The Hound of the BaskervillesChapter 4

By Sir Arthur Conan DoylePublished 1902

Chapter 4

• What else do we learn about Holmes’s detection methods in this chapter?

• Why does Sir Henry insist on returning to Baskerville Hall despite the apparent danger?

• Think back to the themes we identified in chapter two. What themes does Doyle continue to develop in this chapter and what new themes does he introduce? Choose a piece of evidence (line of dialogue, character trait, description of setting, plot event) that develops each theme.

Possible Suspects Chart

Writing Lesson: ClaimsIn chapter four (p.46), Mortimer and Holmes argue about the nature of Holmes’s method:

"We are coming now rather into the region of guesswork," said Dr. Mortimer."Say, rather, into the region where we balance probabilities and choose the most likely. It is the scientific use of the imagination, but we have always some material basis on which to start our speculation. Now, you would call it a guess, no doubt, but I am almost certain that this address has been written in a hotel."

Who is right in this argument? Based on your interpretation of Holmes’s logical method so far, is he engaging in guesswork or science? (discuss – journal prompt)

Claims• A claim is the expression of a writer’s argument: the writer

puts forth or advances an idea, often in a single sentence (note the function of claim as a verb, as in “I claim that...” or “I claim this to be so...”).

• For instance, a claim about a controversial topic like violence in movies might be “Many movies marketed to teens depict extreme violence, and this trend endangers impressionable young minds.” A claim about literature often takes a position on a certain line of interpretation.

• For instance: “The primary suspect at this point is Mr. Barrymore because he had the best access to Sir Charles and was present at the crime scene.”

Counterclaim

A counterclaim is the opposite of a claim: an alternate or opposing claim from your “opponent” who believes differently. For instance, a counterclaim to the first example above might be “While it is true that PG-13 movies often feature acts of violence, it is merely harmless fun; teenagers are smart enough to know the difference between fake and real violence.”

Claims: The Position• Claim = Position + Major Reason • The “Position” states the main argument.

Claims are often best stated using strong verbs (“this trend endangers impressionable young minds”). If the claim comes from a prompt or question posed by a teacher or test, the position should use the terms of that prompt. For instance, we just discussed a prompt that asks if Holmes is engaging in guesswork or science. You should use those terms or synonyms in your claim.

Claims: The Major Reason• The Major Reason is the overall explanation for why you

believe your claim is correct or important (Why is movie violence a dangerous trend? Because teens are impressionable.). The challenge here is to strike a balance between being clear and specific without having to list all the details of the argument.

• Your Position and your Major Reason can be linked using a word that provides a logical connection, such as “because,” “therefore,” or “so.”

• Remember we are writing about texts, so all of our arguments and inferences must be based on textual evidence.

Write a ClaimWrite a claim in response to:

"We are coming now rather into the region of guesswork," said Dr. Mortimer."Say, rather, into the region where we balance probabilities and choose the most likely. It is the scientific use of the imagination, but we have always some material basis on which to start our speculation. Now, you would call it a guess, no doubt, but I am almost certain that this address has been written in a hotel."

Who is right in this argument? Based on your interpretation of Holmes’s logical method so far, is he engaging in guesswork or science?

Handout B

• Write your claim• Exchange with partner• Evaluate your partner’s claim• Give feedback• Revise claim based on feedback• Use Handout B to help with giving feedback

Vocabulary