“The Red-Headed League” By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Setting: Time: 1890; 2 days Place: London, England P.D.: Coburg Square - shabby, dingy, backs main road of commerce with a bank

Plot: Holmes is visited by Jabez Wilson who tells him and Dr. Watson of being hired and well-paid to copy encyclopedia entries simply because he had red hair. The job abruptly ended, Wilson wants Holmes to help him in discovering why. Holmes visits Coburg Square and draws conclusions. That evening, four men set out to capture John Clay, a famous criminal and prevent a bank robbery. After the criminals are captured, Holmes explains to Dr. Watson how he deduced that the criminal was John Clay who was attempting to steal 30,000 pounds from a bank which backed the pawnbroker’s business.

Characterization Holmes Watson Wilson John Clay Desires every detail of a situation. Considers all facts Dual nature – “sleuthhound…relentless, keen witted” vs. “poetic and contemplative” Watson Narrator Feels inferior to Holmes Cannot solve the case FOIL to Holmes (opposite character to highlight other character’s characteristics) Wilson Red-Headed pawn shop owner Wants to know why his job at the league has ended Poor, obese, pompous John Clay Evil Genius Vincent Spaulding As Spaulding, he is Mr. Wilson’s assistant – ½ pay Pretends to develop photos, but is really digging a tunnel to the bank. Invents TRHL to get Wilson out of his shop.

Conflict and Resolution Man vs. Man Holmes vs. Clay Holmes prevents Clay from robbing the bank and helps capture him and his accomplice Man vs. Self ?

Theme Sometimes it is difficult to believe or understand certain events that transpire – Truth is stranger than fiction “…for the strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination…” Your actions reveal your true self – work makes the man “Man is nothing – the work is everything.”

Literary Elements and Techniques Point of View First person observer (Watson) Foreshadowing Spaulding is very smart – able to do better work for Wilson at half pay “I don’t know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement.” “…and diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures.” Spaulding brings the ad about TRHL to Wilson’s attention and encourages him to apply “You have to be in the office the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever.” All the clues Holmes found! Situational Irony Spaulding was working right under Wilson’s nose – Wilson thought nothing of his assistant