- Identify and analyze the clues Sherlock Holmes used to determine the ruse of the three Garridebs.
- Explain John Garrideb's motives for creating the story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb.
- Discuss John Garrideb's reluctance to involve Holmes in the search for the third Garrideb.
- Describe Roger Presbury and his connection to John Garrideb.
- Analyze how Holmes deduced John Garrideb's destination and his expectations upon arrival.
The Adventure of the Three Garridebs
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopThe Adventure of the Three Garridebs
Understanding the Text
- Clues Sherlock Holmes Worked Upon: What clues did Sherlock Holmes work upon to get at the fact that the story of the three Garridebs was a ruse?
- John Garrideb's Objective: What was John Garrideb's objective in inventing the story of Alexander Hamilton Garrideb and his legacy?
- Holmes' Involvement: Why didn't John Garrideb like the idea of including Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb?
- Roger Presbury: Who was Roger Presbury and how was John Garrideb connected with him?
- Holmes' Prediction: How did Holmes guess that John Garrideb would go to 136, Little Ryder Street? Did he expect to find what he ultimately did before he went there?
Talking About the Text
- Holmes and Watson's Relationship: Discuss the comment, 'It was worth a wound-it was worth many wounds-to know the depth of loyalty and love that lay behind that cold mask.' How does this comment throw light on the kind of relationship between Holmes and Watson?
- Clues Left by Criminals: The cleverest of criminals leave behind clues to their crime.
- Holmes' Digressions: How did Holmes' digressions sometimes prove in the end to have a bearing on the matter at hand? Discuss this with reference to all the apparently irrelevant points he was trying to gather information from.
Appreciation
- Structure of the Short Story: Examine the structure of the short story 'Adventure of the Three Garridebs' with the help of this framework:
- The narrator of the story
- Introduction of the topic of the story
- Introduction of the main characters in the plot
- Development of the plot
- Climax
- Resolution of the mystery.
- Subtle Humour: Examine the subtle humour in the narration of the story that lightens the gravity of the subject matter.
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
TopCommon Mistakes and Exam Tips
Common Pitfalls
- Misinterpretation of Clues: Students often overlook subtle clues that Sherlock Holmes uses to deduce the truth. For example, the misspelling in the advertisement is a significant clue about its origin.
- Ignoring Character Relationships: Failing to analyze the dynamics between characters, such as Holmes and Watson, can lead to a lack of understanding of the story's emotional depth.
- Overlooking the Importance of Setting: The setting, such as the description of the house and its occupants, provides context that is crucial for understanding the plot.
Tips for Success
- Pay Attention to Details: Every detail in the text can serve as a clue. For instance, Holmes’ observations about the American advertisement reveal important information about the characters involved.
- Discuss Character Motivations: Understanding why characters act a certain way can enhance comprehension. For example, John Garrideb's reluctance to include Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb is pivotal to the plot.
- Analyze the Structure of the Story: Familiarize yourself with the framework of the narrative, including the introduction, climax, and resolution, to better grasp the overall story arc.
- Engage in Group Discussions: Discussing the text with peers can help clarify complex themes and character relationships, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
He was a counterfeiter whose machinery was hidden in Nathan Garrideb's room.
B.
He was a wealthy relative of John Garrideb.
C.
He was a detective assisting Holmes in the investigation.
D.
He was an innocent victim caught in the crossfire.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Roger Presbury was a counterfeiter, and his machinery was hidden in Nathan Garrideb's room, which 'Killer' Evans wanted to access.
A.
It indicated a foreign origin of the advertisement.
B.
It was a clue to the location of the treasure.
C.
It was a typographical error by the printer.
D.
It suggested the involvement of a British lawyer.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The misspelling of 'plough' as 'plow' indicated an American origin of the advertisement, which was a clue for Holmes.
A.
To gain access to a large inheritance
B.
To find a rare coin collection
C.
To meet Sherlock Holmes
D.
To sell real estate
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
John Garrideb invented the story to gain access to a large inheritance.
A.
To inherit a large estate in America.
B.
To deceive Nathan Garrideb and access his collection.
C.
To lure Holmes into a trap.
D.
To find more people with the Garrideb surname.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
John Garrideb, alias 'Killer' Evans, fabricated the story to deceive Nathan Garrideb and gain access to his collection, as part of a larger scheme involving counterfeiting.
A.
