The Hound of Baskervilles Facts & Worksheets

“The Hound of Baskervilles” is a famous detective story written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, which counts as the third of the four crime novels he had written. The book was published in March 1902 by George Newnes Ltd. Set in 1889, the story is about Sherlock Holmes, a clever detective, and his friend Dr. Watson, who investigate a spooky mystery in the English countryside. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is popular for its exciting plot and clever detective work, making it a classic novel.

See the fact file below for more information about the Literature Study, The Hound of Baskervilles or you can download our 27-page Hound of Baskervilles worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

AUTHOR AND BACKGROUND

• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a famous British writer born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• He’s best known for creating Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant detective.
• Doyle faced financial struggles early in life but did well in school and eventually studied medicine.
• Sherlock Holmes, introduced in “A Study in Scarlet” (1887), became incredibly popular for his smart deductions and keen eye for details.
• Doyle wrote many Sherlock Holmes stories, like “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” and “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.”
• Doyle was interested in spiritualism, which influenced some of his writing.
• The time when “The Hound of the Baskervilles” was written was called the late Victorian era.
• This was a time of big changes with new inventions and ideas.
• People were fascinated by old stories and things like ghosts and curses, which is evident in the novel.

SETTING: THE MOORS AND BASKERVILLE HALL

• The story takes place in Dartmoor, England, a spooky moorland with misty hills and marshes where ancient superstitions linger.
• These moors play a crucial role in the story as they create feelings of solitude, peril, and age-old superstition.
• Baskerville Hall, the Baskerville family’s old mansion, sits in the middle of Dartmoor, surrounded by sprawling grounds.
• The hall is grand but run-down, which makes it even more eerie.
• It is remote and haunted as it’s surrounded by the wild moors.
• Adding to the suspense is Grimpen Mire, a dangerous bog near the mansion that is full of murky water and quicksand and can trap anyone who is not careful.
• This marsh symbolizes the hidden dangers in the story.

PLOT SUMMARY

• In London, Dr. James Mortimer seeks Sherlock Holmes’ help about a curse haunting the Baskerville family since Sir Hugo Baskerville’s time.
• Mortimer narrates the legend of Hugo’s pact with the devil and the demonic hound’s appearance.
• This eerie appearance supposedly led to the premature deaths of many Baskervilles.
• Mortimer then mentions the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who believed in the curse and died under mysterious circumstances on his Dartmoor estate.
• Holmes agrees to investigate, but he also dismisses the curse as nonsense.
• Sir Charles’s nephew and heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, arrives from Canada.
• He’s excited to claim his inheritance.
• Holmes notices someone following Sir Henry, so then he suspects foul play.
• They discover Sir Henry inherited a vast fortune, which then could be a motive for someone to harm him.
• Holmes sends Dr. Watson to protect Sir Henry and uncover the threat.
• At Baskerville Hall, Sir Henry and Watson encounter strange occurrences, like cries in the night and suspicious behavior from the Barrymores, the estate’s caretakers.
• They also meet Jack and Beryl Stapleton, a peculiar brother and sister duo.
• While secretly observing, Holmes reveals Stapleton as the main suspect and Beryl as his abused wife.
• As the investigation continues, it turns out that Stapleton is not who he says he is, when he’s actually Sir Henry’s cousin, Rodger Baskerville, and he planned everything to get the family’s money and property.
• He tricked Sir Charles by pretending a scary hound was after him, and he also planned to marry Laura, who might have some connection to the Baskerville family.
• Holmes comes up with a clever plan to catch Stapleton, using Sir Henry as a lure.
• With help from Watson and Inspector Lestrade, they confront Stapleton near his house.
• During the commotion, the hound attacks Sir Henry, but Holmes and Watson manage to kill it.
• Stapleton seems to drown in the Grimpen Mire.
• Back in London, Holmes tells Watson the truth about Stapleton.
• Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer leave for a trip, and Holmes thinks about the mysteries they have solved together.

