Odysseus (odysseus) wrote, @ 2008-03-02 14:41:00

Sherlock Holmes Was Lonely
I've been reading a lot of Sherlock Holmes lately, and it finally occurred to me that Holmes was a desperately lonely character.

Though out all the stories, Watson is his only only friend (Holmes even says this specifically in "The Final Problem"), although he has a few other professional associates. But even from Watson he remains almost totally aloof; there are two times in all the tales where Holmes shows any emotion beyond mild amusement and annoyance, and Watson is utterly surprised in both instances.

I think it shows in his relationship in women as well. He is described as charming and having a way with women, but showing almost no interest in them. Indeed, he seems to nearly have contempt for the entire sex. I suppose the easy explanation is that he's a homosexual, but I don't think so. He's just too rational, he can't form a connection. When he's on a case his mind races on that single track, and no one can really believe he has any feelings, that he gives a damn about anything at all. Why should a woman want a relationship with a man who doesn't seem to care?

But, of course, he does. Once, in the "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs", Watson is wounded, and although it later turned out to be quite superficial, Holmes was moved with concern. From Watson's account of the even we have:




It was worth a wound—it was worth many wounds—to know the depth of loyalty and love which lay behind that cold mask. The clear, hard eyes were dimmed for a moment, and the firm lips were shaking. For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain. All my years of humble but single-minded service culminated in that moment of revelation.




Watson, Holmes constant companion, is amazed that Holmes cares at all. It took years for him to realize the detective might actually give a damn about another human being. But those feeling where always there, hidden behind those hard eyes.

What exactly keeps him distant from humanity? Is it simply the peerless rationality of his mind? The singular mindedness with which he approaches his work? I don't know, but I'm sure that he cares more about people than they will ever know.

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