Literature
The Legend and Legacy of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Battle of Moriarty
The Legend and Legacy of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Battle of Moriarty
One of the most legendary stories in the long and storied history of Sherlock Holmes is the battle between Holmes and his nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. This confrontation is particularly intriguing as it is both a pivotal moment in the A Study in Scarlet and the subject of the short story The Final Problem, which would seemingly end the character's life.
From Reichenbach Falls to the Publishing Stage
Originally, in The Final Problem, published in the December 1893 issue of The Strand Magazine, the story concluded with a tragic irony: Holmes and Moriarty were to have been sitting on the edge of the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland, where Moriarty would dangle Holmes forward to his fall into the river below. This dramatic and rather literal fate was not meant to be the end of the world's favorite detective but rather a strategic move by Arthur Conan Doyle, who had become so enamored with his creation that he sought to kill him off to focus on other literary pursuits.
Doyle later recognized the immense popularity of Holmes and revised his original ending. In the revised version, Holmes manages to pull himself up to safety while Moriarty falls to his doom. This outcome left the reader to imagine the full extent of the battle and its aftermath, suggesting that perhaps even in defeat, Moriarty sought to bring the great detective down with him.
Self-Defense or Murder?
In the original story, Moriarty's death is not as straightforward as it might seem. The confrontation at Reichenbach was initiated by Moriarty's calculated and deliberate actions. Holmes, while ultimately victorious, was engaged in a fight for survival, not murder. Given the traumatic setup Moriarty devised, Holmes' actions in defending himself can be seen as an act of self-preservation, rather than a fatal blow.
The Journey Back from the Dead
Fast forward to 1903, nine years later, when Doyle was faced with financial difficulties and the continuing popularity of his detective. He decided to resurrect Holmes, writing the short story The Adventure of the Empty House. In this narrative, which was first published in the September 26, 1903, issue of Collier's magazine and later in The Strand, it was revealed that Holmes survived the fall from the Reichenbach Falls. He pretended to be dead, hiding from Moriarty's remaining organization for three years. Eventually, he emerged to apprehend the last surviving leader, Colonel Sebastian Moran.
Doyle's decision to bring back Holmes was also partially influenced by the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles, a novel that portrayed the earlier adventures of the detective. This renewed interest in Holmes made it clear to Doyle that the public was ready to accept him back, leading to the compelling retelling in The Adventure of the Empty House.
Why It Matters
The story of Holmes and Moriarty is not only a thrilling tale of detective work and criminal maneuvering but also a profound exploration of man's inner turmoil and the lengths to which he can go in battle. The characterization of Moriarty, a master of criminal strategy and intellect, elevates the narrative to a level of complexity and intrigue that has made it a cornerstone of classic literature.
The legacy of The Final Problem and the various outcomes it presents—both tragic and triumphant—continue to capture the imagination of readers and filmmakers alike, proving that the allure of Sherlock Holmes endures across generations. These stories serve as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted characters and their ability to transcend their original intentions, thus becoming an integral part of our cultural heritage.
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