# The Curse of the Baskervilles explained — The Hound of the Baskervilles

> Chapter companion for The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle.

## What happens

Dr. Mortimer reads the ancient Baskerville legend about Hugo Baskerville and the spectral hound, then shares the recent newspaper account of Sir Charles's mysterious death, seeking Holmes's advice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reason vs. Superstition

Holmes dismisses the legend as a 'fairy tale,' while Mortimer and Sir Charles took it seriously, highlighting the conflict between rational inquiry and superstitious belief.

### The Power of the Past

The ancient curse and the family history exert a strong influence on the present, affecting Sir Charles's behavior and the current mystery.

### Inheritance and Greed

The Baskerville lineage and the restoration of the family fortune are central, with Sir Charles's wealth and the inheritance at stake.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. James Mortimer

Visits Holmes with the manuscript and newspaper, recounts Sir Charles's fears and the events leading to his death.

### Sherlock Holmes

Listens to the legend and the newspaper account, initially dismissive but becomes attentive.

### Dr. Watson

Observes the manuscript and listens to the readings alongside Holmes.

### Sir Charles Baskerville

Deceased; his fears of the family curse and his sudden death are central to the discussion.

### Hugo Baskerville

The legendary ancestor whose cruel actions supposedly brought the hound curse upon the family.

### Barrymore

The butler who discovered Sir Charles's body and sent for Dr. Mortimer.

### Mr. Stapleton

Mentioned as a mutual friend concerned about Sir Charles's health.

### Mr. Frankland

Mentioned as one of the few educated men living near Baskerville Hall.

## Key lines

> I have in my pocket a manuscript... It is an old manuscript... Early eighteenth century, unless it is a forgery.

Dr. Mortimer presents an old manuscript to Holmes, who dates it to the early 1700s.

_Holmes demonstrates his expertise in dating documents._

> Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements...

The legend of the hound is recounted, tracing back to Hugo Baskerville's cruel deeds.

_The curse narrative is introduced._

> The recent sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville... has cast a gloom over the county.

The newspaper article describes Sir Charles's death and its impact on the community.

_The public facts of the case are presented._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters/ii-the-curse-of-the-baskervilles
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters