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[bethloguetamu-blog]

And now, my dear Watson, for one evening, I think, we may turn our thoughts into more pleasant channels. I have a box for 'Les Hugenots.' Have you heard the De Reszkes? Might I trouble you then to be ready in half an hour, and we can stop at Marcini's for a little dinner on the way? .

The Hound of The Baskervilles

The final lines in this book intrigue a reader. They let the reader know that there will in fact be more adventures and mysteries to come, but for now Watson and Holmes must go about their ‘normal’ lives, day-to-day, and take a minute to breathe before all the work ahead of them.

[bethloguetamu-blog]

“Inside Newgate” and The Death Penalty Today

Labouchere’s work, “Inside Newgate”, really made me get to thinking hard about the death penalty in modern times. Although we have modernized the way that we go about murdering criminals, we still do just that- we murder them. Sure, it’s more humane. Sure, there is no longer a congregation and mass crowds watching us actually do the act. However, it is still barbaric and unmoral. I stated in a previous post that I wasn’t really sure if I was for or against the death penalty. I mean, there has to be some kind of terrifying fate that you face if you murder somebody, or else people who go about killing each other all the time. But what about all the people who were pardoned from death row just a little too late? What about those who killed in self defense or those who are clinically insane and couldn’t help themselves? Sure, a lot of the time the judge will see the truth and they won’t end up on death row, but what about all the times they don’t and an innocent person is put to death? 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

I tried it on, and when my hands were buckled to my side I pictured to myself my sensations if I had been waiting to fall into the procession to the neighbouring yard. I heard my funeral bell toll; I saw the ordinary by my side; the warders telling me that my time was up...

Henry Labouchere “Inside Newgate”

This quote found in the final paragraph of Labouchere’s work, was the one that stood out to me the most within this work. I could actually picture myself in that chair, the one the murderer’s sat in when it was their time to die. I could feel the fear. The fear of death, the fear of the unknown. I think it stuck out to me so much because of my fascination with the death penalty, both in old and modern times. It’s always interested me because of its barbaric-ness. It seems so inhumane. I’m not really sure if I am for or against it. Regardless, this passage made me feel an immense pain for the murderers and convicted criminals who have sat in this chair facing death.

[connorwashburn09-blog]

The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance observes

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskervilles  (via connorwashburn09)

I think this is a good quote. Sherlock is able to figure out cases by paying attention to things that other people do not notice. It summarizes Sherlock Holme’s character and the books well. Watson tries to notice these things, but he does not always succeed. For example, in the first reading of The Hound of the Baskervilles, he makes mistakes about Dr. Mortimer. Holmes does not. He is able to correct Watson before they meet Dr. Mortimer. Holmes makes correct deductions about Mortimer.

(via starlightstarbright12)

Like I’ve noted in previous posts, Holmes is the true mastermind and natural mystery solver. He has this almost paranormal and unearthly ability to uncover truths where others can’t even come close. Perhaps it is his observation skills that do so, perhaps he just has a natural brilliance that surpasses all those around him. Regardless of the reasoning, it is quotes like this that go to show just how the mind of Holmes works. He observes everything in a way that others don’t. Things that would seem to matter and things that wouldn’t at all. 

[starlightstarbright12]

Sherlock Holme’s Observation Skills

This installment (chapters 13 and 14) really shows how observant Sherlock is. Watson spent a lot more time with Stapleton than Sherlock did. Watson has also seen the portrait more times because he has been in Baskerville Hall longer than Sherlock. However, the first time Sherlock saw the portrait he was able to see its resemblance to Stapleton. He figured out that Stapleton is a descendent of Hugo Baskerville. No one else, including the servants who have lived there for years, made the connection. It turns out he was right about Stapleton being the murderer. He was able to figure out the mystery much quicker than everyone else. He was also right about Stapleton’s promise to Laura Lyons about marrying her. He was able to figure out motives and promises quickly without much information.

[bethloguetamu-blog]

This observation goes to show the true brilliance and innate ability to solve mysteries of Holmes. Although Watson does try very hard, and has some skill and intelligence, his natural ability is simply not that of Holmes. This part of the book just highlights and adds credibility to the mastermind Holmes. People who were around the entire time could not see what Holmes saw in one sitting/instance.

[starlightstarbright12]

I made a Youtube thumbnail using some pictures of things from the plot of The Hound of the Baskervilles. This thumbnail could be used for a video about The Hound of the Baskervilles. A silhouette of the hound is shown in the picture in the upper left. I used a picture of a real hound and not a more scary picture because it is a more realistic image of what the hound looked like. The hound looks scary because Stapleton adds phosphorus to make it seem like the hound is breathing fire.

The picture on the right is a picture of what the moor would have looked like. The setting added to the mood of the story. It made the place seem more creepy and mysterious. The setting is really important at the end of the serial. Stapleton dies because he sinks in the moor and the fog almost puts Sir Henry in danger. On the bottom left, there is a picture of a letter burning. It is what Laura Lyons’s letter would have looked like when Sir Charles put it in his fireplace.

