Another feature of the Holmes short stories that might explain their enduring popularity is

Doyle’s formulaic presentation of the struggle between good and evil. In each case Holmes is
presented with a situation in which disorder reigns and he must bring a new condition of order
via deductive reasoning and at times, by risking his own safety. In ‘The Speckled Band’ for
example, Doctor Royletthas already succeeded in murdering one of his daughters and now
Holmes’ client, Helen Stoner, fears that she might be next. In order to save the helpless and
innocent victim Holmes, not for the first time, becomes judge, jury and executioner. Likewise,
in ‘The Red Headed League’ Holmes is not only able to resolve the mystery to the satisfaction
of the comical JabezWilson, but he also thwarts a bank robbery along the way. As a champion
of righteousness, Holmes’ adventures may be likened to those of fairy tales that most readers
would be able to recall from their childhood. Good is always seen to vanquish the forces of
darkness and at their conclusion, all is reassuringly well with the world. In this sense, Doyle is
presenting the reader with a series of morality tales for an adult audience which create a
sense of harmony and resolution. The narrative patterns are familiar and yet, like any good
story, the writer keeps us on the edge of our seats for Holmes must employ every ounce of his
genius in order that order is restored.

Another feature of the Holmes short stories that might explain their enduring popularity is
Doyle’s formulaic presentation of the struggle between good and evil. In each case Holmes is
presented with a situation in which disorder reigns and he must bring a new condition of order
via deductive reasoning and at times, by risking his own safety. In ‘The Speckled Band’ for
example, Doctor Royletthas already succeeded in murdering one of his daughters and now
Holmes’ client, Helen Stoner, fears that she might be next. In order to save the helpless and
innocent victim Holmes, not for the first time, becomes judge, jury and executioner. Likewise,
in ‘The Red Headed League’ Holmes is not only able to resolve the mystery to the satisfaction
of the comical JabezWilson, but he also thwarts a bank robbery along the way. As a champion
of righteousness, Holmes’ adventures may be likened to those of fairy tales that most readers
would be able to recall from their childhood. Good is always seen to vanquish the forces of
darkness and at their conclusion, all is reassuringly well with the world. In this sense, Doyle is
presenting the reader with a series of morality tales for an adult audience which create a
sense of harmony and resolution. The narrative patterns are familiar and yet, like any good
story, the writer keeps us on the edge of our seats for Holmes must employ every ounce of his
genius in order that order is restored.

Another feature of the Holmes short stories that might explain their enduring popularity is
Doyle’s formulaic presentation of the struggle between good and evil. In each case Holmes is
presented with a situation in which disorder reigns and he must bring a new condition of order
via deductive reasoning and at times, by risking his own safety. In ‘The Speckled Band’ for
example, Doctor Royletthas already succeeded in murdering one of his daughters and now
Holmes’ client, Helen Stoner, fears that she might be next. In order to save the helpless and
innocent victim Holmes, not for the first time, becomes judge, jury and executioner. Likewise,
in ‘The Red Headed League’ Holmes is not only able to resolve the mystery to the satisfaction
of the comical JabezWilson, but he also thwarts a bank robbery along the way. As a champion
of righteousness, Holmes’ adventures may be likened to those of fairy tales that most readers
would be able to recall from their childhood. Good is always seen to vanquish the forces of
darkness and at their conclusion, all is reassuringly well with the world. In this sense, Doyle is
presenting the reader with a series of morality tales for an adult audience which create a
sense of harmony and resolution. The narrative patterns are familiar and yet, like any good
story, the writer keeps us on the edge of our seats for Holmes must employ every ounce of his
genius in order that order is restored.