You might think the only way to understand what kind of Sherlock Holmes story you’re about to dive into is by analyzing the characters or the plot. But there’s another sneaky clue: the weather. Yes, the weather! It’s like a secret whisper revealing what awaits you in the world of the great detective.
Stormy Starts
Imagine yourself peering out of Baker Street’s window. What do you see? A gentle drizzle, a bright sun, or maybe a raging storm? The weather outside is like a mirror reflecting what’s about to unfold inside. A storm brewing outside often signals a tempestuous case, one filled with violence and dark secrets.
Think of that famous scene in “The Sign of Four”: “It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows…” It’s like nature itself is whispering to us, “Brace yourselves, something sinister is coming.” It’s no coincidence that this story features a brutal murder, a deadly pursuit, and a treasure hidden in the heart of a storm.
The Chilling Impact of the Cold
Sometimes, the story begins with a cold, harsh winter. This icy weather foreshadows a story that dives into icy emotions, frozen relationships, and perhaps even a chilling crime.
Take “The Adventure of the Abbey Grange,” where Holmes and Watson are called to investigate the death of Sir Eustace Brackenstall. “It was on a bitterly cold night and frosty morning, towards the end of the winter of ’97, that I was awakened by a tugging at my shoulder…” The bitter cold reflects the frigid marriage between Sir Eustace and his wife, Lady Mary.
Lady Mary doesn’t mince words when describing her late husband: “Sir Eustace was a confirmed drunkard. To be with such a man for an hour is unpleasant. Can you imagine what it means for a sensitive and high-spirited woman to be tied to him for day and night?” The frosty morning mirrors the icy feelings between them, creating a stark contrast with the fiery passion between Mary and Captain Jack Crocker, a passion that burns hotter than the icy cold of the English winter.
When Fog Hides the Truth
But what happens when the weather is shrouded in mystery? A thick fog can symbolize the confusion that surrounds a case, concealing clues and obscuring the truth. The fog can be a challenge for Holmes, like a veil hiding the true culprit.
In “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans,” the fog is almost palpable. Even Holmes, the master of deduction, finds himself lost in the fog of the case. He’s puzzled, “But if this is true, then the case is at an end. On the one hand, the traitor is dead. On the other, the plans of the Bruce-Partington submarine are presumably already on the Continent. What is there for us to do?” But Holmes never rests on his laurels, and he knows that the fog of the case is waiting to be pierced, revealing the truth beneath it all.
The Weather as a Storyteller
So, next time you begin a Sherlock Holmes story, don’t just focus on the characters and the plot. Pay attention to the weather. The rain, the wind, the sun, the fog—they all tell a story, hinting at the twists and turns that await you in the world of the great detective. Remember, the weather is not just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative, a subtle clue to help you decipher the mystery.
