Literatur 1
Literatur 1
In this scene, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are having breakfast at The Westville Arms in
1895. Inspector MacDonald and Sergeant Mason join them. Holmes tells them that the case they
are working on (following the cyclist) is a waste of time, and he advises them to stop focusing on
it.
Holmes then reveals that he has learned about the history of Birlstone Manor. He explains that
the manor has a secret underground room, used for hiding, where King Charles II once took
refuge during a war. Holmes asks MacDonald to send a letter to Mr. Barker, telling him that they
plan to drain the moat (a deep ditch filled with water) to find clues. This is part of Holmes’
bigger plan to solve the case.
Situation Analysis:
In this scene, Holmes is ahead of everyone in the investigation. He understands that following
the cyclist is not useful, and he starts guiding the other detectives toward the real solution. The
secret cellar and draining the moat are part of Holmes’ plan to uncover hidden evidence.
Inferring Meanings:
What does Holmes mean when he says the case is a "wastage of time"?
Holmes has realized that following the cyclist isn’t going to help solve the case. He
thinks it's a distraction from the real mystery.
Why does Holmes talk about the history of Birlstone Manor?
Holmes mentions the secret cellar to show that the house might have hidden areas where
important clues are kept. This historical information gives him an idea on how to proceed
with the investigation.
Character Analysis:
Sherlock Holmes:
Holmes is clever and insightful. In this scene, he stays calm and thinks ahead, already
having a plan. He doesn't waste time on things that won’t help solve the case.
Dr. Watson:
Watson is loyal and always by Holmes’ side. He listens and supports Holmes, although
he is not as quick to understand everything as Holmes.
Inspector MacDonald and Sergeant Mason:
MacDonald and Mason are dedicated, but they rely on Holmes to lead the investigation.
They trust his judgment and follow his instructions.
Compare and Contrast:
1. "Holmes says that their case is a wastage of time (following the cyclist)."
o Q: Why does Holmes say this?
A: Holmes says this because he has realized that the cyclist is not important to
solving the crime, and continuing to follow him would only waste their time.
2. "Holmes explains that there is a secret cellar for concealment."
o Q: How is this secret cellar important to the case?
A: Holmes believes that the secret cellar might be used to hide important evidence
connected to the crime. This is why he mentions it and plans to investigate it
further.
Ordering Events:
1. Holmes tells MacDonald and Mason that the case is a waste of time.
2. MacDonald and Mason join Holmes and Watson for breakfast.
3. Holmes asks MacDonald to write a letter to Mr. Barker.
4. Holmes talks about the secret cellar of Birlstone Manor.
(Correct Order: 2, 1, 4, 3)
Scene 6
Scene Summary (Simple Version):
In this scene, set in 1875 at Crow Hill Mine, Lawler and Andrew shoot Josiah Dunn, a fellow
miner, because they believe he is starting to suspect their illegal activities. Another man,
Menzies, is also shot during the incident. McMurdo and Scanlan witness the shooting and are
impressed by how Lawler and Andrew handle the situation.
Situation Analysis:
This scene shows the dangerous and ruthless environment at the mine, where anyone who gets in
the way of Lawler and Andrew is eliminated without hesitation. The shooting reveals how
violent and corrupt the mining gang is. McMurdo and Scanlan are impressed by this brutal
display, indicating that they may admire this kind of power and control.
Inferring Meanings:
Why did Lawler and Andrew feel the need to shoot Dunn so quickly?
They likely felt threatened by his suspicion and wanted to stop him before he could
reveal anything to others, ensuring their safety.
Do you think McMurdo and Scanlan should be impressed by this kind of behavior?
Why or why not?
No, because even though Lawler and Andrew seem powerful, their actions are violent
and immoral. It's dangerous to admire such ruthless behavior.
Character Analysis:
1. "Lawler and Andrew shoot Josiah Dunn as soon as he starts suspecting them."
o Q: Why do they shoot Dunn?
o A: They shoot Dunn because they fear he will expose their illegal activities.
2. "McMurdo and Scanlan clearly witness the whole scene and are impressed."
o Q: What does this say about McMurdo and Scanlan's view of Lawler and
Andrew?
o A: It shows that McMurdo and Scanlan admire the power and control that Lawler
and Andrew demonstrate through their violent actions.
