Sherlock Holmes and the Ritual of Reason: A Literary Analysis

This report provides an analysis of Sherlock Holmes' character as a master rationalist, focusing on his appearance in Arthur Conan Doyle's novel, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. The report begins with an executive summary and table of contents, followed by an introduction that highlights the mystery surrounding a seemingly supernatural hound. The main body of the report discusses Holmes' skepticism towards the supernatural and his reliance on rational and scientific thinking to solve the case. It examines how Holmes uses deduction and observation to unravel the mystery, contrasting his approach with those who readily accept supernatural explanations. The report references the works of various authors, including Grylls, McKenna, and May, to support the argument that Holmes is a master of rationalism. It concludes by emphasizing Holmes' ability to solve the case through his logical reasoning and deduction, solidifying his status as a rationalist detective.

Running head: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE RITUAL OF REASON
Sherlock Holmes and the Ritual of Reason
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE RITUAL OF REASON
Executive Summary
The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the most popularly known Victorian mystery
novels by popular author Arthur Conan Doyle. The novel is about one of the many exploits of
the great detective Sherlock Holmes, who along with Watson finds themselves involved in a
mystery featuring a giant hound which is apparently thought to be of supernatural nature. The
purpose of this report is to analyse how Sherlock Holmes is a master rationalist.

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Discussion..................................................................................................................................3
Summary of the main arguments...........................................................................................3
Holmes as a Master Rationalist..............................................................................................4
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................4
Reference List............................................................................................................................5

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Introduction
It is probably known by all that “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is one of the best
written mystery novels by Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes is one of the best-
known detectives of all times. This novel sees Holmes and his assistant/friend Watson
investigate a case involving a hound apparently to be thought of supernatural origins. The
purpose of this report is to find out through analysis why Holmes is a master rationalist
without a doubt .
Discussion
Summary of the main arguments
In the beginning of the novel, it is found that Holmes and Watson are discussing about
various things around them which started with Watson’s casual observation of an umbrella in
their room and Holmes accurate description of the person who had left it in their room. This
is followed by Holmes surprising Watson by even describing things about him. As stated by
Grylls (149), in The Ritual of Reasons, we find that the author has extensively discussed
about Sherlock Holmes and his powers of reasoning. Holmes accurately describes to Watson
about his client and background. Then, the readers find that when the client mentions about
the supernatural hound that had been causing problems for him, Holmes is sceptical about it.

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This is because it is well known that Holmes is a sceptic by nature and does not believe in the
existence of ghosts and other supernatural beings.
Throughout the case, it is evidenced that Holmes never for once starts believing in the
supernatural. Instead, he explains even the supernatural incidents with his rational and
scientific thinking. This ultimately, helps him to solve the case and catch the main culprit.
Holmes as a Master Rationalist
As stated by McKenna (172), throughout the course of the novel, it is found that
Sherlock Holmes is a master rationalist. All these is evidenced in the various ways by which
he tries to analyse the supernatural events that are happening. As stated by May (70), when
the murder of Sir Charles Baskervilles takes place and members of the family consider it to
be supernatural events, Holmes with the help of his rational abilities makes an analyse of the
events. The detective, although remarks about the complexity of the case initially, it is with
his remarkable abilities of deduction and rationality that he points out that the culprit behind
the murders is very human and not a supernatural entity as guessed by others at all.
There are certain situations in the novel which tests Holmes abilities of rationalism.
This is evidenced in the fact that when the murder occurs, he initially claims that the case is
complex but at the same time expresses his interest due to its complexity. Holmes possesses
an equally scientific mind as Dr. Mortimer. This is evidenced in several scenes of the novel.
All of this instances helps to establish the fact Sherlock Holmes is truly a master of
rationalism.
Conclusion
The Hound of the Baskervilles is certainly thought to be one of the best mystery
novels of the Victorian era. This novel not only accurately maintains the atmosphere
throughout the novel. In the novel, there are instances which prove hoe Sherlock Holmes

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managed to solve the case which was thought to be supernatural. Holmes, with his scientific
reasoning, deduction and rationality, throws light on the case and manages to nab the culprit
by the end of the story. All of this helps to establish that Sherlock Holmes is truly a master
rationalist of all times.
Reference List
Cauley, Helen. "Influences of the Scottish Enlightenment in the Sherlock Holmes Stories of
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." (2017).
Doyle, Arthur Conan. Sherlock Holmes: The Dark Mysteries. Vol. 29. Pan Macmillan, 2016.
Grylls, David. "The Savage Subtext of The Hound of the Baskervilles." Sherlock Holmes in
Context. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2017. 149-166.
Kestner, Joseph A. The Edwardian Detective: 1901-15: 1901-15. Routledge, 2017.
May, Leila S. "“Who's to be master?”: Humpty Dumpty, JL Austin, and J. Hillis Miller."
Interdisciplinary Literary Studies 19.1 (2017): 69-101.

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McKenna, Tony. "The Politics of Deduction: Why Has Sherlock Holmes Proven So
Durable?." Art, Literature and Culture from a Marxist Perspective. Palgrave
Macmillan, London, 2015. 162-169.