new literary forms.

It was within this changing literary landscape that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced his
famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, in 1886. Sherlock Holmes became an iconic character
and significantly impacted the detective fiction genre, leaving a lasting legacy on English
literature as a whole during the Victorian period and beyond.

The writing style that Doyle used known for their uniqueness also their artistry. He regularly
use similes, metaphors, and analogies in all of his works. His writing style may seem
contemporary with how the choices of language he uses that rather ahead of its time. Doyle's
language may have a domestic appeal, his writing is anything but simplistic. He artfully
employs various literary devices, maintaining his unique style across different works. This
blend of complexity and accessibility contributes to the enduring allure of Doyle's writings,
particularly in the beloved Sherlock Holmes series.

When describing characters, Doyle has a penchant for presenting them as both dangerous and
humorous through his use of sarcasm. Take, for instance, the character of the dwarf Hercules.
Doyle's style is sometimes characterized as "too literary" or excessively flowery. However, in
the case of the Sherlock Holmes series, his verbosity serves a purpose and is intricately
linked to the plot. Drawing from a passage in Sherlock Holmes, we can observe Doyle's
consistent stylistic approach. In the novel "The Sign of Four," Holmes remarks, "It is
simplicity itself, so simple that explanation becomes superfluous; however, it can serve to
define the limits of observation and deduction."

One of Doyle's storytelling techniques is to use Watson as the narrator, making him the voice
in the reader's head. This helps create a connection between the reader and the story, as
Watson asks questions and makes assumptions just like a curious reader would in a mystery.
Sherlock's narrative adds intrigue and unpredictability to the plot, challenging the reader's
mind. Doyle doesn't want readers to figure out the story too easily; instead, he lets them
participate in the unfolding of the plot based on their own assumptions. Doyle also uses vivid
descriptions and dialogue to explore the plot and characters. In "The Poison Belt," there's an
engaging dialogue between Professor Challenger and Lord John. While Doyle doesn't
necessarily portray Summerlee as innocent, he presents him as a serious and interesting
character. The Sherlock Holmes narratives are told in a linear, first-person perspective by
Watson. He carefully reveals event details and foreshadows plot developments, building
mystery as the story unfolds. The novels progress with a gradual unveiling of characters and
events, leading to the criminal's confession at the end. Watson's narration creates anticipation
and suspense by holding back certain details until the final reveal. Despite the different
subject matters of the stories, they maintain a consistent style, and Watson's narration reflects
the characteristics of his era.

Overall, Doyle's storytelling leaves a lasting impact on readers. His themes and subjects
reflect his keen understanding of both the wonders and fears of everyday life. His works
continue to inspire contemporary writers, and their adaptations showcase his enduring
legacy.

The first three novels featuring Sherlock Holmes— "A Study in Scarlet," "The Hound of the
Baskervilles," and "The Sign of Four"— have distinct plots, but they share remarkable
similarities in style and technique. Arthur Conan Doyle used all-encompassing adjectives to
provide extensive details, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings described by the
narrator. Despite their different subject matters, the Sherlock Holmes novels maintain a
consistent style and technique. They also offer glimpses into the culture of the Victorian era,
making them more appealing to readers. Doyle purposefully added these details to increase
the popularity of his works, following a method used by other writers of his time, like
Dickens, to subtly describe people's living conditions.

One of the key elements of Sherlock Holmes stories is the gradual introduction and
development of the characters. As the plot unfolds and mysterious events occur, the
characters are depicted more deeply. Doyle's detective story method gave rise to a new genre
in English literature.

Sherlock Holmes' approach to solving mysteries with careful observation and logic adds a
significant level of rigor to the stories. Doyle pays great attention to the characters and details
in his stories, making them a major theme in his work. He provides extra detail to highlight
Sherlock Holmes' logical prowess.

Talking about the key of the elements in Doyle’s work, he mention lots form of justice,
hierarchy system ini his works that is obvious performed in his timeline—which the
Victorian era. The themes and motives in Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are multi-faceted.
Holmes is depicted as highly intelligent, using his wit and clever deductions to solve
complex cases based on tiny pieces of evidence. His sense of vigilante justice sets him apart
from the police, enabling him to solve crimes more efficiently.

The movement of foreigners and money in and out of London is a recurring motive in the
stories, often leading to intriguing plot developments. Additionally, the characters'
experiences while traveling abroad add an element of mystery and adversity to the narrative.

Another significant motive is the use of opium, as Holmes is portrayed as a relentless user.
This adds depth to his character and ties into the portrayal of London's dark underbelly.

Women in the world of Holmes and Watson face vulnerability and mistreatment, with female
characters often becoming victims of murder or arbitrary imprisonment. These portrayals are
reflective of the societal and class structures of Victorian London. Moreover, the stories may
draw inspiration from the infamous Jack the Ripper, who terrorized London by targeting
women in the prostitution business.

Overall, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary works, particularly the Sherlock Holmes series,
were influenced by the concept of mimesis, where artists imitate and interpret the world
through their creations. Doyle's own experiences, like his attempt to enlist in the South
African War, inspired characters like Dr. Watson in the stories.

Doyle's literary period falls within the Victorian era, known as the Golden Age of English
Literature. The novel became the leading literary genre, and realism was the dominant
narrative mode. Doyle's writing style was characterized by vivid descriptions and intricate
language, engaging readers and creating a connection between them and the story.
 The Sherlock Holmes novels, despite their different plots, share similarities in style and
technique. They reflect the culture of the Victorian era, adding to their appeal. Doyle's
storytelling involves gradual character development and meticulous attention to detail,
enhancing the reader's experience.

