Sherlock Holmes: Case of the Gold King

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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason John Watson is hesitant to publish some of the cases he has recorded?

  • He wants to keep the details of the cases secret from Sherlock Holmes.
  • He is concerned about the privacy of those involved in some of the cases. (correct)
  • He fears that the public would be bored by too many cases.
  • He believes that the cases are too complex for the average reader to understand.

Why does Watson consider the case of Mr. James Phillimore to be 'remarkable'?

  • Because Phillimore's disappearance was witnessed by several people.
  • Because Phillimore's disappearance was connected to a larger conspiracy.
  • Because Phillimore was a well-known and influential figure.
  • Because the circumstances of Phillimore's disappearance are unexplained. (correct)

What does the reference to Sherlock Holmes as a 'great artist' suggest about his personality?

  • He is easily distracted by his surroundings and prone to mood swings.
  • He is deeply affected by both beauty and ugliness in the world around him. (correct)
  • He is a gifted writer and storyteller, but lacks practical skills.
  • He is highly skilled in his profession and takes pride in his work.

What is the primary purpose of the dispatch-box mentioned by Watson?

<p>To document and preserve details of various cases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cases does Watson describe as 'unfinished tales'?

<p>Cases that were never solved despite Sherlock Holmes's efforts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage when Watson describes the 'considerable residue of cases'?

<p>He is hesitant and unsure about the consequences of publishing these cases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Watson is preparing for a 'depressed' companion?

<p>Sherlock Holmes is known to be melancholic and easily affected by weather. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the single plane tree in the yard behind Watson's house?

<p>It serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the changing seasons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the Gold King when faced with Holmes' accusations?

<p>He showed fury but then calmed down. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Holmes characterize his interaction with the Gold King?

<p>As a bluff to gather information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Holmes suggest is necessary to understand the case?

<p>The exact relationships between the involved individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately brought the Gold King back to the room?

<p>His realization that he could not ignore the situation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Holmes' demeanor while dealing with the Gold King?

<p>Calm and indifferent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotions did Holmes suspect were directed towards the governess?

<p>Passionate emotions intertwined with disdain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Holmes' suggestion for Mr. Gibson after their argument?

<p>To take a morning stroll and reflect. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gold King feel after re-entering the room?

<p>Chastened but resentful. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Holmes' mood during the conversation?

<p>Bright and joyous (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Holmes suggest about cooking an egg in connection to time?

<p>It demands attention to the passage of time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Neil Gibson said to be known as?

<p>A gold-mining magnate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event is associated with Neil Gibson?

<p>The tragic end of his wife (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the wife when she was found?

<p>Clad in her dinner dress with a bullet wound (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What item was found in the governess's wardrobe that linked her to the crime?

<p>A revolver with a discharged chamber (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motive does Holmes suggest for the governess potentially committing the crime?

<p>Desire for power and love from Neil Gibson (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence was found that directly implicated the governess?

<p>An appointment note signed by the governess (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Holmes describe the evidence in the case?

<p>Exceedingly sensational yet clear (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What position does Neil Gibson hold besides being a mining magnate?

<p>American Senator (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reaction does Watson have towards Holmes' case presentation?

<p>He thinks it is interesting and follows clearly (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Holmes draw about the investigation?

<p>It is likely unsolvable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique aspect of the crime scene does Holmes emphasize?

<p>The lack of a weapon near the body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character frames an intense emotional appeal for assistance from Holmes?

<p>Neil Gibson (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Marlow Bates's demeanor when he first visits Holmes?

<p>Nervous and agitated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Bates describe his employer, Mr. Gibson?

<p>Plausible and cunning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial piece of information does Mr. Bates provide about Mrs. Gibson?

<p>She was a creature of the Tropics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Gibson's initial attitude towards Holmes's fee?

<p>He is willing to pay any amount (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Holmes's working style does he emphasize to Mr. Gibson?

<p>He works anonymously (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What trait is used to describe Mr. Gibson's physical appearance?

<p>Tall and craggy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Holmes conclude about the warning given by Mr. Bates?

<p>It is useful (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What relationship does Mr. Gibson claim to have had with Miss Dunbar?

<p>An employer-employee relationship (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Bates characterize his own situation with Mr. Gibson?

<p>He has given notice to leave (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Holmes react to Mr. Gibson's offer of payment?

<p>He dismisses it without hesitation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bates fear regarding Mr. Gibson's arrival?

<p>That he will lose his chance to speak with Holmes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is portrayed as Mr. Gibson's primary concern when meeting Holmes?

<p>To prove someone innocent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Holmes’s perception of Mr. Gibson based on his initial description?

<p>He conveys a sense of greed and treachery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Holmes imply when he states, 'I should have thought my words were plain'?

<p>He is annoyed by Mr. Gibson's question (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sherlock Holmes

A fictional detective known for his logical reasoning.

John H. Watson

Sherlock Holmes' close friend and biographer.

Battered tin dispatch-box

A worn box containing records of cases.

Unfinished tales

Cases with no solutions or conclusions.

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James Phillimore

A case involving a man who disappeared.

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Isadora Persano

A journalist found insane with a strange worm.

