Did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Ever Talk Badly about Sherlock Holmes?

Arthur Conan Doyle, the legendary creator of Sherlock Holmes, sometimes expressed his frustration with the popular detective. In 1891, he penned a letter to his mother, revealing his thoughts on the matter:

I think of slaying Holmes… and winding him up for good and all.

Sir Arthur's declaration was more than just a fleeting moment of exasperation. It reflected a deeper concern about the impact of his fictional detective on his writing career. In his letter, Doyle confessed, “He takes my mind from better things.” This sentiment suggests that writing about Sherlock Holmes sometimes detracted from Doyle's ability to focus on his other work and creative projects.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Frustration

The reasons behind Doyle's frustration were multifaceted. Firstly, the immense popularity and success of Sherlock Holmes overshadowed his other literary ideas and ambitions. Doyle had a wide array of interests, including writing historical novels, ghost stories, and contemporary fiction. However, his fascination with detective fiction and the character of Sherlock Holmes consumed a significant portion of his time and attention.

Secondly, Harold Shepherd's Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a 2017 biography of Doyle, sheds light on the financial burden of Sherlock Holmes. The character's popularity led to a flood of Holmes-related demand, which strained Doyle's finances. Doyle had to navigate the challenges of managing his legacy and simultaneously pursuing his other literary ambitions. This constant balancing act led to feelings of fatigue and a need for a break from writing about Holmes.

Doyle's Decision to 'Slay' Sherlock Holmes

Following his frustration and the financial strain, Sheriff Holmes found a fitting end in 1893. In a chilling, yet archetypal Sherlock Holmes story, The Final Problem, Doyle murdered the detective at the Reichenbach Falls. This choice was a significant departure from the series, aiming to reinvigorate Doyle's other works and reignite his passion for writing.

However, the reaction from readers was not one of affection. Doyle received a deluge of critical letters and objections from Holmes enthusiasts. Some fans even attempted to sue Doyle for slaying their beloved detective. The backlash was unprecedented, with Doyle reluctantly being forced to resurrect Sherlock Holmes in the story The Adventure of the Empty House. Despite this, his initial decision to retire Holmes reflected his profound dissatisfaction with the character's prominence.

The Lasting Impact

The decision to eliminate Sherlock Holmes did have lasting effects. It garnered significant attention and forced Doyle to rethink the balance of his literary career. Many of Doyle's other works during this period, such as A Study in Scarlet, were overshadowed by the continued popularity of Sherlock Holmes.

Doyle's view of Sherlock Holmes was not entirely negative. Eventually, he reconciled with the character and transformed him into what we now recognize—the internationally famous detective. Doyle's relationship with Sherlock Holmes evolved over time, reflecting a deeper understanding of the character's significance to both Doyle and his readers.

Conclusion

While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's frustration with Sherlock Holmes is well documented, his decision to retire the character was a critical moment in the evolution of Holmes and Doyle's literary legacy. It serves as a reminder of the pressures of fame and the challenges of balancing the success of one's most beloved creation with the opportunity to pursue new literary ventures.

Keywords: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Views