The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles 

• Genre: Fiction; mystery; detective novel 
• Originally Published: 1902 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1170L; grades 9-12 
• Structure/Length: 15 chapters; approximately 196 pages; audiobook length around 5 hours, 47 minutes 
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist is the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, assisted by Dr. John Watson. The central conflict revolves around the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the legend of a supernatural hound. Holmes and Watson navigate through clues, myths, and treacherous moors to uncover the truth behind the Baskerville family curse. 
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of superstition and legend; mild suspense and peril; depiction of a Gothic and eerie atmosphere

Arthur Conan Doyle, Author 

• Bio: Born 1859; died 1930; Scottish writer and physician; best known for creating the character Sherlock Holmes; his works greatly contributed to the crime and detective fiction genre; notable for his vivid characterizations and intricate plots; a key figure in Victorian literature 
• Other Works: A Study in Scarlet (1887); The Sign of Four (1890); The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892); The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894) 

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Superstition Vs Logic and Reason
• Observing the Obvious
• Capable Women Without Enough Power

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Explore background information on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his historical context to increase their engagement with and understanding of The Hound of the Baskervilles.