Themes in Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories include vigilante justice, the movement of
foreigners and money, the use of opium, and mistreatment of women. These elements
contribute to the allure and impact of his works, leaving a lasting legacy on English
literature.

1.6 Impact of Arthur Conan Doyle on English Literature

Sherlock Holmes' influence on the detective fiction genre is immeasurable. Arthur Conan
Doyle's meticulous attention to detail, intricate plots, and multifaceted characters set a new
standard for mystery writing. Holmes' logical approach to solving crimes, his emphasis on
careful observation and deduction, has served as inspiration for numerous authors and paved
the way for future literary investigators.

Conan Doyle's contributions extended beyond his literary achievements. He actively

championed justice, tirelessly fighting against wrongful convictions and miscarriages of
justice. Involvement in high-profile cases, such as the Edalji and Slater affairs, showcased his
unwavering commitment to fairness and the pursuit of truth. Additionally, Conan Doyle's
unyielding belief in spiritualism and his promotion of psychic phenomena brought these
subjects to public attention.

Even today, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's impact on English literature and popular culture
remains profound. Holmes has been portrayed countless times in adaptations for film,
television, and theatre, cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Through his enduring creation, Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle crafted a character whose
intellect, wit, and deductive abilities continue to captivate readers across generations. His
legacy as a master storyteller, combined with his profound impact on the detective fiction
genre, ensures that Conan Doyle's name will forever be synonymous with literary brilliance
and the creation of enduring literary characters.

However, here is the particular impact with how his works has been influence the English
Literary world, especially on one of his particular famous work: Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes, as a character, revolutionized the detective genre. He was portrayed as a

brilliant and astute detective with unparalleled deductive reasoning skills and keen
observational abilities. Holmes's unique methods of crime-solving and his exceptional
intellect set a new standard for detective characters in literature.
Doyle's stories introduced innovative detective techniques and forensic methodologies.
Considering how his—the writer: Conan Doyle—background of study in a medical field.
Holmes employed scientific reasoning, logical analysis, and forensic science to solve
mysteries. This emphasis on rational thinking and evidence-based investigation became a
hallmark of the detective genre and inspired future writers to develop their own detective
characters and methods.

The Sherlock Holmes stories were known for their complex and suspenseful plots. Doyle
masterfully crafted mysteries with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and
guessing until the final revelation. This complexity of storytelling raised the bar for detective
fiction, encouraging other authors to create intricate plots in their own works.

Doyle's stories not only featured the iconic detective Holmes but also introduced memorable
supporting characters such as Dr. John Watson, Holmes's loyal companion and narrator.
Watson provided a relatable perspective for readers and added depth to the stories. The
dynamic between Holmes and Watson became an influential archetype for the detective-
sidekick relationship.

It is believed that the Sherlock Holmes stories gained immense popularity among readers, not
only in England but also worldwide. The adventures of Holmes and Watson captured the
imagination of the public, leading to a growing interest in detective fiction. Doyle's works
played a significant role in popularizing the genre and establishing detective stories as a
staple of English literature.

With his success with Sherlock Holmes opened doors for other writers to explore and expand
the detective genre. His influence can be seen in subsequent works by authors such as Agatha
Christie, Raymond Chandler, and many others who built upon the foundations laid by Doyle,
further evolving the detective genre.

The enduring popularity and timeless appeal of Sherlock Holmes have ensured that Doyle's
works remain widely read and celebrated to this day. Holmes has become an iconic literary
figure, inspiring countless adaptations, reinterpretations, and homages in various media
forms, including film, television, and literature.
 CHAPTER 3

CONCLUSION

1.7 Conclusion

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's impact on English literature and the detective fiction genre is
immense and enduring. Through his creation of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, he
revolutionized the detective genre, introducing innovative techniques and forensic
methodologies that set new standards for crime-solving characters in literature. Holmes's
brilliance, deductive reasoning, and keen observational skills made him an iconic literary
figure, captivating readers worldwide and inspiring future generations of writers.

Doyle's meticulous attention to detail, complex and suspenseful plots, and engaging
storytelling captivated audiences and popularized detective fiction as a significant genre in
English literature. His works not only showcased the detective-sidekick archetype with
Holmes and Watson but also introduced memorable supporting characters, contributing to the
richness of his storytelling.

Moreover, Doyle's influence extended beyond literature. His involvement in real-life cases,
fighting against wrongful convictions, and his advocacy for justice showcased his
commitment to fairness and the pursuit of truth. Additionally, his belief in spiritualism and
promotion of psychic phenomena brought attention to these subjects, leaving a mark on
popular culture.

The enduring popularity of Sherlock Holmes has ensured that Doyle's works continue to be
celebrated and adapted in various forms of media, cementing his legacy as a master
storyteller. His impact on subsequent writers, including renowned authors like Agatha
Christie and Raymond Chandler, further demonstrates the profound influence of his
contributions to the detective fiction genre.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings, particularly the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, remain a
source of inspiration and fascination for readers of all ages. His legacy as a writer and the
enduring allure of his creations ensure that his name will forever be associated with literary
brilliance and the creation of iconic literary characters.

1.8 Suggest

Hereby we reach the end of this paper, the author wishes that fellow readers could be
intrigued with the concept of Arthur Conan Doyle’s works and how he effected the literary
world in English itself with his styles of writing, particularly in the genre mystery, crime, etc.
If there are errors in words or the knowledge conveyed turns out to be incomplete or lacking
in detail, the author apologize and hope the readers are not satisfied with the knowledge that
the author has presented in this paper. And do please never stop learning and be captivated
by the English Literature.
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