Title: - Themes, Character Development & Conflicts Analysis
1. How does the theme of loyalty versus betrayal play out in "The Valley of Fear"?
Identify two characters who show loyalty and two who display betrayal, and explain
how these choices impact the story.
Ans) McMurdo is a fine example of loyalty as he stayed loyal to the lodge and always
listened to what McGinty said, but he also represents betrayal because he betrayed the
scowrers using a fake identity. He kept his real identity hidden and used his fake one. He
tricked the scowrers so when they arrived at the location where they would kill Birdy
Edwards (McMurdo’s real identity), McMurdo reveals that he is McMurdo and gets the
scowrers arrested. The theme of loyalty in a story builds trust, while the theme of betrayal
in a story creates conflict and tension which breaks trust.
2. Describe the changes in John McMurdo’s character from the beginning to the end
of the story. What events or revelations lead him to evolve and how do these
changes influence the plot?
Ans)
McMurdo’s character becomes braver and smarter in each scene he is in. McMurdo
has to make these changes because he is actually betraying the Scowrers because
they are a criminal organization which terrorize anyone who goes against them and
sometimes for fun. This is why McMurdo becomes braver and smarter or otherwise
he wont be able to stop the Scowrers.
3. The story presents both external and internal conflicts. Describe an example of
each type of conflict in the play script and explain how these conflicts drive the
story-line forward.
Ans)
One of the external conflicts is McMurdo against the Scowrers. These conflicts
drive the storyline forward by creating challenges that the character must
overcome. These conflicts push characters to take action and make decisions
which continues the plot.
4. How does the story explore the idea of moral choices, particularly through the
character of John Douglas? Do you think his decisions are justified? Why or why
not?
Ans)
The decisions of John Douglas were right because if he didn't betray the scowrers
then the criminal organization would continue their criminal actions and continue to
terrorize everyone. But he is scared because he is worried that the scowrers will
find him and end his life and thats why he made his new identity.
5. "The valley of Fear" addresses issues like corruption and justice. How does
Arthur Conan Doyle use the characters and setting to highlight these issues and
what message do you think he aims to convey through them?
Ans)
In The Valley of Fear Arthur Conan Doyle shows how corruption and justice are
connected through the characters and setting. The valley is a place where crime
happens secretly. Sherlock Holmes represents justice while the Scowrers
represents corruption.