[bethloguetamu-blog]

I love how you didn’t paint the portrait of the hound in a scary light. It is much more realistic this way, and those who like realistic fiction more so than fantastical may have more appeal to this than a scary, drooling, nightmare evoking hound. It is also cool that you did this because it stays more true to the story itself. Although the hound was described as a scary being, it is important to note that it was in fact just a hound.

[bethloguetamu-blog]

Reviews from Kids on Hound of The Baskervilles

“A great book!I read this book and really loved it "The Hound of Baskervilles" is a page flipping book which make you want to read more Sherlock story's! The book has mostly Watson in it but is still very good. There is a few creepy story's and some people our Murdered but it's not that bad.“ Age 9

Fun to note that despite the “creepy stories” and “murders” this was still an enjoyable read for this aged 9 child.

“Its Great. Its a great book with and is quite an adventure. Ones you start reading you can't stop untill you finish it till the end.“ Age 10

“ The Best. It is a good book and a book that every child should read.” Age 13.

“Classic book, Doyle at his best.Very good book, I enjoyed it. A few concerns for younger children: 1.) Sherlock Holmes smokes a pipe. 2.) Some scenes may scare young children. Although there are a few concerns, it overall is a wonderful book. This book has great characters. Children may learn what Victorian England looked like.” Age 14.

As a parent, if you were strict or trying to shelter your children, this may not be the best book for them to read, but if you were an open minded parent who wanted your child’s imagination to run rampant then this would be perfect.

[bethloguetamu-blog]

Mary Carpenter- Feminist, Poor-avist, Educationaist

Besides her literary work that we touched based on in the class, Mary Carpenter has many other noteworthy achievements and political standpoints that made her a visionary woman of her time. In early years, she founded a “ragged school” which made education an obtainable thing for poor people and previous criminals who would have otherwise not of had the opportunity. She wrote about many educational problems in her era and helped shape the education system that followed.  She was the first woman to be published in a specific London program with high stature. She was a part of the anti-slavery moment, a knowledgable and respected public speaker, and she helped dramatically in the fight for women. She was a well rounded woman and helped the poor, the uneducated and many women of her time. 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

The very words which express the subject of this paper awaken in the mind thoughts too deep for utterance.

On The Treatment of Female Convicts- Mary Carpenter

The opening line of this literary work, written by Mary Carpenter, is one of the most attention grabbing that I have read in my entire time as an English undergraduate student. Before even reading a line further into this work, I was already interested in what Carpenter had to say because of the way she grabbed me in her initial statement. Any author with the ability to compel people to be interested, and to give a crap about their work at all, in the opening sentence is somebody who should be reckoned with. 

[jmonty26-blog]

We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.

Anna Sewell 

This quote comes from Anna Sewell. She is the author of the novel “Black Beauty”. It is the story of Beauty, a black beautiful horse, in his up and down life story. When we were reading this book, I told my sister about the novel. She is a horse rider and thus a lover of horses. She laughed at me because she texted later and said it was a children’s book. I told her to read the first couple of chapters to see if she would like it. Well, she loved it. She also took back her comment on this being a children’s book. It is a children’s book, but it is a book that is meant for everyone. This quote made me think of my sister. Granted, she does not call her horse dumb. Other people may have different opinions of horses or other animals. The fact of the matter is that just because they cannot talk does not mean that they cannot feel. We are all God’s creatures. We are all very different. What we all share is the beauty of living life. Animals just cannot talk, but they live and feel just as much as humans. I believe Anna was trying to say is yes, we humans are smarter than animals, but that does not give us the reason to mistreat them bad because they cannot respond back. 

(via jmonty26)

This is my favorite quote from Anna Sewell. Although written in a completely different time frame it is still relevant today, and animal rights activists probably scream joy when coming across this quote. I’m no activist or PETA person myself, however I do think that this quote and mindframe deserves some attention. We, as humans, consider ourselves the superior species on this planet, however, even if we were, it doesn’t give us the right to do whatever we please to the other creatures of this planet. It would be impossible to get every human to treat animals as equals, however we should press the idea that we should at least treat them as beings that feel and hurt. 

[jmonty26-blog]

Pictured above is the dog breed the Bloodhound. In the Victorian Era, this is a famous breed because it is portrayed in the novel “Hound of the Baskervilles”. This is the type of hound that everyone is talking about. I am shocked that this dog is a very British/ European dog. I have only seen this dog in Americanize media. For example, in the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” the Bloodhound is present symbolizing a more Southern type of dog. In the book, “Where the red fern grows”, the story is about two hunting hounds. It is crazy to be that this dog originated in Europe. I feel America, took this breed and ran with it as it is one of their own. Another thing I have realized, in America media. This dog is also portrayed as lazy/ tired/ stupid. Look back on all the childhood movies that feature a bloodhound and they always have them sleeping or just not really paying attention to anyone. I found that very disrespectful to the breed. It is definitely not true. 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

I like how you pointed out how “Americanized” we have turned this breed of dog. When I see this breed I think of a lazy porch dog sitting alongside an old farmer in his rocking chair that only gets up to hold a gun at intruders coming up his driveway. Despite all the negative stigma, I know a large number of people that actually own this type of breed and will vouch that these dogs are anything but lazy or stupid. 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

Over the rocks, in the crevice of which the candle burned, there was thrust out an evil yellow face, a terrible animal face, all seamed and scored with vile passions.

