Engl 201-MT3
Science and Society

Blog paper on Hound of the Baskervilles

Over the last several hundred years, scientific and supernatural explanations have often been seen as opposed. The Hound of the Baskervilles dramatizes the question as Watson and Holmes confront an apparently supernatural phenomenon. The story first sets up the issue with Holmes initial discussions with Mortimer. Several characters, including Mortimer (who Holmes calls a trained man of science), seem to believe that the only explanation for Baskervilles death is the presence of a supernatural hound. Holmes does not, but as the story continues and the suspense builds, the possibility of a supernatural phenomenon is left open. Consequently, as we read the story we are asked to consider–as some of the characters ask themselves–whether facts and natural laws will account for what has happened or are other, supernatural explanations needed. Just as the characters do, we are invited to consider whether there are forces at work outside the laws of nature and human psychology. That is why the portrait Holmes sees in Baskerville Hall is so important–once the great detective identifies the culprit, we can understand the events in terms of human interests and human motives as well as physical causes.

We will go over several passages in class on Feb 26th that explore this opposition between science and the supernatural (and the related opposition between science and the archaic or atavistic). The Hound of the Baskervilles, through leaving open the question of what kind of explanation will fit the case for so long, plays out the conflict for Doyle’s readers.  Post your paper before class on Feb 28th after you have finished reading The Hound of the Baskervilles. It should be the equivalent of a 3 page paper (750 words) with polished writing and in-text citations to all sources. I suggest you begin by discussing the way science and the supernatural are opposed in the story. Quote/paraphrase scenes where the issue is introduced and then analyze how Watson and Holmes talk about their investigation as they look into what has happened. Here, you may also want to say something about the significance of the setting (the bronze age ruins) and criminals like Selden. Then describe in detail Holmes’ and Watson’s methods and their attitude to amateur scientists like Dr. Mortimer and Stapleton who seem to take supernatural explanations seriously.

Include MLA in-text citations for all quotations, paraphrases and borrowings. Also include a works cited page if you draw on any sources other than the Modern Library Edition of The Hound of the Baskervilles. You are invited to read each others posts but not to borrow ideas and phrases from each other without citing your fellow students work and developing the point on your own. For proper documentation formats, see Diana Hacker’s Research and Documentation Online. For the rules on citing other students’ online postings to our web forum at Wordpress see http://dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c08_s2.html#35 

NOTE ON PLAGIARISM:  The English Department defines plagiarism as "using the exact words, opinions, or factual information from another source without giving that source credit. Writers give credit through the use of accepted documentation styles, such as parenthetical citation, footnotes, or end notes; a simple listing of books, articles, and websites is not sufficient. Plagiarism is the equivalent of intellectual robbery and cannot be tolerated in an academic setting" (Department of English Plagiarism Statement).  I will not tolerate plagiarism in my classes and will report incidents to the appropriate authorities.