Through a photograph in the Rogues' Gallery
B.
By his accent
C.
By his handwriting
D.
Through a fingerprint analysis
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes identified John Garrideb as 'Killer' Evans by recognizing his photograph in the Rogues' Gallery at Scotland Yard.
A.
To clear the stage for his own investigation
B.
To ensure Nathan's safety
C.
To verify the legitimacy of the American lawyer
D.
To follow Nathan secretly
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes allowed Nathan Garrideb to travel to Birmingham to clear the stage for his own investigation, as it would be easier to investigate without Nathan's presence.
A.
By recognizing his face from the Rogues' Portrait Gallery.
B.
By his distinctive American accent.
C.
By his knowledge of American law.
D.
By his familiarity with the Garrideb family.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes identified the American lawyer as 'Killer' Evans by recognizing his face from the Rogues' Portrait Gallery at Scotland Yard.
A.
To inherit an estate in America
B.
To complete a whimsical quest
C.
To gain a financial reward
D.
To fulfill a family tradition
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Nathan Garrideb was motivated by the promise of a financial reward, as he was assured that he would be bought out for five million dollars if another Garrideb was found.
A.
To access a hidden printing press for counterfeiting.
B.
To retrieve a hidden treasure left by Alexander Hamilton Garrideb.
C.
To find a document proving his legal claim to the property.
D.
To hide from the police after committing a crime.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
John Garrideb, alias 'Killer' Evans, wanted to access the hidden printing press used for counterfeiting, which was located in Nathan Garrideb's room.
A.
Roger Presbury
B.
John Garrideb
C.
Killer Evans
D.
Nathan Garrideb
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Killer Evans, also known as James Winter, was identified as having a sinister and murderous reputation.
A.
Professional colleagues
B.
Casual acquaintances
C.
Deep friendship and loyalty
D.
Rival detectives
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The relationship between Holmes and Watson is described as one of deep friendship and loyalty, as highlighted by Holmes's reaction to Watson's injury.
A.
Holmes valued Watson's loyalty and companionship.
B.
Watson had specialized knowledge about American law.
C.
Watson was the only one who could identify 'Killer' Evans.
D.
Watson insisted on participating for personal reasons.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes valued Watson's loyalty and companionship, which was evident in their shared history of facing danger together.
A.
It was written in invisible ink.
B.
It contained a hidden map.
C.
It was in American English, suggesting a connection to the United States.
D.
It was published in a rare newspaper.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Holmes considered the advertisement a clue because it was written in American English, indicating a connection to the United States.
A.
John Garrideb
B.
Nathan Garrideb
C.
Roger Presbury
D.
Lestrade
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes identified John Garrideb as 'Killer' Evans, a man with a sinister and murderous reputation.
A.
A hidden treasure
B.
A counterfeiter's outfit
C.
A secret passage
D.
A collection of rare coins
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Holmes and Watson discovered a counterfeiter's outfit in the cellar, including a printing press and counterfeit notes.
A.
Plough
B.
Color
C.
Honor
D.
Theater
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes noticed that the word 'plough' was misspelled in the advertisement, which was a clue that the ad was American, as the American spelling is 'plow.'
A.
The advertisement used American spellings and terms.
B.
The advertisement mentioned a famous American lawyer.
C.
The advertisement was published in an American newspaper.
D.
The advertisement included a map of Kansas.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes noticed the misspelling of 'plough' and other terms like 'buckboards' and 'artesian wells,' which indicated American origin.
A.
A hidden treasure
B.
A counterfeiter's outfit
C.
A secret passage
D.
A collection of rare books
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Holmes discovered a counterfeiter's outfit in the cellar.
A.
Holmes wanted to gather more evidence.
B.
Holmes believed the lawyer's intentions were genuine.
C.
Holmes wanted to clear the stage by letting him go.
D.
Holmes was unsure about the lawyer's identity.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Holmes allowed the American lawyer to proceed with his plan to send Nathan Garrideb to Birmingham to clear the stage and better understand the lawyer's intentions.
A.
To clear the stage for his investigation.
B.
To ensure Nathan's safety.
C.
To gather more evidence in Birmingham.
D.
To meet another Garrideb.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes allowed Nathan Garrideb to travel to Birmingham to clear the stage for his investigation, as he believed Nathan was being sent on a wild-goose chase.
A.
A business partner
B.
A victim of John Garrideb's crime
C.
