One day, I shall own such a hat.
I don’t automatically agree with the person speaking.
That is to say, if I’m having a conversation with someone I don’t immediately take their side in arguments or discussions.
Like the time I was meeting one of Anna’s friends for the first time. When her friend started talking about her recent ex-boyfriend and how he had used her the table filled with sympathetic noises and comfort.
All sides of the table except mine.
Based on her story, it seemed to me that the boyfriend was in the right, so I questioned her analysis of the situation.
It might not surprise you to discover that girl and I did not go on to become best friends.
But what’s unfortunate etiquette in real life is apparently literary revolution, as discussed by Pierre Bayard in his book Sherlock Holmes Was Wrong: Reopening the Case of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Bayard is a proponent of detective criticism, which he describes as:
“The main premise of detective criticism is this: many of the murders narrated in literature were not committed by the people accused by the text. In literature as in life, the true criminals often elude the investigators and allow secondary characters to be accused and condemned. In its passion for justice, detective criticism commits itself to rediscovering the truth. If it is unable to arrest the guilty parties, it can at least clear the names of the innocent.”
Bayard’s book is arguing that like when a stranger tells you a story, a book’s protagonist is also biased and whatever they claim to be opinion or fact is always open to disagreement.
He does this by going through The Hound of the Baskervilles, making his own deductions and observations, until he finally arrives at who he believes to be the real killer.
And if you want to know who it is? You’re just going to have to read the book.
My vote is for Watson,
Megan
Sherlock Holmes Was Wrong (Though Quite A Snappy Dresser)
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to say how much I like the idea that maybe Holmes didn’t get the right answer. What an interesting literary (and perhaps, social) idea!
I know – so seldom is a book’s idea that new or interesting, but I was just completely intrigued by this one!
that sounds way interesting and intriguing!
It is – I highly recommend it!
How is it that you don’t already own a hat like that? It is so…Megan.
I know, right?
Clearly I’ve failed myself shopping.
Intriguing… I’m going to add it to my list. I enjoy stories like this, but being that I’m an elementary school teacher, my reading usually runs more along the lines of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” which tells the tale from the wolf’s point of view! I’m like you, I don’t automatically agree, except I’m also anti-confrontation, so I tend not to say anything in those situations:)
I loved The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – that book was super cool in my elementary class!
I really want to read this!
I’ve always admired people who are confident enough to argue alone on one side of the table, but I hate the way it feels so I avoid it. I can only do it about something I’d die for. I am so impressed with you! I had no idea you had this talent.
Man, I love when you call it a talent.
It sounds so much nicer than inability to keep from saying anything I think or believe.
Youneed to get this hat, and post with it next time.
It’s only fair to walk a mile in his shoes.
Are you sure Robert Downey, Jr can ‘t change your mind?
Well, if any man can, it’s Robert. (Yes, we’re close. Not Bob close though. Because Bob just isn’t sexy.)
I actually know a 3 year old that insists on wearing a hat like this every where he goes. I think you would look marvelous in this chapeau and I encourage you to get one.
The book sounds like an interesting read and your review has sparked my interests!
That is the coolest 3 year old ever.
I am quite envious.
This sounds awesome! One day I’ll borrow it. haha I always say that…
Love love this idea, and havent heard of the book – am gonna check it out!
It’s even far better than I described it – and his other books are worth a glance too!