Wednesday, April 13, 2011

NOVEL : THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY - Literary Analysis

SYNOPSIS :
The story starts with Dr. Watson reading out a telegram from his friend, Sherlock Holmes who tells him to catch a train to Boscombe Valley. In the train, Holmes tells him about the murder, how he has a different view towards the case n addition to the letter he received from Alice Turner. They begin their investigation on the horrid death of Mr. Charles McCarthy who has supposedly been murdered by his son, James. Young James on the other hand is now imprisoned because apparently all the clues are in his favour. Lestrade, a crime investigator is adamant that James is guilty based on the inspection on the crime scene and the witnesses. Holmes during his quest for evidence manages to trace contrasting proofs and reveals the interesting set of footprints from which Holmes deduces that the perpetrator of the odious murder is a rich man smoking Indian cigar. Instead of disclosing the identity of the murderer, he leaves the case to Lestrade. Soon after, Holmes is visited by Mr. Turner at his office. Mr. Turner makes a surprising confession, claiming himself as a murderer.  That very same day, everything about the murder is exposed. Mr. Turner divulges that Charles Smith and he were enemies ever since their days in Australia. James is forced to marry Alice, Mr. Turner’s daughter to inherit wealth but he objected his dad’s will the day his dad got killed. In the end, both Mr. Turner and Holmes agree to keep the case private for the sake of the innocent James and Alice Turner, who have just got married. 




PLOT :

EXPOSITION
While having breakfast with his wife, Dr. Watson receives a telegram from Sherlock Holmes. Holmes wishes Watson to accompany him to Boscombe Valley for an investigation. Watson is unsure about deserting his medical practice but after a little persuasion from his wife he packs a bag and hurriedly sets out to meet with Holmes.

RISING ACTION
James McCarthy was found guilty for the murder of his father, Charles McCarthy. However, Holmes doubts James as guilty. 

CLIMAX
Holmes, Dr Watson and Lestrade go to the crime to search for clues and evidence. They find suspicious footprints and the weapon of murder. They also find ashes of an Indian cigar

FALLING ACTION
John Turner confesses to Holmes about him being the murderer of Charles McCarthy. He tells his history as a famous robber and how Charles blackmailed him.

RESOLUTION
Holmes finally solves the case. The court decides that James McCarthy is Innocent. He then leads a happy life with Alice Turner. Holmes destroys John’s confession letter.  John Turner dies a few months after. 


SETTING :

Place:
1.  Dr. Watson’s House
Dr. Watson receives telegram from Holmes inviting him to join in an investigation at Boscombe Valley
2. Paddington Train Station
Sherlock meets Dr. Watson at the train station and Holmes buys tickets both of them
3. In the train
Holmes tells about the murder to Dr. Watson. Dr. Watson reads the details of the murder in the newspaper. Then, they discuss about the murder.
4. Boscombe Pool
This is the place where Charles McCarthy is being murdered and the argument between James and Charles McCarthy take place.
5. Moran’s house
The gamekeeper’s house @ Mr. Moran’s house
This is the place where James asks for help after seeing his father lying on the ground
6. Holmes’ house at Baker Street
The confession of the murderer which is Mr. Turner takes place in the Holmes’ house.
Mr. Turner tells Holmes everything from the first time he met Charles McCarthy in Australia
7. The court
This is the place where the trial of James McCarthy innocence takes place.
8. Prison
Holmes asks James about the day of the murder. He wants to know what actually happen on that day on behalf of James.
9. Ballarat, Australia
This is the place where Mr. Turner and his gang rob Charles McCarthy.
10. Regent Street, London
After twenty years of the robbery, Charles McCarthy bumps into Mr. Turner. Charles McCarthy blackmails Mr. Turner as he wants to tell about the incidence in Ballarat to the police.
Time:
  • The time setting of the story is around ninetieth century.
  • Dr. Watson and Holmes board on the train at 11.15 a.m.
  • James McCarthy arrives his home from Bristol on Monday morning.
  • Charles McCarthy leaves his house on 3 o’clock.
Social :
  • Worker class society e.g. Mr. Moran, Inspector Lestrade.
  • High class society e.g. Mr. Turner
  • The society that involves in crime e.g. Mr. Turner







ENJOY THE MOVIE :)

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