Analysis Of His Last Bow An Epilogue Of Sherlock Holmes

â€Å"His Last Bow: An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes,† written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the very last of the 56 published Sherlock Holmes stories. In this account we see Holmes depart from his typical crime solving role, instead acting as a spy in an effort to foil a German spy’s attempt to smuggle state secrets out of Great Britain. Although he ultimately wins the day, this is not your typical Sherlock Holmes tale. The primary theme of the story was a rather clear message to a war weary English citizenry that although times were tough, the Allies would prevail in the fight against the Central Powers and England would not only recover, but be a stronger nation in the end. To put the theme into context, keep in mind that this tale takes†¦show more content†¦And all the time this quiet country house of yours is the centre of half the mischief in England, and the sporting squire the most astute secret-service man in Europe. (Doyle) It also served as a warning to his audience that spies could be anywhere and they must remain vigilant because they are often quite capable of deceiving nearly everyone around them. The overall mood of this work is fairly light hearted, with Holmes and Watson taking time to reminisce about days gone by before hauling Von Bork, the story’s antagonist, off to Scotland Yard. â€Å"The two friends chatted in intimate converse for a few minutes, recalling once again the days of the past, while their prisoner vainly wriggled to undo the bonds that held him.† (Doyle) Prior to their departure for Scotland Yard, their final conversation may seem to be a bit of foreshadowing for a events to come in a future Sherlock Holmes saga, but with this being Doyle’s final work it’s obvious that was not the case. I believe it’s actually meant to exhibit the mood of the English citizenry and serve as a renewed call to arms while offering reassurance that England was on the right side of such a horrendous war. Holmes. Theres an east wind coming, Watson. Watson. I think not, Holmes. It is very warm. Holmes. Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age. Theres an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter,