Dr John Watson - Quotations

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Key Quotations for Dr John Watson

Here are four key quotations for Watson:

Worries about Holmes

‘Count the cost!’ (Chapter 1).
- Although Watson initially says that he lacked the courage to protest to Holmes about his drug use, he cannot hold in his protests for long.
- He begs Holmes to think about the possible consequences of his actions – his use of an exclamation mark shows that he feels desperate to warn Holmes about the threat to his health. He counts Holmes as a friend and shows that he cares about him a lot.

Not good enough for Mary

‘What was I, an army surgeon with a weak leg and a weaker banking account, that I should dare to think about such things?’ (Chapter 2)
- Watson shows himself to be a very romantic character – he longs to be with Mary but does not feel that he is good enough for her.
- In Victorian society, wealth and status were key. In Watson’s eyes, his weak bank account means that he cannot offer Mary the luxurious and comfortable lifestyle he feels that she deserves.

Confusion about the case

‘A dense drizzly fog lay low upon the great city… I lost my bearings and knew nothing’ (Chapter 3).
- Watson notes the differences between Holmes and himself throughout the novella.
- Here, the pathetic fallacy shows that Watson feels lost (in terms of their literal location and the case itself). He notes that he knows ‘nothing’, but does not seem to be worried about this – instead, he trusts that Holmes can guide him to the correct location and to the correct conclusions about the case.

Admiration for Holmes

‘I marvel at the means by which you obtain your results’ (Chapter 7).
- Watson repeatedly shows his admiration for Sherlock Holmes.
- By using the verb ‘marvel’, he suggests that Holmes’ abilities are something to admire and be amazed at.
- He openly admits his admiration of Holmes, suggesting that he does not feel threatened at Holmes’ skills. Instead, he seems to enjoy watching Holmes and witnessing what he can do.

1Context

1.1Victorian England & British Empire

1.1.1Author Background

1.1.2Victorian Crime & Police

1.1.3Historical Context

1.1.4Victorian London

1.1.5Women

1.1.6The British Empire

1.1.7End of Topic Test - Author & Victorian Police

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Victorian London & Empire

2Plot Summary

2.1Chapter Summaries

2.1.1Chapter 1

2.1.2Chapter 2

2.1.3Chapter 3

2.1.4Chapter 4

2.1.5Chapter 5

2.1.6Chapter 6

2.1.7Chapter 7

2.1.8Chapter 8

2.1.9Chapter 9

2.1.10Chapter 10

2.1.11Chapter 11

2.1.12Chapter 12

2.1.13Chapter 12: Jonathan Small's Stories

2.1.14End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-6

2.1.15End of Topic Test - Chapters 7-12

3Characters

3.1Key Characters

3.1.1Sherlock Holmes

3.1.2Sherlock Holmes: Quotations

3.1.3Dr John Watson

3.1.4Mary Morstan

3.1.5End of Topic Test - Key Characters

3.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Mary & Dr Watson

3.2Other Characters

3.2.1Thaddeus Sholto

3.2.2Jonathan Small

3.2.3End of Topic Test - Thaddeus and Jonathan Small

3.3Grade 9 - Key Characters

3.3.1Grade 9 - Key Characters

3.3.2Extract Analysis - Tonga

4Key Themes

4.1Key Themes

4.1.1Corruption

4.1.2Criminals & Victims

4.1.3Victorian Fear

4.1.4British Empire & Imperialism

4.1.5Duality

4.1.6End of Topic Test - Key Themes

5Writing Techniques

5.1Writing Techniques

5.1.1Narrative Voice

5.1.2Dialogue

5.1.3Structure

5.1.4Structure & Characters

5.1.5Pathetic Fallacy

5.1.6End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques

6Recap: Main Quotes

6.1Characters Quotes

6.1.1Sherlock Holmes - Quotations

6.1.2Dr John Watson - Quotations

6.1.3Mary Morstan - Quotations

6.1.4Thaddeus Sholto - Quotations

6.1.5Jonathan Small - Quotations

6.2Text Structure - Quotes

6.2.1Chapter 1 - Quotations

6.2.2Chapter 2 - Quotations

6.2.3Chapter 3 - Quotations

6.2.4Chapter 4 - Quotations

6.2.5Chapter 5 - Quotations

6.2.6Chapter 6 - Quotations

6.2.7Chapter 7 - Quotations

6.2.8Chapter 8 - Quotations

6.2.9Chapter 9 - Quotations

6.2.10Chapter 10 - Quotations

6.2.11Chapter 11 - Quotations

6.2.12Chapter 12 - Quotations

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