Baskerville Hall explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Isolation and Landscape

  The moor is described as 'melancholy' and 'forbidding,' setting a tone of isolation and foreboding.

• The Power of the Past

  The ancestral portraits and the legend of the Baskervilles weigh heavily on the present, influencing Sir Henry's experience.

Characters to notice

• Sherlock Holmes

  Gives Watson final instructions at the station, advising him to report facts and keep his revolver handy.

• Dr. Watson

  Narrates the journey and arrival at Baskerville Hall; hears a woman sobbing at night.

• Sir Henry Baskerville

  Travels to Devonshire, expresses delight at the scenery, and feels uneasy in the gloomy hall.

• Dr. James Mortimer

  Accompanies Sir Henry; discusses the landscape and Sir Charles's head shape; assures Holmes they were not followed.

• Barrymore

  Greets the party at Baskerville Hall; mentions Sir Charles's generosity and plans to start a business.

Key passages

• “I will not bias your mind by suggesting theories or suspicions, Watson; I wish you simply to report facts in the fullest possible manner to me, and you can leave me to do the theorizing.”

  Holmes instructs Watson to observe and report without being influenced by theories.

  Holmes emphasizes empirical observation over premature conclusions.

• “Bear in mind, Sir Henry, one of the phrases in that queer old legend which Dr. Mortimer has read to us, and avoid the moor in those hours of darkness when the powers of evil are exalted.”

  Holmes warns Sir Henry to stay off the moor at night due to the legend's warning.

  Holmes reinforces the supernatural threat associated with the moor.

• “It was the sob of a woman, the muffled, strangling gasp of one who is torn by an uncontrollable sorrow.”

  Watson hears a woman crying in the house late at night.

  Introduces a mysterious and sorrowful presence in Baskerville Hall.