MAIN CHARACTERS

• In “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” the main characters are Sherlock Holmes, his sidekick Dr. John Watson, and Sir Henry Baskerville.
• Sherlock Holmes is a smart detective who solves mysteries using his sharp mind.
• He can be a bit strange but always gets the job done.
• Dr. Watson is Holmes’ loyal friend who helps him out and tells the story.
• Dr. Watson is reliable, brave, and always sticks by Holmes’s side.
• Sir Henry Baskerville is the brave guy who inherits the Baskerville family estate.
• He is determined and not afraid to face danger.
• Dr. James Mortimer is another character who asks Holmes for help in solving a mystery.
• Then there are the Stapleton siblings, who add a lot of intrigue to the story.
• Dr. Mortimer gets things started by worrying about Sir Henry’s safety and getting Holmes involved.
• Meanwhile, the Stapletons keep us guessing with their secrets and schemes.

THEMES AND MOTIFS

• “The Hound of the Baskervilles” explores how Sherlock Holmes uses reason and science to think logically and solve mysteries while others believe in superstitions, spooky curses, and monsters. 
• The book also shows how people like Stapleton can seem nice but actually do bad things.
• Sherlock Holmes tries to catch these bad guys and bring justice to the story.
• Characters like Stapleton pretend to be someone they are not, teaching us about honesty and staying true to ourselves.
• One major theme is how important it is to be a good detective and that paying attention to details and thinking carefully can crack even the toughest mysteries.
• The book also talks about how some people have a lot of money and power while others struggle, touching on themes of fairness and how wealth can change people’s lives.

IMPACT AND ADAPTATIONS

• “The Hound of the Baskervilles” stands out as one of the greatest detective stories ever written, showing off Arthur Conan Doyle as a great storyteller.
• Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have also become icons in pop culture.
• Many films and TV series have brought “The Hound of the Baskervilles” to life, with actors like Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, and Benedict Cumberbatch playing Sherlock Holmes.
• The story has been slightly changed to fit different audiences but the main ideas and characters are still present.

The Hound of Baskervilles Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Literature Study The Hound of Baskervilles across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Hound of Baskervilles. The book was published in March 1902 by George Newnes Ltd. Set in 1889, the story is about Sherlock Holmes, a clever detective, and his friend Dr. Watson, who investigate a spooky mystery in the English countryside.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. The Hound of the Baskervilles Facts
2. Vocab Search
3. Character Bingo
4. Arthur the Author
5. Choose the Best
6. Plotting Scenes
7. Interpret the Quote
8. Thinking Themes
9. Setting through Senses
10. My Own Mystery Story
11. Book Talk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Hound of the Baskervilles” about?

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” is a detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring Sherlock Holmes. The story follows Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, whose demise is rumored to be linked to a legendary curse involving a demonic hound haunting the Baskerville family.

What themes are explored in “The Hound of the Baskervilles”?

Several themes are prevalent in the novel, including the conflict between science and superstition, the power of fear and legend, the dangers of isolation and inherited guilt, and the complexities of human nature, particularly the darker aspects of greed, jealousy, and revenge.

How does the setting contribute to the atmosphere of the story?

Set primarily on the eerie and desolate moors of Dartmoor in Devonshire, England, the setting of the Baskerville estate plays a crucial role in creating a foreboding atmosphere. The bleak, isolated landscape enhances feelings of suspense and danger, while the mist-shrouded moors amplify the sense of mystery and supernatural threat surrounding the curse of the hound.

What makes Sherlock Holmes an enduring and iconic character in literature?

Sherlock Holmes is renowned for his brilliant deductive reasoning, keen observational skills, and eccentric personality. His enigmatic demeanor, along with his ability to solve seemingly unsolvable mysteries, has captivated readers for generations. Holmes embodies the archetype of the genius detective, and his adventures continue to resonate with audiences due to their intriguing plots and timeless themes.

How does “The Hound of the Baskervilles” reflect Victorian society and culture?

The novel offers insights into various aspects of Victorian society, including class divisions, scientific advancements, and the fascination with the supernatural. It reflects the Victorian era’s interest in crime-solving and the rise of forensic science while also portraying the era’s belief in folklore and superstition. Additionally, themes of inheritance, family honor, and societal expectations are prevalent throughout the story, providing a glimpse into the values and anxieties of Victorian England.

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