Conan Doyle creates mystery Essay Example for Free

Conan Doyle creates mystery Essay Conan Doyle creates mystery and suspense in a variety of ways. The setting and atmosphere formed in a mystery story are vital and often one of the most effective ingredients. The desired effect, which in the case of these short stories is mystery and suspense, depend largely upon the setting and atmosphere. The major events that take place in The Speckled Band occur at the home of Dr Roylott in Stoke Moran. Watson describes the two uninhabited sections as a picture of ruin. The description of the two thirds of the house that are in ruin, raises questions in the readers mind as to what is occurring in the two areas of the house which are uninhabited. When the shape of the building is compared to the claws of a crab, it creates a perturbing simile for the reader. The reader may ask the question, Are Holmes and Watson about to be trapped within the claws? The major events that occur in The Speckled Band take place during the night. This creates an overwrought atmosphere as the night is thought to heighten emotions. During the night it is harder to see, and many perceive this as potentially dangerous. The fact that Stoke Moran is in a remote and secluded location, separate from the village, also indicates that no one could hear a murder or be able to help the victim. Therefore this is a perfect setting for a murder. The setting that is created also generates many decoys that could possibly throw the reader completely off the scent. The first being the gypsies. Roylott allows them access to his fields and therefore there are nearly always some there. In Victorian times you were thought badly of if you consorted with gypsies as they were thought to be social outcasts and were often feared by people due to curses and the magic they supposedly practiced. Not only do the gypsies provide a decoy and a slight edge to the story, they also create an unusual setting. The final element that dramatically adds to the setting, and that creates suspense in the atmosphere, is the wild animals that Dr Roylott allows to roam free. He has a cheetah and a baboon, which are feared by the villagers almost as much as their master. Personally I feel that Roylotts pets almost represent his character. The atmosphere around Stoke Moran must be one of tension and fear, and this is clearly illustrated through the setting that Doyle devises. The atmosphere and setting is also greatly influenced by the weather. On the eve of Julia Stoners death,It was a wild night. The wind was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing against the windows. Here Conan Doyle uses the technique pathetic fallacy as the weather mirrors the terrible events that are about to occur. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. The use of literary techniques such as these adds to the foundations of the story and makes it a great deal more exciting. Personally I like the way suspense is created throughout this story. I thought this example was one of the most exciting parts. Conan Doyle uses detail to build up tension when Watson and Holmes must make their second visit to Stoke Moran in the dead of night. The atmosphere, while Watson and Holmes make their secret entrance, is on edge. There is a chill wind which gives the effect that it is eerie and ghostly, the pair are almost waiting for something to happen, when they see what appears to be a hideous and distorted child. Although it is only the baboon, it creates a heightened sense of suspense. When they realises the cause of their panic they find it humorous, and tension drops slightly as the foremost event has not yet occurred. Even though they are laughing, they are both still concerned about the cheetah roaming the grounds and the fact that they have to be totally soundless.