The Visual Personification of John Watson in Film and Media and the Lack of Understanding of his Character
Session Title
Humanities: Emotions of Humanity within Literature
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
English
Faculty Mentor
Jo Koster, Ph.D.
Abstract
John Watson, a character created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is Sherlock Holmes’ best friend, partner in solving crimes, a doctor, and a scholar. Although, Watson is an educated and trained professional; he is also greatly underestimated in film and television adaptations. Why does this happen? Throughout my essay I explore the various reasons as to why John Watson unfortunately does not receive the credit he rightfully deserves. John Watson has, often times, been reduced to a side-kick character and assistant to Sherlock Holmes. Interpretations that reduce Watson to a sidekick and assistant that I explore throughout my essay are Dr. David Q Dawson in The Great Mouse Detective and Nigel Bruce’s interpretation in The Hound of Baskervilles. Additionally, I also explore the interpretations that depict close interpretations of Watson. These interpretations of Watson illustrate a Watson who has combat skills, medical training, and even deductive skills that the great Sherlock Holmes respects. The interpretations I argue that depict a well-rounded, educated, and professional Watson are David Burke’s in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman in BBC’s Sherlock. Not only do these interpretations closely illustrate Doyle’s Watson on-screen but they bring justice to John Watson and his name.
Course Assignment
ENGL 310 - Koster
Type of Presentation
Oral presentation
The Visual Personification of John Watson in Film and Media and the Lack of Understanding of his Character
John Watson, a character created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is Sherlock Holmes’ best friend, partner in solving crimes, a doctor, and a scholar. Although, Watson is an educated and trained professional; he is also greatly underestimated in film and television adaptations. Why does this happen? Throughout my essay I explore the various reasons as to why John Watson unfortunately does not receive the credit he rightfully deserves. John Watson has, often times, been reduced to a side-kick character and assistant to Sherlock Holmes. Interpretations that reduce Watson to a sidekick and assistant that I explore throughout my essay are Dr. David Q Dawson in The Great Mouse Detective and Nigel Bruce’s interpretation in The Hound of Baskervilles. Additionally, I also explore the interpretations that depict close interpretations of Watson. These interpretations of Watson illustrate a Watson who has combat skills, medical training, and even deductive skills that the great Sherlock Holmes respects. The interpretations I argue that depict a well-rounded, educated, and professional Watson are David Burke’s in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman in BBC’s Sherlock. Not only do these interpretations closely illustrate Doyle’s Watson on-screen but they bring justice to John Watson and his name.
