Modern Sherlock
For this paper, you will need to watch an episode of the BBC series Sherlock that is based on one of the stories or novels we read in class.
I chose to write about this story:
“The Hounds of Baskerville” from Sherlock is based on The Hound of the Baskervilles.
You will need to evaluate and compare to the original source material that you have already read for class.
I other words, you need to compare between the story in the book (original source material) and the story in the episode.
Your essay should be organized along these lines:
An introduction in which you explain to the reader that there is a series called Elementary or Sherlock based on the novels and stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. You can explain a little about the series as far as how long it has run and who the main stars are; however, once the reader understands what you are writing about, explain the specific episode you are evaluating and which original story or novel it is based on. Your thesis should suggest you are comparing the two to understand what elements from the original material remain and what changes have been made to modernize the story for current audiences.
Begin by explaining what characters and plot elements are the same in both the original novel or story and the episode you are evaluating. What aspects of plot, character, and dialogue do they keep, even down to small details and events. This requires close reading of the story and watching of the episode, as it is easy to miss the more subtle references to the original source.
In the following paragraph, explain what aspects of plot, character, and dialogue have they changed. In what ways are the story, characters, events, different and unique from the story or novel the episode is based on.
In the next paragraphs (two to three paragraphs), talk about how Sherlock make the story or novel more current and appropriate for a modern audience? Be specific and clear about what has been changed and why you feel those changes were made to be more appropriate or interesting to a modern audience. You can use the “Things to Look for when watching Sherlock” tab to find the different things you might discuss. Use specific examples from the episode to illustrate your points. You can discuss changes in the characters, how they speak, how they act, the pace and complexity of the story, and how the story is told through camera work, editing, music, etc. has been updated for a modern television audience to hold their attention. You can also discuss issues of diversity and representation as outlined in my written lecture on that aspect. You do not have to cover all of things, of course, but you should select at least two different areas to discuss. Write one paragraph per topic you cover.
You want to end with a conclusion that summarizes your ideas on how the television episode compares to the original story or novel. You can talk about which one you enjoyed more and why, but your main purpose is summarize the ideas you already covered in the paper.
Your paper should be in MLA paper format, double-spaced and be from four to five pages long.