Ordering Events:
1. Menzies is shot.
2. Lawler and Andrew shoot Josiah Dunn.
3. McMurdo and Scanlan are impressed by the scene.
4. Dunn begins to suspect Lawler and Andrew.
(Correct Order: 4, 2, 1, 3)
Scene 5
Scene Summary (Simple Version):
In this scene, set in 1875 at Widow Namara’s parlor, McMurdo is writing a secret letter when
Ettie enters. She asks him who the letter is for, but McMurdo doesn’t tell her because it is related
to the lodge (the Scowrers' group). Ettie is worried and begs him to leave the Valley of Fear and
the dangerous Scowrers. She also tells him that Chester Wilcox’s house was burned to ashes by
the Scowrers, but Wilcox and his family escaped unharmed. Later, Andrew and Lawler,
members of the Scowrers, visit Widow Namara’s parlor to handle a job they’ve been given.
Situation Analysis:
In this scene, McMurdo is hiding the dangerous secrets of the Scowrers from Ettie. Ettie, who
cares deeply for McMurdo, is worried about his involvement with the Scowrers and urges him to
leave the Valley of Fear. The burning of Wilcox's house shows the level of danger in the valley
and the power of the Scowrers. Andrew and Lawler's visit reinforces the idea that the Scowrers
are always involved in violent activities.
Inferring Meanings:
Why does McMurdo keep his involvement with the Scowrers a secret from Ettie?
McMurdo likely believes that it is too dangerous for Ettie to know about his activities,
and he wants to protect her from the violent world of the Scowrers.
Do you think McMurdo should listen to Ettie and leave the Valley of Fear? Why or
why not?
Yes, because staying in the Valley of Fear and being involved with the Scowrers puts his
life and possibly Ettie’s life at risk.
Character Analysis:
McMurdo:
McMurdo is secretive and deeply involved with the Scowrers. He hides his actions from
Ettie, showing that he is protective but also stuck in a dangerous life. He is torn between
his loyalty to the group and his relationship with Ettie.
Ettie:
Ettie is caring and concerned for McMurdo’s well-being. She knows how dangerous the
Scowrers are and pleads with him to leave the valley, showing that she values his safety
above all.
Andrew and Lawler:
Andrew and Lawler are Scowrers, members of a violent gang. Their arrival at Widow
Namara’s parlor shows that they are continuing their dangerous activities in the valley,
which include taking jobs that involve violence and intimidation.
Ordering Events:
In this scene, set in 1895 at Birlstone Manor in the study, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are
discussing the clues they have found. Some important clues include Barker’s slipper stained with
blood, the fact that Barker marked the window himself, and that much of what Barker said was a
lie. They also learn that the victim’s ring was taken after the murder was committed. Holmes and
Watson suspect that Mrs. Douglas and Mr. Barker might have been involved in the murder. They
also figure out that the bicycle found belongs to an American, and Holmes states that the murder
happened half an hour before they were told. Holmes concludes that Mrs. Douglas and Barker
arrived at the study before the murderer escaped and helped him escape.
Situation Analysis:
In this scene, Holmes is piecing together the details of the murder. He realizes that Barker has
been lying about key parts of the story, and that Mrs. Douglas and Barker may have helped the
murderer escape. This is a turning point in the investigation, as Holmes starts to uncover the truth
behind the mystery. Holmes’s observations about the bloodstained slipper, the ring, and the
timing of the murder give him important clues to solve the case.
Inferring Meanings:
Why does Holmes believe the murder happened earlier than reported?
Holmes deduces that the murder was committed half an hour earlier based on the
condition of the body and the timeline of events. This suggests that the people involved
had time to hide evidence or manipulate the crime scene.
Do you think Mrs. Douglas and Barker are guilty? Why or why not?
It seems like they could be involved because they had the opportunity to help the
murderer escape, and Barker has already been caught lying. However, more evidence is
needed before making a final judgment.
Character Analysis:
Sherlock Holmes:
Holmes continues to be methodical and insightful in his investigation. He is always ahead
of everyone else, able to catch lies and hidden details that others miss. His ability to think
through the timing of the crime and uncover Barker’s lies shows his sharp intelligence.
Dr. Watson:
Watson is a loyal companion to Holmes, supporting him during the investigation. While
he may not catch all the clues as quickly as Holmes, he helps by being a sounding board
for Holmes’s ideas and observations.
