The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 12 · 33 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Sherlock Holmes accepts the King of Bohemia’s request to recover a compromising photograph from Irene Adler, but she detects his trick and leaves England with her husband. Her letter promises not to obstruct the King’s marriage, while her success changes Holmes’s dismissive attitude toward women’s cleverness.
What happens
- Watson visits Holmes, watches him explain several deductions, and stays when a masked royal client arrives.
- The King identifies himself and asks Holmes to recover a photograph that threatens his planned marriage.
- Disguised as a groom, Holmes investigates Irene Adler and unexpectedly witnesses her marriage to Godfrey Norton.
- Holmes stages an injury and a fire alarm, making Irene reveal the photograph’s hiding place.
- Irene recognizes the deception, follows Holmes in men’s clothes, and leaves England with Norton before Holmes returns.
- Her letter promises restraint but keeps the photograph for protection; Holmes accepts her separate portrait as his reward.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
Holmes distinguishes ordinary looking from careful attention. This distinction explains his investigative method, though Irene also proves capable of recognizing clues and acting on them.
Quick check
Why does Irene keep the photograph of herself with the King?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
