Introduction: Overview of The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published in 1902. It is one of the most famous works of detective fiction and features Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. John Watson. The novel is set in the moors of Dartmoor in Devon, England, and revolves around the curse of the Baskerville family. The moor is a central location in the novel and plays a significant role in the plot.

Definition of a Moor and Its Significance in Literature

A moor is a type of habitat found in upland areas, characterized by acidic soils, low-growing vegetation, and a high water table. In literature, moors have been used as settings for many stories, often representing mysterious and dangerous places. They are often associated with isolation, loneliness, and a sense of foreboding. The moor can also represent a connection to nature and the past.

Setting of the Moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles is located in Dartmoor, a large area of moorland in Devon, England. It is described as a desolate and dangerous place, with treacherous bogs and marshes, jagged rocks, and eerie mists. The moor is surrounded by hills and peaks, including the ominous Grimpen Mire. The Baskerville Hall, an old and decaying mansion, is located on the edge of the moor.

Symbolism of the Moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles symbolizes many things. It represents the wild and untamed nature of the landscape, as well as the primitive and pagan beliefs of the people who live there. The moor is also a symbol of isolation and confinement, as the characters are trapped within its boundaries and cut off from the outside world. It can also represent the dangers of the unknown, as the characters are constantly threatened by the mysterious hound.

The Moor as a Character in The Hound of the Baskervilles

In The Hound of the Baskervilles, the moor can be seen as a character in its own right. It is described in vivid and detailed terms, with its own personality and mood. The moor is often portrayed as hostile and malevolent, with a sense of foreboding hanging over it. It has a life of its own, with its own dangers and secrets.

The Role of the Moor in the Plot of The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor plays a crucial role in the plot of The Hound of the Baskervilles. It is the setting of many of the key events in the novel, including the death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the appearance of the hound. The moor also serves as a hiding place for the villains and a place of refuge for the heroes. It is the location of the final confrontation between the hound and its victims.

The Impact of the Moor on the Characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor has a significant impact on the characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles. It affects their actions, their beliefs, and their emotions. The moor is a source of fear and anxiety for many of the characters, especially those who are unfamiliar with its dangers. It also represents a challenge and an opportunity for others, as they strive to uncover its secrets and overcome its obstacles.

The Moor as a Source of Mystery and Suspense in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor is a major source of mystery and suspense in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Its dark and foreboding atmosphere creates a sense of tension and unease that permeates the entire novel. The moor is also the source of many of the novel’s supernatural elements, including the curse of the Baskervilles and the appearance of the hound.

The Moor as a Reflection of Victorian Society in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles can be seen as a reflection of Victorian society. It represents the fears and anxieties of the period, including the fear of the unknown, the fear of the supernatural, and the fear of the primitive. The moor also reflects the attitudes of the time towards nature and the environment, as well as the role of class and social hierarchy in society.

The Moor as a Representation of Nature in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles is a representation of nature and the natural world. It is a place of raw beauty and untamed wilderness, as well as a place of danger and mystery. The moor represents the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as its ability to both sustain and threaten human life.

Conclusion: The Importance of the Moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles

The moor in The Hound of the Baskervilles is a crucial element of the novel. It is a setting, a character, and a symbol, representing many different themes and ideas. The moor is a source of mystery, suspense, and danger, as well as a reflection of Victorian society and a representation of nature. Its importance to the plot and the characters cannot be overstated, making it one of the most memorable and iconic elements of the novel.

References: Works Cited and Further Reading on The Hound of the Baskervilles and the Moor

Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Penguin Classics, 2002.

Gatrell, Simon. "The Victorian Moor: Landscape, Identity, and the Boundaries of Empire." Victorian Studies, vol. 50, no. 4, 2008, pp. 619-643.

Hill, Susan. "Nature and the Supernatural in The Hound of the Baskervilles." The English Journal, vol. 89, no. 6, 2000, pp. 84-88.