A fellow detective
D.
A family member
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Roger Presbury was a victim of John Garrideb's crime.
A.
He wanted to expand his family.
B.
He was promised a large sum of money.
C.
He wished to prove a point to Holmes.
D.
He wanted to move to America.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Nathan Garrideb was eager to find another Garrideb because he was promised five million dollars if he could do so.
A.
It was written in American English
B.
It mentioned American products
C.
It was published in an American newspaper
D.
It was signed by an American lawyer
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The advertisement was considered American because it used American English, such as the misspelling of 'plough' and references to 'buckboards' and 'artesian wells'.
A.
It indicated the advertisement was American.
B.
It was a typographical error.
C.
It was meant to confuse the readers.
D.
It was a code for a secret message.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The misspelling of 'plough' was a clue that the advertisement was American, as Holmes noted it was 'bad English but good American'.
A.
The use of the word 'plough'
B.
The mention of 'buckboards'
C.
The reference to 'artesian wells'
D.
The style of the advertisement
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Holmes noted that 'buckboards' is an American term, which was a key clue that the advertisement was American.
A.
It was a common name in London
B.
It was associated with a large inheritance
C.
It was a code name for a secret mission
D.
It was the name of a famous detective
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The name 'Garrideb' was associated with a large inheritance.
A.
A hidden treasure trove.
B.
A counterfeiting operation.
C.
An underground tunnel.
D.
A secret laboratory.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The ultimate discovery in the cellar at 136, Little Ryder Street, was a counterfeiting operation, including a printing press and counterfeit notes.
A.
It was a common name in his family
B.
He took pride in the uniqueness of the name
C.
It was associated with a large inheritance
D.
It was a name he adopted for business purposes
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Alexander Hamilton Garrideb took pride in the uniqueness of his name and sought to find others with the same name.
A.
It indicated the advertisement was printed in haste.
B.
It revealed the advertisement's American origin.
C.
It suggested a hidden code.
D.
It was a deliberate attempt to mislead readers.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The misspelling in the advertisement indicated its American origin, as it was a typical American spelling mistake.
A.
To clear the stage for further investigation
B.
To ensure the lawyer would not suspect Holmes
C.
To gather more evidence in Birmingham
D.
To follow the lawyer and catch him in the act
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Holmes decided it was better to clear the stage by letting the lawyer go to Birmingham, allowing him to investigate further without interference.
A.
The use of the word 'plough'
B.
The mention of 'artesian wells'
C.
The spelling errors
D.
The use of 'buckboards'
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Holmes deduced it was American due to the mention of 'artesian wells', which are more common in America.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Nathan Garrideb was not interested in leaving his collection to acquire an estate in America.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Watson found the name 'Garrideb' listed in the telephone directory.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Holmes deduced that the advertisement, despite purporting to be from an English firm, was actually American due to its language and style.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes was suspicious of the American lawyer's motives, suspecting him to be a fraud.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Watson found the name 'Garrideb' in the telephone directory, which was part of their investigation.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Nathan Garrideb was not interested in acquiring an estate in America; he was more interested in his collection.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Nathan Garrideb was not willing to leave his collection; he was interested in the money he could receive from the supposed inheritance.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
John Garrideb, known as 'Killer' Evans, had a sinister and murderous reputation, having shot several men.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes and Watson discovered a printing press and counterfeit notes in the cellar.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes and Watson discovered a printing press and counterfeit notes in the cellar.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
John Garrideb did not like the idea of including Holmes in the hunt for the third Garrideb, as it was part of his ruse.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes identified John Garrideb as 'Killer' Evans by finding his photograph and details in the Rogues' Portrait Gallery at Scotland Yard.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes discovered that John Garrideb was actually 'Killer' Evans, known for his criminal activities and dangerous reputation.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes noted that the misspelling of 'plough' was typical of American English, indicating the advertisement's origin.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes discovered that John Garrideb was actually 'Killer' Evans, known for his criminal activities.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes noticed that the word 'plough' was misspelled in a way that was typical of American English, suggesting the advertisement was not genuinely from an English firm.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Roger Presbury was identified as a famous forger and coiner in Chicago.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes pointed out that the word 'plough' was misspelt in a way that was typical of American English, indicating the advertisement's American origin.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Holmes noticed the word 'plough' was misspelled in a way that suggested an American origin, which was a clue to the ruse.