Why Were the Sherlock Holmes Novels Written from Watson’s Perspective?
The decision to write the Sherlock Holmes stories from Dr. John Watson's perspective rather than Sherlock Holmes' serves several compelling purposes. Understanding these motivations sheds light on how Arthur Conan Doyle crafted the series to engage and captivate his readers.
Narrative Device: Engaging the Reader
Watson acts as the everyman character, allowing readers to relate to him. His perspective provides an entry point for the audience, making Holmes' complex deductions more accessible. Watson often expresses amazement and confusion at Holmes' methods, mirroring the readers' own experiences. This narrative device helps readers immerse themselves in the story, feeling the suspense and thrill of solving mysteries alongside Holmes.
Mystery and Intrigue: Maintaining Suspense
By presenting the stories through Watson's eyes, Doyle maintains an element of mystery. Readers are left in suspense about Holmes' thought processes and deductions until the final reveal. This technique enhances the storytelling, building anticipation and suspense throughout the narrative. The tension created by this perspective keeps readers engaged until each story's climax.
Character Development: Highlighting Brilliance and Humanity
Watson's character serves to highlight Holmes' brilliance. Through Watson's admiration and occasional frustration, the contrast between Holmes' intellect and the more grounded human qualities of Watson is brought to life. This dynamic enriches both characters and adds depth to the stories. Watson's journey of understanding and adapting to Holmes' methods also contributes to the character development, making their relationship more nuanced and relatable.
Personal Connection and Literary Tradition
While Doyle may have found it easier to relate to Watson, the choice also reflects a literary tradition. Many detective stories of the time were written from the perspective of a sidekick or assistant, which helped to frame the detectives' skills in a way that was engaging for readers. This approach allowed Doyle to present Holmes' cases in a relatable and exciting manner, thereby capturing the imagination of audiences.
Why Not Holmes’ Perspective?
Writing from Holmes' perspective would have been a different experience. For a vast majority of the stories, we never see what is actually going on in Holmes' heart or mind. If Doyle had been Holmes, it would have required a radical shift in perspective. The depiction of the stories might have felt more artificial and less relatable. Additionally, the psychological complexity of pursuing mysteries for amusement or to feel a rush (as suggested by the movie adaptations) might have detracted from the overall narrative and character development. Watson's perspective, on the other hand, remains consistent and relatable, adding layers of intrigue and character dynamics to the series.
Overall, using Watson as the narrator allows Conan Doyle to build suspense, develop character dynamics, and create a relatable entry point for readers. This perspective not only enhances the story's appeal but also deepens the reader's connection to the characters and their adventures. The choice to present the narratives from Watson's viewpoint ensures that the reader experiences the thrill of mystery and the growth of character through the eyes of a protagonist who is both in awe and involved in the unfolding events.