Point of View

Part 1 is from Dr. Watson's journal. The first-person narration is from Watson's point of view. This point of view helps the reader understand and empathize with Watson. Since Watson is intrigued by Sherlock Holmes and the mystery, the reader will also feel such intrigue concerning both Holmes as a person and the case that he solves.

Part 2 provides a third-person, unnamed narrator. Part 2 begins largely from John Ferrier's perspective. Since Jefferson Hope risks his life for John, John's perspective helps the reader to vindicate Jefferson. However, the Avenging Angels murder John in Chapter 5. The final half of Chapter 5 is clearly from Jefferson's perspective. This seamless transition from John to Jefferson's perspective further helps the reader empathize with Jefferson.

Later, Part 2 returns to Watson's journal and is told from Watson's perspective. This helps the reader understand Watson's perspective, such as his disappointment when the newspapers give...