Mr. Barker:
Barker is portrayed as suspicious in this scene. He has lied about key details, like the
bloodstained slipper and the window, which makes Holmes and Watson question his
involvement in the murder.
Mrs. Douglas:
Mrs. Douglas is another character under suspicion. She arrived at the study with Barker
before the murderer escaped, which suggests that she may have played a role in helping
the murderer.
Compare and Contrast:
Ordering Events:
Scene 3
Scene Summary (Simple Version):
In this scene, set in the garden of Birlstone Manor in 1895, Dr. Watson sees Mrs. Douglas and
Mr. Barker sitting together under a tree on a bench. They are laughing and giggling as if nothing
bad has recently happened to them, despite the recent murder of Mrs. Douglas's husband. This
carefree behavior seems strange to Watson, especially considering the seriousness of the
situation.
Situation Analysis:
In this scene, Watson witnesses Mrs. Douglas and Barker behaving in a way that doesn’t match
the seriousness of the crime. Their laughing and carefree attitude make them seem suspicious
because most people would be grieving or upset after such a tragic event. This scene makes
Watson (and the audience) question whether Mrs. Douglas and Barker are hiding something, or
if they are involved in the crime.
Inferring Meanings:
Why do you think Mrs. Douglas and Barker are acting carefree after the murder?
It could be that they are hiding their involvement in the murder, or they may have had a
reason to not be sad about Mr. Douglas’s death. Their behavior suggests that they don’t
feel the loss deeply, which makes them seem suspicious.
Do you think their behavior is normal in this situation? Why or why not?
No, their behavior is not normal. Most people would be grieving after a murder,
especially Mrs. Douglas, whose husband has just died. Their laughter seems out of place
and inappropriate.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
Character Analysis:
Mrs. Douglas:
Mrs. Douglas’s behavior in this scene raises questions about her true feelings. Instead of
being sad after her husband’s murder, she is laughing and acting as if nothing bad has
happened. This makes her seem suspicious, as if she doesn’t care about her husband’s
death or might be hiding something.
Mr. Barker:
Barker’s behavior is also suspicious. Like Mrs. Douglas, he seems carefree and relaxed
despite the murder. This makes the reader wonder if he had a role in the crime or if he
knows more than he is letting on.
Dr. Watson:
Watson is observant and careful, but he is shocked by the behavior of Mrs. Douglas and
Barker. He knows something is not right and this moment makes him (and the reader)
question their involvement in the murder.
1. "Mrs. Douglas and Mr. Barker sitting under a tree on a bench, laughing and
giggling."
o Q: Why is this moment significant?
o A: This moment is significant because it shows that Mrs. Douglas and Barker are
acting carefree, which is strange considering the recent murder. It raises
suspicions about their involvement or feelings toward the crime.
2. "Watson witnesses Mrs. Douglas and Barker’s carefree behavior."
o Q: How does Watson react to this behavior?
o A: Watson is surprised and suspicious. He finds their laughter odd and
inappropriate given the situation, making him question whether they are hiding
something.
Ordering Events:
Scene 2
Scene Summary (Simple Version):
In this scene, set in a courtroom in 1895, the magistrate (judge) dismisses the evidence regarding
a moustache, saying it’s not strong enough to prove the guilt of the accused. The magistrate
believes the accused are innocent, so he lets them go and apologizes for any inconvenience. Mrs.
Larbey, who is upset that the Scowrers (a gang) have been let off, gets agitated. The magistrate
then orders one of his officers to escort Mrs. Larbey out of the courtroom because of her
reaction.
Situation Analysis:
This scene shows a moment where the justice system fails to convict the Scowrers. The
magistrate dismisses the evidence, saying it’s too weak to prove anything. Mrs. Larbey, who
likely believes the Scowrers are guilty, becomes angry at the decision, but the magistrate has her
removed from the court. This situation reveals the frustration of those who want justice but feel
the legal system isn’t strong enough to deliver it.
Inferring Meanings:
Do you think the magistrate made the right decision? Why or why not?
The magistrate followed the rules by dismissing the case due to weak evidence. However,
if the Scowrers were truly guilty, it shows how flawed the justice system can be when
there isn't enough proof.
Why do you think Mrs. Larbey is so upset about the decision?
