How Conan Doyle uses location in the hound of the Baskervilles Essay Example

place in the 'moor' during the night, a crucial aspect of gothic culture according to the 'exalted powers of darkness' that informs the reader.

Furthermore, the appearance of the "moon" is associated with the power of madness or lunacy, as evidenced by the origin of the term 'lunar' from lunacy. This concept is reinforced by the portrayal of the hound's behavior, which is described as 'foaming at the mouth' and connected to madness and rabies.

The objective of narrating this story is to furnish Holmes and the reader with a societal and historical context. Furthermore, the term 'black' is utilized to depict the hound, signifying darkness and malevolence, adhering to the gothic archetype. While en route to Baskerville hall, the characters exhibit varied responses.

Conan Doyle employs both characterisation and pathetic fallacy to create the atmosphere in The Hound of the Baskervilles. The characterisation of Sir Henry showcases his enduring excitement to return to his home in Devonshire, despite his extensive travels. Dr Mortimer's statement solidifies the county's importance to its residents. However, a contrasting use of pathetic fallacy through the depiction of 'grey melancholy hills' invokes an uneasy feeling within the reader and becomes a recurring motif throughout the novel with Watson later referencing a 'melancholy tinge'.

Here, the contrast between Henry's "boyish enthusiasm" and Watson's logical nervousness is highlighted, surprising readers. Even the detectives are becoming convinced of the supernatural, as reflected by Conan Doyle's use of locations to symbolize character.

The Grimpen Mire is an illustration of danger and unpredictability. "The mire has got him" exemplifies this notion. The similarities between the Grimpen Mire and Stapleton are evident, as the reader is initially unaware of the latter's

perilous nature, much like the moor pony's innocence regarding the danger of the mire. Stapleton's inquisitive nature is also enigmatic, evidenced by his numerous inquiries, such as "what does Sherlock Holmes think of this." The reader is left wondering about his motives. The moor has a similar air of mystery, stating that only Stapleton can penetrate it. The novel's conclusion uses pathetic fallacy to further accentuate its melancholic tone.

Illustratively, the phrase 'wall of fog' exemplifies how the fog encircles and obstructs the detectives' plan, metaphorically representing the concealment of truth. Additionally, 'Stunted orchard' serves as a metaphor for the perversion of evil, which distorts and disfigures beauty. The phrase also portrays the inhospitable nature of the moor and its surrounding areas where nothing can thrive appropriately.

At the end of the novel, it is suggested that Stapleton meets his demise on the dangerous moor, which is ironic as even he could not conquer it. The moor's association with Stapleton highlights the self-destructive power of evil. Conan Doyle's choice of the moor as a setting for the novel was likely due to its necessity for realism. Additionally, the novel incorporates various Gothic traditions, such as having a large country house setting commonly seen in Gothic literature.

The contrast between London and the moor is evident in how they are portrayed. London is depicted as safe, with the phrase "on either side of a blazing fire" conveying a sense of security and completion. In contrast, the moor is shrouded in mystery and uncertainty, creating a tense atmosphere with the potential for anything to happen.