The Hound of the Baskervilles · Chapter
XV: A Retrospection explained
Holmes and Watson, back in Baker Street, discuss the entire Baskerville case.
What happens
Holmes and Watson, back in Baker Street, discuss the entire Baskerville case. Holmes reveals Stapleton's true identity as a Baskerville, his criminal past, and the methodical execution of his plot to murder Sir Charles and Sir Henry for the family estate. He explains the use of the hound, the role of Mrs. Stapleton and Mrs. Laura Lyons, and his own secret investigation on the moor.
Themes in this chapter
Inheritance and Greed
Stapleton's entire plot is driven by his desire to inherit the Baskerville estate.
Deception and Disguise
Stapleton's multiple aliases, his false identity as a single man, and his wife posing as his sister.
The Role of Science
Holmes's use of forensic analysis (scent, watermark) and logical deduction to solve the case.
Characters to notice
- Sherlock Holmes
Retrospects on the case, explaining the sequence of events and Stapleton's motives.
- Dr. Watson
Listens to Holmes's explanation and prompts him for details.
- Sir Henry Baskerville
Mentioned as having called on Holmes and Watson that afternoon, preparing for a long voyage.
- Dr. James Mortimer
Also in London with Sir Henry, having called on Holmes and Watson.
- Mr. Stapleton
Revealed as the true criminal, a Baskerville descendant who plotted the murders.
- Miss Stapleton
Actually Stapleton's wife, forced to play the role of his sister; Holmes interviewed her.
Key passages
“The more outré and grotesque an incident is the more carefully it deserves to be examined, and the very point which appears to complicate a case is, when duly considered and scientifically handled, the one which is most likely to elucidate it.”
The strangest details are often the most revealing when analyzed scientifically.
Holmes explains his investigative philosophy.
“I cannot doubt that Stapleton recruited his waning resources in this fashion, and that for years he has been a desperate and dangerous man.”
Stapleton likely funded his lifestyle through burglaries, showing he was a hardened criminal.
Holmes links Stapleton to unsolved burglaries.
“The idea of using her as a decoy was clearly already in his mind, though he may not have been certain how the details of his plot were to be arranged.”
Stapleton planned from the start to use his wife as bait, even if the specifics were not yet worked out.
Holmes describes Stapleton's early intentions.