Conan Doyle's Opinion on His Character Sherlock Holmes: A Mixture of Gratitude and Regret

Arthur Conan Doyle, the prolific creator of one of literature's most iconic figures, Sherlock Holmes, found himself in a complex and often contradictory relationship with his creation. Despite employing Watson as the devoted narrator, underlining Holmes' respected analytical skills, and despite the character's significant popularity, Doyle often expressed a mix of gratitude and regret regarding Sherlock Holmes. This article delves into the nuances of Doyle's stance, exploring why he sometimes felt overshadowed by his most famous character.

Public Demand Overwriter's Plans

Conan Doyle was acutely aware of the immense popularity of his creation, Sherlock Holmes. Initially, he found the demand for the character quite overwhelming. For example, in his story 'The Final Solution', Doyle tried to 'kill off' Sherlock Holmes, but the overwhelming public pressure made it necessary for him to bring the character back to life. In a way, Doyle was overwhelmed by the public sensation that his creation became. People consistently asked for more stories featuring Holmes, compelling Doyle to cater to their demands.

Creating a Character Unlike Any Other

It is said that Arthur Conan Doyle felt affection for the man who inspired Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Joseph Bell, while he was a student at the Edinburgh Medical School in 1877. However, there is no evidence that this affection manifested in the character of Holmes. Doyle did not create Sherlock Holmes to be a lovable character. Instead, he aimed to respect him for his deductive abilities, making Holmes someone to be feared and admired rather than loved.

Watson Receives More Love

While Doyle may have intended for Holmes to be a character that instilled fear and respect, Watson, the narrator, received far more affection from readers. This difference in the characters' reception is perhaps best illustrated by the early Hollywood films that portrayed Watson as a buffoon, endlessly gasping, 'Gad Holmes - how did you come to that conclusion! ' when Holmes revealed his findings. In reality, Watson was a shrewd doctor whose medical knowledge was often critical in solving cases. Moreover, Watson was responsible for making Holmes far more famous than he would have been on his own, by publishing their adventures.

Gratitude and Regret

Conan Doyle grappled with gratitude and regret regarding Sherlock Holmes. On the one hand, he felt obliged to continue the series due to the overwhelming public demand. On the other, he undoubtedly regretted creating such a character that demanded constant attention and sometimes overshadowed his other literary plans. This tension led to internal struggles, as seen in 'The Final Solution', where Doyle tried to kill off Holmes but later had to resurrect him due to public outrage.

Conclusion

The complex relationship between Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes is a testament to the power of literature to transcend the intentions of the author. While Doyle may not have initially created Sherlock Holmes to be a lovable character, the public’s affection for Watson and Holmes’ enduring popularity ensure that the character remains a beloved figure worldwide. It is in the balance of gratitude and regret that one can truly appreciate the way in which Doyle's creation has impacted the world of literature and beyond.