Mrs. Larbey likely knows the Scowrers are dangerous or guilty, and she’s frustrated that
they are going unpunished. It could be personal for her, or she might be worried they will
harm others.
Character Analysis:
The Magistrate:
The magistrate is a figure of authority who follows the law strictly. He dismisses the case
because he believes the evidence is not strong enough to convict the accused, showing
that he values legal procedure. However, his decision frustrates those who believe the
Scowrers are guilty.
Mrs. Larbey:
Mrs. Larbey is emotional and passionate about justice. She feels that the Scowrers should
be punished and is visibly upset when the magistrate lets them go. Her reaction shows her
frustration with the justice system, which she feels has failed.
Ordering Events:
Scene 1
Scene Summary (Simple Version):
In this scene, set in Widow Namara’s parlor in 1875, McGinty and McMurdo are having a
serious discussion. McGinty asks McMurdo what Brother Morris had talked to him about, and
McMurdo replies that Morris asked him for a job as a clerk in his store. McGinty reveals that he
thinks Morris is disloyal to the gang (the Scowrers). Then, McGinty and McMurdo plan to kill
Chester Wilcox, who seems to be a target of the Scowrers. Just as they finish discussing their
plan, Inspector Marvin enters and arrests McMurdo.
Situation Analysis:
This scene highlights the dangerous nature of the Scowrers, a criminal gang. McGinty, the gang
leader, considers Morris a traitor and decides to kill Chester Wilcox, showing how ruthless the
Scowrers are. McMurdo, a key member of the gang, is involved in these plans, but the scene
takes a sudden turn when Inspector Marvin arrives and arrests McMurdo, adding tension and
suspense.
Inferring Meanings:
Character Analysis:
McGinty:
McGinty is the leader of the Scowrers, a ruthless and dangerous man who demands
loyalty from everyone in the gang. He views anyone who questions or betrays the gang as
a threat, and he is willing to resort to murder to maintain control. McGinty’s character
shows the extreme lengths he will go to in order to protect his power.
McMurdo:
McMurdo is a key member of the Scowrers, willing to follow McGinty’s orders and be
part of the gang’s criminal activities. Though he is seen as smart and strategic, his
involvement in the plan to kill Chester Wilcox shows he is not afraid to commit violent
acts. His arrest at the end of the scene raises questions about whether he will remain loyal
to the gang or turn against them.
Inspector Marvin:
Inspector Marvin represents the law, coming in at the end of the scene to arrest
McMurdo. His appearance shows that the police are aware of the Scowrers' activities, and
his arrest of McMurdo creates suspense as to what will happen next.
1. "McGinty asks McMurdo what was brother Morris speaking to him about."
o Q: Why is McGinty curious about this?
o A: McGinty wants to know if Morris is being disloyal or if he is trying to betray
the gang. McGinty is always suspicious of people who might not be loyal to the
Scowrers.
2. "Inspector Marvin comes and arrests McMurdo."
o Q: Why is McMurdo arrested?
o A: McMurdo is arrested because Inspector Marvin likely has evidence of his
involvement in the Scowrers’ crimes. His arrest shows that the law is closing in
on the gang.
Ordering Events:
1. McMurdo tells McGinty that Morris asked for a job in his store.
2. McGinty says Morris is disloyal.
3. McGinty and McMurdo plan to kill Chester Wilcox.
4. Inspector Marvin arrives and arrests McMurdo.
(Correct Order: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Sick by shel silverstein
Summary of the Poem
"Sick" tells the story of a young child who pretends to be sick to avoid going to school. The child
lists a series of outrageous ailments and complaints, hoping to convince their parent to let them
stay home. However, as the parent prepares to call the doctor, the child suddenly feels well
enough to go to school.
Situation Analysis
Inferring Meanings
Pretending vs. Reality: The child exaggerates their sickness to avoid going to school,
which suggests a common childhood desire to escape responsibilities.
Consequences: The poem shows that pretending can backfire when the truth comes out.
Character Analysis
The Child: Creative and clever but also manipulative. They know how to exaggerate to
get what they want.
The Parent: Caring and concerned. They take the child's complaints seriously and show
readiness to call a doctor.
Childhood Experience: The poem reflects a common experience many children face—
the desire to avoid school. It resonates with anyone who has ever tried to skip
responsibilities.
Ordering Events