"Thus, Holmes is a drug-using manic-depressive with a superiority complex and a long list of other symptoms that can be cataloged as mental illnesses" (Faktorovich, 183).
For the 19th century detective genre, Sherlock Holmes was the ideal of a flawed protagonist – imperfect in character but exceptional in his capacity for detective work. Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes is "a new and unique hero figure” (Faktorovich, 175 and an eccentric in the truest sense of the word. Rather than detracting from his character, Doyle uses Holmes unique personality quirks and intellectual prowess in tandem to humanize him; to create a distinct, hero of sorts cast on the fringe of the 1800’s morality.
A textbook narcissist, Holmes demonstrates many of the traits associated with the personality type, chiefly his contempt – or rather borderline disdain – for others. It is Holmes who “loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul” (Doyle, 5). Rather than accepting a comparison to Edgar Allen Poe’s Dupin as praise, Holmes remarks that it is almost an insult since Dupin is “‘a very inferior fellow’ as he failed to match Holmes’ analytical genius” (Faktorovich, 163). It is within …show more content…
Notorious for both his intellect and drug use, Holmes finds no shame in it as illustrated when he nonchalantly says to Watson, “you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weak-nesses on which you have favoured me with your medical views” (Faktorovich, 182). Holmes’ self-aware observation does create a sense of depth for his character, yet “readers are likely to want a detective who will help solve the case and bring justice into the world of the novel”- For better or for worse, Holmes’ enigmatic moral code does little to hinder his competence as a detective (Faktorovich,
For the 19th century detective genre, Sherlock Holmes was the ideal of a flawed protagonist – imperfect in character but exceptional in his capacity for detective work. Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes is "a new and unique hero figure” (Faktorovich, 175 and an eccentric in the truest sense of the word. Rather than detracting from his character, Doyle uses Holmes unique personality quirks and intellectual prowess in tandem to humanize him; to create a distinct, hero of sorts cast on the fringe of the 1800’s morality.
A textbook narcissist, Holmes demonstrates many of the traits associated with the personality type, chiefly his contempt – or rather borderline disdain – for others. It is Holmes who “loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul” (Doyle, 5). Rather than accepting a comparison to Edgar Allen Poe’s Dupin as praise, Holmes remarks that it is almost an insult since Dupin is “‘a very inferior fellow’ as he failed to match Holmes’ analytical genius” (Faktorovich, 163). It is within …show more content…
Notorious for both his intellect and drug use, Holmes finds no shame in it as illustrated when he nonchalantly says to Watson, “you imagine that I have added opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weak-nesses on which you have favoured me with your medical views” (Faktorovich, 182). Holmes’ self-aware observation does create a sense of depth for his character, yet “readers are likely to want a detective who will help solve the case and bring justice into the world of the novel”- For better or for worse, Holmes’ enigmatic moral code does little to hinder his competence as a detective (Faktorovich,