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A Study in Scarlet Study Guide

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study in Scarlet study guide contains a biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

A Study in Scarlet begins with Dr. John Watson, the narrator, settling in London to recover from a wound and illness he sustained while acting as a military doctor during the Second Afghan War. One day he runs into an acquaintance, Stamford, while at a bar. Watson confides in his friend that he needs a new living arrangement, as his previous one was too expensive. Stamford responds that another friend of his has also expressed this desire, and takes Watson to the university laboratory where his friend –Sherlock Holmes –is working on an experiment.

Stamford gives some background information on Holmes, such as the fact that his true profession is unknown, that he is eccentric and brilliant, and that his knowledge is specialized but diverse…

Read the full A Study in Scarlet Summary

• A Study in Scarlet Summary
• About A Study in Scarlet
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter I: Mr. Sherlock Holmes
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter II: The Science of Deduction
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter III: The Lauriston Gardens Mystery
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter IV: What John Rance Had to Tell
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter V: Our Advertisement Brings a Visitor
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter VI: Tobias Gregson Shows What He Can Do
• Summary and Analysis of Part I, Chapter VII: Light in the Darkness
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter I: On the Great Alkali Plain
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter II: The Flower of Utah
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter III: John Ferrier Talks with the Prophet
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter IV: A Flight for Life
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter V: The Avenging Angels
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter VI: A Continuation of the Reminiscences of John Watson MD
• Summary and Analysis of Part II, Chapter VII: The Conclusion
• Arthur Conan Doyle and Spiritualism
• Related Links on A Study in Scarlet
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 5
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• A Study in Scarlet: Major Themes
• A Study in Scarlet: Questions
• A Study in Scarlet: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Biography