Study Guide for Sherlock Holmes Stories

“A Scandal in Bohemia”

1.      What does Sherlock Holmes think of Iren Adler?

2.      Describe Holmes’ and Watson’s situation in the beginning of the story.

3.      How does Holmes prove his intelligence?

4.      Who is the client? How does Holmes know who he is and how does he treat the client?

5.      What was Watson’s job for when they get Irene Adler’s house?

6.      How did Irene Adler outsmart Holmes?

“The Red-Headed League”

1.      Holmes lists the “obvious facts” that he deduces from Mr. Wilson’s appearance. What are they and how did Homes know?

2.      What is the only requirement needed to apply for a vacancy in the Red-Headed League? What are the benefits?

3.      Describe the work Mr. Wilson must do for the League. What exactly is it? When must he do it? What is supposedly the purpose? What happens if he leaves the office during working hours?

4.      Holmes begins to question Mr. Wilson about his assistant. List here some of the things that he learns.

5.      What detail suggests that Holmes already knows who this man is? Why does Holmes pretend to be lost and ask the way of Mr. Wilson’s assistant? What other odd thing does he do in front of Mr. Wilson’s place of business?

6.      Who are Mr. Jones and Mr. Merryweather? Who is John Clay?

“The Adventure of the Speckled Band”

1.    Why has Helen Stoner decided to visit to Sherlock Holmes at that particular time?

2.    Why is Helen Stoner afraid when she comes to see Holmes in “The Adventure of the Speckled Band”?

3.    Why does Holmes quickly suspect that Dr. Roylott is the criminal?

4.    What, if any, significance does Dr. Roylott’s interest in Indian animals have as evidence

5.    Explain which relevant clues you were able to identify in “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” and which false clues may have led you astray.

6.    Which of the five senses are used by Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery of the speckled band?

“The Five Orange Pips”

1.      What reasons does Watson give for not writing about Holmes’ cases between 1882 and 1890?

2.      What deductions does Holmes make about John Openshaw?

3.      Why does Elias Openshaw come back to England?

4.      Why does John Openshaw seek out Sherlock Holmes?  What does he want Holmes to do?

5.      How do the three Openshaw men die?

6.      How does Sherlock Holmes finally track down the killer?