Unit 4: Sherlock Holmes

4.1. Arthur Conan Doyle – Life & works

4.2. Sherlock Holmes
a. “Sherlock Holmes”introduction
b. “Sherlock Holmes” - Analysis of The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton

ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He is best known for his
creation of Sherlock Holmes – a brilliant London-based detective famous for his logical thinking and ability
to solve difficult cases.
Born in Edinburgh in 1859 into a prosperous family, Doyle was strongly influenced by his mother,
who was a well-educated woman. In his early childhood, she used to tell him vivid stories which sparked
his imagination. The second person who had a great impact on his writing career was Dr Joseph Bell, a
professor at the medical school where Doyle studied from 1876 to 1881. Dr Bell's keen powers of
observation later inspired Doyle to create his fictional detective character, Sherlock Holmes.
Doyle's active life provided him with vivid experiences for his stories. With a great love for
adventure, he would never miss a chance to travel. He took a surgeon's position on a whaling ship sailing
for the Arctic Circle. He served as a volunteer doctor in the Langman Hospital in South Africa during the
War of Independence in 1900. He also acted as a war journalist during the First World War.
Doyle's writing career started during his time at medical school. After graduation, he set up his own medical
practice, which was not very successful initially, so he started writing stories again while waiting for
patients. He wrote 21 novels and more than 150 short stories. He also published poems, articles, memoirs
and plays on various subjects. His most well-known works are the novels and stories with Sherlock Holmes
and the fantasy novel The Lost World, which were made into successful films.
Doyle died at the age of 71, after a heart attack. In his honour, a statue of him was built in
Crowborough, where he lived for almost 23 years.

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 The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
CHAPTER VII: “THE ADVENTURE OF CHARLES AUGUSTUS MILVERTON”

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 Questions:
1. Sumarize The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton
2. What is the subject matter of the novel?
3. What is your impression of the character as revealed in the chapter?
4. What are the ways the author used to portray the character of Charles Augustus Milverton?
Illustrate your ideas.
5. How do you understand the title of the novel?
6. What was the name of the woman who shot Milverton in "The Adventure of Charles Augustus
Milverton"?
7. Why was Milverton called a villain in the story "The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton"?
8. What happens at the end of "The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton"?
9. Who was Lady Eva Blackwell?
10. Who shot Milverton in "The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton"?
Choose the best answer
1. At what time does Mr Charles Augustus Milverton pay Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson a visit?
A. 6.00 P.M B. 7.30 P.M C. 7.00 P.M D. 6.30 P.M
2. Charles Milverton is a very rich man. What is the name of his house?
A. Appledore Towers B. Riding Thorpe Manor
C. Hurlston D. Pondicherry Lodge
3. A certain lady has, in this case, called Mr Sherlock Holmes for help. Who is she?
A. Katie Holmes B. Lady Godiva C. Lady Eva D. Irene Adler
4. This lady is to be married to a noble in England. Who is it?
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 A. Earl of Dovercourt B. Lord Holhurst C. Baron De La Warr D. Lord Saltire
5. Charles Milverton is a blackmailer. How many pounds does he want to hide something connected to a
certain lady who is going to be married on the 18th?
A. 7000 Pounds B. 5000 Pounds C. 2000 Pounds D. 10 000 Pounds
6. Can you name the person who spoke these words: "I am armed to the teeth"?
A. Detective Lestrade B. George Watson C. Charles Milverton D. Sherlock Holmes
7. Sherlock Holmes got engaged for the first time. Well that was only to solve the case. But who was his
fiancé?
A. Irene Adler B. Agatha C. Lady Eva D. Violet
8. Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes stole into the house of Charles Milverton, in order to get some important
documents. What was the colour of their silk coverings which they used as masks?
A. Black B. Brown C. Blue D. Green
9. After the crime, when Dr Watson was fleeing, some of his features were noticed by the under-gardener.
Name the one which was not one of the features mentioned by the gardener?
A. The person was square-jawed B. The person was a middle sized man
C. The person had pale blue eyes D. The person was strongly built
10. Can you name the place where Charles Milverton has put up his house?
A. Sussex B. Brixton C. Surrey D. Hampstead
The end

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