Hound of The Baskervilles (Ch. 12)

This particular quote is one that illuminates maximum level of imagery and evokes emotions of fear and anxiousness. Although the picture attached may look nothing like that of which was being described at the time of writing, the quote leaves it up to the readers imagination to paint a picture of the animal or being that is described. You can create a picture of your own worst nightmare animal. 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.

Hound of The Baskervilles (Ch. 12) - Holmes to Watson

Holmes makes an attempt at a rewarding compliment and it shows the interesting and complex relationship between him and Watson. He makes a good point in suggesting that un-genius people do a good job at somehow compensating in other ways. He suggests that Watson isn’t genius, however he contributes in necessary ways, and without his help the real genius in others may not come to play. It’s an insult and a compliment- and a witty remark.

[oscarswildin-blog]

yes i really did just spend an hour on this, so tag yourself - which hound of the baskervilles character are you?

i’m henry baskerville rip

[bethloguetamu-blog]

This is such a fun and interactive meme, haha!

I too, think I am Henry Baskerville (minus the gym rat part lol)

Probably also a little/lot a bit of Doctor M.

[jmonty26-blog]

This meme features the women fashion back in the Victorian Era. This is a funny yet true meme. First of all, I mean no disrespect to anyone reading this post. I will only state the facts and compare. If you look back at images of women in the Victorian Era what do you see? You will see these long dresses that cover every part of the woman. The only see that is showing is the skin on their face and sometimes hands. I do not know why women dressed like this. Therefore, I do not know when the shift started. Present time, women do not dress like this. The style from my observations is to show skin. It is ok to show skin in women’s fashion nowadays. I jus thought it was a big difference. I also wanted to know what happened. Like what changed for women’s fashion to go completely covered to not really covered. 

[oscarswildin-blog]

OH HERE’S A REALLY INTERESTING ARTICLE ON FEMALES AND VICTORIAN FASHION!!! https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Victorian-Fashion/

the shorter skirts became a staple in 1920, about the same time as they did here as fashion went from “look as female as possible while being mostly covered” with corsets and bustiers to “baggy clothes and loose-fitting, shorter skirts” where boyish figures and fewer curves became “the style”

[bethloguetamu-blog]

https://bellatory.com/fashion-industry/Fashion-History-Victorian-Costume-and-Design-Trends-1837-1900-With-Pictures here’s another super cool article about all the women trends of the time. I think the modest, over exaggerated look is honestly so becoming. It’s so strange to me how we went to covering our bodies almost completely to people walking around half naked in public places. No discrimination against either dress because I frankly like both, however it would be interesting to research how and why the major changes of fashion came about. 

PS: If all fashion trends come and go will completely covered Victorian era looks ever make it back into mainstream fashion?

[bethloguetamu-blog]

I am a Creole, and have good Scotch blood coursing through my veins. Many people have traced to my Scottish blood that energy and activity which are not always found in the Creole race, and which have carried me to so many various scenes: and perhaps they are right.

Mary Seacole

Seacole claimed that she was Scottish- a race/origin not commonly associated with any kind of ‘blackness’. Her staking her claim as somebody from Scottish origin helps to establish credibility when it came to her work. She wanted people to know that she could be considered one of them and they shouldn’t turn her work away based on the color of her skin. If she had taken pride in her blackness, then African Americans may have been the only people to ever read her work.

[kimberleyfrytamu]

I think it’s very significant that Mrs. Seacole identifies as a Mrs. and not a Ms. She is a widowed woman, and she definitely embraces that. During the Victorian Era, a woman was nothing if she wasn’t married. A woman’s purpose was seen as a service to her husband. If she was never married, her book probably would not have been popular during that time period. She served her purpose because she was married before, so people did not look down on her for that. She had to do everything she could to prove her credibility, so making it be known that she was a Mrs. was important. I think it is very interesting how times have changed. In today’s society, it would not matter if a woman was married or not when it comes to her credibility. 

[bethloguetamu-blog]

I love that you pointed out the reasoning behind why she took a Mrs. surname rather than a Ms. despite the fact that she was no longer married. You are absolutely right in assuming that she did it for credibility. Not only was she a woman, but she was also a black woman. Right there is already two reasons for people to discredit her work. The last thing she needed was to not only be a woman and black but also single. She would have virtually no credibility at all. 

To add, I think another reason she added the Mrs. rather than the Ms. was because she wanted to seem motherly rather than an eligible woman. She credits herself as playing the mother role in this work, and it’s much easier to portray this as a Mrs.