Holmes and Watson’s Cat-and-Mouse Chase: The Hound of the Baskervilles

“‘Really, Watson, you excel yourself,’ said Holmes, pushing back his chair and lighting a cigarette. ‘I am bound to say that in all accounts which you have been so good as to give of my own small achievements you have habitually underrated your own abilities. It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating. I confess, my dear fellow, that I am very much in your debt.’ He had never said as much before, and I must admit that his words gave me keen pleasure, for I have often been piqued by his indifference to my admiration and to the attempts which I had made to give publicity to his methods.” (Doyle 6)

Though one of the first interactions the reader is privy to between Sherlock Holmes and his companion John Watson, the above passage provides a great deal of insight into the relationship between the two. In this moment Watson is examining a walking stick they have come upon and voicing his observations to Holmes. In response, Holmes showers Watson with compliments, drifting from his usual no-nonsense manner of speech to one notably more flowery and emotional. The inclusion of the light metaphor drifts from his typical literal language and suggests a bit more consideration than he gives to other characters he talks to. He pauses more than usual (noted by the inclusion of commas throughout the piece), signifying a bit more thought behind his words than one expects. Holmes is known for his quick thinking, so the minute shift in how he processes an event and comments on it is notable. It is possible that he must take more time in emotional affairs as he is so unused to them. Watson preens under this praise and informs the audience that Holmes typically acts indifferent to his obvious infatuation, so this praise is a rare treat. If it was not already evident, Watson follows Holmes around like a lost puppy, attempting to soak up all he can and marveling at his expertise. His admiration is palpable, and Holmes seems very much aware of Watson’s attention.

It is all the more revealing, then, that Holmes’ complements were teasing and that Watson’s observations were almost entirely incorrect. Why would Holmes, someone so down to earth and to the point, waste time letting Watson down instead of sharing his own correct observations? His bluntness is one of his defining traits, and through the earlier analysis of his facade, it is clear that he is putting thought into what he is saying, ever detail-oriented. I would argue that Holmes is showing his own affection in the best way he knows to: teasing Watson through the lens of his own worldview (the attention to detail, the slight shifts from normalcy that only a detective would notice) with the understanding that Watson will then continue to follow him and attempt to reach his expertise. Though it is very easy to read this interaction as one between Holmes and Watson as a reader insert, I find the implications for Watson as a character outside of this interesting. There is a sort of cat-and-mouse chase occurring between the two men, but one of mutual respect—Holmes keeps Watson around for a reason, and Watson will always follow in his footsteps. Even if they cannot necessarily comprehend the other entirely, it is this mutual understanding that makes their relationship so captivating.