# III: The Problem explained — The Hound of the Baskervilles

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

## What happens

Dr. Mortimer consults Sherlock Holmes about the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the impending arrival of the heir, Sir Henry Baskerville. Mortimer reveals evidence of a spectral hound and expresses fear for Sir Henry's safety. Holmes agrees to investigate, requesting Mortimer to bring Sir Henry to Baker Street the next day. After Mortimer leaves, Holmes spends the day studying a map of Dartmoor and prepares to solve the case.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reason vs. Superstition

Holmes, a man of science, challenges Dr. Mortimer's supernatural explanations for Sir Charles's death, emphasizing empirical evidence.

### The Power of the Past

The Baskerville family curse and the legend of the hound continue to influence the present, affecting decisions about Sir Henry's future.

### Deception and Disguise

The mysterious circumstances of Sir Charles's death and the unseen forces on the moor hint at hidden truths and potential deception.

## Character check-ins

### Sherlock Holmes

Listens to Dr. Mortimer's account, questions him about the evidence, and decides to investigate the case. He spends the day studying a map of Dartmoor.

### Dr. Watson

Present during the consultation, observes Holmes's methods, and later returns to Baker Street to find Holmes deep in thought.

### Dr. James Mortimer

Consults Holmes about Sir Charles's death and the Baskerville curse, expresses fear for Sir Henry's safety, and agrees to bring Sir Henry to meet Holmes.

### Sir Henry Baskerville

The heir to Baskerville Hall, arriving from Canada; not yet present but is the subject of the consultation.

### Sir Charles Baskerville

Deceased; his death and the circumstances surrounding it are discussed in detail.

## Key lines

> I have hitherto confined my investigations to this world. In a modest way I have combated evil, but to take on the Father of Evil himself would, perhaps, be too ambitious a task.

Holmes says he usually only deals with earthly matters and has fought against evil, but fighting the devil himself might be too much.

_Holmes humorously dismisses the supernatural aspect while acknowledging the gravity of the case._

> Put into plain words, the matter is this. In your opinion there is a diabolical agency which makes Dartmoor an unsafe abode for a Baskerville—that is your opinion?

Holmes summarizes Mortimer's belief that a demonic force threatens any Baskerville who goes to Dartmoor.

_Holmes clarifies the core of Mortimer's fear to challenge its logic._

> I recommend, sir, that you take a cab, call off your spaniel who is scratching at my front door, and proceed to Waterloo to meet Sir Henry Baskerville.

Holmes advises Mortimer to leave immediately and go to the train station to meet Sir Henry.

_Holmes gives practical instructions, showing his decisive nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters/iii-the-problem
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hound_of_the_baskervilles/chapters