Sherlock Holmes character - Essay Example

Sherlock Holmes’ Character IntroductionA scandal in Bohemia Irene Adler is a character featured in the Sherlock Holmes’ story “A scandal in Bohemia.” Irene Adler, is the the character Doyle created as “The Woman.” She is one of four to ever beat Holmes. A job Professor Moriarty couldn’t even handle. There is something special about this character. In a feminist view Irene Alder is a rebel woman who isn’t compliant to the social customs. She’s daring, courageous, and intelligent enough to overcome Holmes.

Irene Adler is elegant, fast and intelligent. She notices Sherlock Holmes looking at her while she takes the photo out of the sliding shutter. Her intention is not to create any problem with the photograph but all she wants is just to use the photograph as her security. The King of Bohemia approaches Sherlock Holmes with a dilemma. When the king was a young prince, he had established a relationship with Irene Adler. There was a photo of them together. Now the King is 30 and ready to marry. Irene Adler intimidates the King by threatening to send the photograph on the day of the King’s marriage.

The King urgently needs the photograph back. Sherlock Holmes investigates and discovers that the King had attempted and failed to get the photograph back even after searching Irene Adler’s house. Sherlock Holmes comes out with a plan and at last discovers where the photograph is concealed in Irene Adler’s house. But when he goes to get the photograph the next morning, he finds her house empty. Irene Adler had detected Sherlock Holmes watching her the preceding day. She escapes with her spouse Godfrey Norton.

She promises Sherlock Holmes through a written letter that her intention is not to send it on the day of the King’s betrothal, but for her security. The King thanks Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson who has also helped to resolve the problem. Even though Adler's behavior has not been good, she is a blackmailer. Adler's existence in "A Scandal in Bohemia" is less significant for her own sake as a character than for what she allows Conan Doyle to highlight about Sherlock Holmes. First, given that Holmes never talks of "the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer" (Conan 1), he seems to believe that women aren't able of the point of coherent thinking he expects from, say, himself.

Adler proves him wrong on the point of women's intelligence. The conflict for sexual parity is extremely exciting with Holmes and Adler. The term ‘The Woman’ is in no way an undignified term. Instead it’s a name, an illustration of respect for Irene. Holmes has respect for Adler. She’s was independent, famous, New Jersey born singer, who is a world explorer and smart. She does her own thing without being lead around by a rich husband. She isn’t a pretty woman who smiles and gets her way.

She has charm and intelligence and uses it. This is what Holmes sees in her. And the fact that her wit beat Holmes left him speechless. She is The Woman for a reason.Doyle created an exceedingly fascinating character in Irene. An equal for Holmes and this is significant. Holmes is seen as an untouchable genius. A mind which is unmatchable, and the simple fact that it was a woman who beat Holmes is great moment for women. It gave women readers a strong female character to look up too. Irene is a heroine.

Works cited Conan, Doyle. The adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Ed. Jose Mendez. 1999.