Introduction: The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson. The novel follows the investigation of the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, a wealthy landowner in the English countryside. The case is complicated by rumors of a supernatural hound that is said to haunt the Baskerville family, leading to a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.

Summary: Chapter 12

In chapter 12 of The Hound of the Baskervilles, titled "Death on the Moor," the tension reaches its climax as a grim discovery is made. The chapter takes place on a desolate moor, where Sir Henry Baskerville, the last surviving member of the Baskerville family, is being pursued by the mysterious hound. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who have been investigating the case, arrive on the scene to find that one of the suspects has been found dead.

A Grim Discovery

The discovery of a dead body on the moor is a shocking turn of events that adds a new layer of complexity to the already convoluted case. The body is initially unrecognizable, as it has been mutilated by the hound. However, upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be that of Selden, a convict who had escaped from prison and was suspected of being involved in the case. The discovery of Selden’s body raises the stakes of the investigation, as it suggests that the killer is still on the loose and may be targeting the Baskerville family.

The Body Found

The body of Selden is discovered by Dr. Watson, who is out searching for Sir Henry on the moor. The body is lying in a hollow, with the hound nearby. Watson initially mistakes the hound for the killer, but soon realizes that it is not alive. Upon further examination, he discovers that Selden has been killed by the hound, leaving bite marks on his throat and chest. The discovery of the body is a grisly scene that adds a sense of horror to the already tense atmosphere of the moor.

Sherlock Holmes Investigates

Upon discovering the body of Selden, Sherlock Holmes immediately begins to investigate the scene. He examines the bite marks on Selden’s body and notes that they are consistent with those found on the victims of the hound. He also observes footprints around the body that suggest that someone else was present at the scene. Holmes’s sharp eye for detail and deductive reasoning are on full display as he works to unravel the mystery of Selden’s death.

Dr. Watson’s Account

Dr. Watson provides a detailed account of the discovery of Selden’s body in chapter 12. He describes the tense atmosphere of the moor, the fear and anxiety felt by Sir Henry, and the shock of discovering the dead body. Watson’s narration adds to the suspense and drama of the scene, as he describes the grisly details of Selden’s mutilated body and the ominous presence of the hound.

Clues and Suspects

The discovery of Selden’s body adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as it suggests that there may be more than one killer at large. Holmes and Watson begin to piece together the clues, examining the footprints and trying to identify the mysterious figure that was present at the scene. They also consider the various suspects, including the escaped convict Selden, the mysterious Stapleton family, and the servant Barrymore. The investigation becomes increasingly complex as the list of suspects grows and the motives become murkier.

An Unfortunate End

The discovery of Selden’s body ultimately leads to an unfortunate end for several of the characters. The killer is revealed to be none other than Stapleton, a seemingly upstanding member of the community who was motivated by greed and a desire for revenge. Sir Henry narrowly escapes with his life, but the revelation of the killer’s identity and the loss of several key characters casts a shadow over the happy ending.

The Mystery Solved

The discovery of Selden’s body ultimately helps to unravel the mystery of the hound of the Baskervilles. By examining the bite marks on Selden’s body, Holmes is able to deduce that the hound is not a supernatural entity, but a trained dog that has been used to terrorize the Baskerville family. The investigation leads to the discovery of the killer and the resolution of the case.

The Killer Revealed

The killer is revealed to be Stapleton, a neighbor of the Baskervilles who had been posing as a naturalist in order to gain their trust. Stapleton is a complex and intriguing character, motivated by a desire for revenge against the Baskerville family for past grievances. His identity as the killer is a shocking twist that adds to the suspense of the novel.

Conclusion: The Impact of the Death

The discovery of Selden’s body and the revelation of the killer’s identity have a profound impact on the characters and the story of The Hound of the Baskervilles. The death of Selden and the loss of several other key characters cast a shadow over the happy ending. The resolution of the case, while satisfying, is tempered by the knowledge of the suffering and loss that occurred along the way.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a classic novel that has had a profound impact on the mystery genre. It is a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. The discovery of Selden’s body and the subsequent investigation are key moments in the story that add to the complexity and depth of the plot. The novel remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.