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Private family secrets

Confidential matters that could cause scandal.

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Wild morning in October

The atmosphere described when the narrative begins.

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Thor Mere

A deep, reed-girt sheet of water mentioned in the story.

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Mr. Marlow Bates

A thin, nervous man and client seeking Holmes's help.

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Nervous breakdown

A mental state where a person can no longer function due to stress.

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Mr. Gibson

Bates's employer and the man accused of being a villain.

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Corruption of character

Mr. Gibson's nature as a plausible but cruel individual.

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Miss Dunbar

The woman at the center of the case and victim of Mr. Gibson.

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Emphatic warning

Strong and urgent advice given by Mr. Bates.

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Holmes's Professional Integrity

Holmes's commitment to his fixed charges and focused work.

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Cold, hard demeanor

Mr. Gibson's description signifying his ruthless character.

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Gibson's relationship to Miss Dunbar

Claim that their relations were only professional.

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Bates's fear

Mr. Bates fears Mr. Gibson and his powerful influence.

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Press reports

Media coverage that provided facts about the case.

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Villainy

The unethical actions attributed to Mr. Gibson.

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Holmes's dismissal

Holmes's firm refusal to continue with Mr. Gibson's case.

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Social facade

The appearance of respectability that hides true character.

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Holmes's demeanor

Holmes displays a cheerful and bright mood despite a serious case.

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The case's significance

Holmes is eager to take on a challenging case after stagnation.

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Neil Gibson

A prominent gold-mining magnate involved in a tragic case.

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Tragic end of the wife

The mysterious death of Neil Gibson's wife, crucial to the case.

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Evidence clarity

Holmes believes the evidence in the case is straightforward despite its sensational nature.

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The letter

A heartfelt plea from Neil Gibson claiming Miss Dunbar's innocence.

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The governess's involvement

The governess is implicated due to direct evidence linking her to the crime.

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Missing weapon

No weapon was found near the wife's body, raising suspicion.

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Time of death

The wife's death occurred late at night, complicating the investigation.

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Motive for murder

The governess may stand to gain from the wife's death.

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Alibi challenge

The governess cannot prove where she was at the time of the crime.

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Holmes's deduction

Holmes utilizes logical reasoning to connect facts and clues.

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The scene of the crime

Thor Bridge is where the wife's body was discovered.

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Coroner’s jury

A jury that initially reviewed the case and deemed evidence clear.

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Evidence against the governess

A revolver was found in her wardrobe, connecting her to the murder.

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Fiendish expression

A face showing intense malice or wickedness.

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Self-command

The ability to control one's emotions and reactions.

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Bluff

To deceive someone by pretending to know more than you do.

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Unconventional tone

A manner of speaking that breaks traditional norms.

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Frontal attack

A direct confrontation or challenge to someone.

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Chastened mood

A state of being humbled or subdued, usually after a realization.

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Common sense

Basic ability to make sound judgments and behave sensibly.

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Emotional relations

The connections between individuals based on feelings and personal ties.

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Study Notes

Case of the Gold King

  • Detective: Sherlock Holmes
  • Client: Neil Gibson (wealthy gold mining magnate)
  • Victim: Gibson's wife
  • Suspect(s): Governess
  • Setting: Grand manor house in Hampshire, England
  • Circumstances: Wife found dead in grounds late at night, with a revolver wound. No weapon near the body.

Initial Encounters

  • Holmes initially receives a letter from Gibson pleading for Miss Dunbar's innocence.
  • Holmes's initial assessment: The case appears straightforward, easily solved based on the available evidence.
  • Holmes's statement on the importance of the evidence: Clarity and precision of the evidence supersedes personality of the accused.
  • Holmes's mention of a difficult case - Unable to change the facts, though can uncover them.

Gibson's Wife's Death

  • Key elements:
    • Wife found in grounds, wearing evening attire, with a shawl.
    • Bullet wound to the brain.
    • Revolver with one spent chamber found in governess's wardrobe (matching the bullet calibre).
    • Note/appointment made by the governess at the scene of the crime.

Governess's Potential Involvement

  • Direct evidence: Revolver with a matching bullet found in her wardrobe.
  • Indirect evidence: Note linking her to the scene and the appointment.
  • Possible motive: Love, fortune, power; The governess possibly coveted Gibson's wife's position.

Marlow Bates' Testimony

  • Details:
    • Gibson's estate manager, warning Holmes about Gibson's violent and manipulative nature.
    • Suggesting Gibson may be responsible and potentially brutal/manipulative to his wife.
    • Describing Gibson's wife as a passionate and beautiful woman from Brazil.

Holmes's Strategy

  • Bluffing Gibson: Holmes portrays certainty about the governess's guilt while remaining suspicious to gauge Gibson's reaction.
  • Questioning Gibson's relations with the governess: To gauge their relationship and potentially elicit information.
  • Dismissing Gibson and subsequent encounter: Gibson leaves in anger but returns, suggesting a concession to seek Holmes's help.

Conclusion

  • Holmes's assertion: Bluffing, emotional tone of Gibson's letter pointing towards deep emotion related to governess, suggests potential for a false accusation and the importance of understanding the relationship between the people involved in resolving the truth of the case.

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