In just this previous unit, my
English teacher provided us with the opportunity to read a variety of short
stories.
The
short story, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” by Conan Doyle was one that
stood out to me the most. Throughout the story, Sherlock Holmes reflected
through his actions, to be a wise man that enjoys nothing more than great
challenges. “…working as he did rather for the love of his art than for the
acquirement of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation
which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic.” Although it
was a job well done in producing a single effect of mystery by the author, “The
Adventure of the Speckled Band” also set several different moods throughout the
story.
As
the story continued, the mysteries Mr. Holmes was trying to solve increased. The
author did a wonderful job making sure that he kept his reader engaged in the
narrative; right as you thought you knew what was going to happen next, there
was a twist to the plot. “It is my belief that she maybe died of pure fear and
nervous shocks… were there gipsies? Yes, there are nearly always some there…,”
giving the illusion that the ones that were to blame for the death of one of
the main characters’ sister. However, towards the end of the story when the
crime is solved, it was discovered that it was a serpent that their stepfather
had been training was the one that had killed the sister. Undoubtedly, a person
that enjoys the genre of suspense would be very entertained by this factor of
the story.
If
looking for a good read full of suspense and mystery then without a doubt the
short story, “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” is a fantastic read for you.
