Valley of Fear part 2
The ending of the Valley of Fear was quite thrilling! Doyle did an excellent job of creating a lot of suspense, while at the same time leaving a breadcrumb trail of foreshadowing which hindsight clarifies. He also left a few false clues and planted false suspicions to leave readers wondering how the second part of the narrative relates to the mystery Holmes solved in the first part.
Certain small interactions between McMurdo and the other characters give small hints that he is not who he says he is. How he became involved with the Freemen organization in Chicago is never told, which could raise some suspicions, and how he knows Marvin is also interesting. His rise to prominence in the organization is a clear indicator that he will have an even greater downfall.
Probably the biggest hint that he is on to something is the way he handles the letter shared with him by Morris. The way that he takes over the matter, ensuring Morris that he will be the champion of the message, seems a bit odd and unsettling. Additionally, to keep it as secret as possible when it could mean the ruin of the organization is other strange step, and specifically requesting the best men is another sure sign. His confidence that he can lure the Pinkerton detective is another red flag. When McMurdo is questioned on this point, his overconfidence makes the situation seem fishy.
The final revelation that McMurdo is actually the detective and that he has infiltrated the ranks is brilliant, I was surprised yet pleased with myself for finding the matter suspicious. The moments leading up to the revelation are written beautifully:
Then the door opened, and McMurdo appeared, his finger upon his lip. He came to the end of the table and looked round at them. A subtle change had come over him. His manner was as of one who had great work to do. His face had set into granite firmness. his eyes shone with a fierce excitement behind his spectacles. he had become a visible leader of men. They stared at him with eager interest; but he said nothing. Still with the same singular gaze he looked from man to man (Doyle 862).
The description shows the true power that McMurdo, or Birdy Edwards, has over the criminals. He knows that they have complete trust in him, and he has them right where he wants them in his trap. It is a beautiful moment of triumph, a moment where the winner can reveal himself and shock everyone in the room. The short sentences which Doyle employs makes the scene all the more intense by creating a mood of anticipation.
Certain small interactions between McMurdo and the other characters give small hints that he is not who he says he is. How he became involved with the Freemen organization in Chicago is never told, which could raise some suspicions, and how he knows Marvin is also interesting. His rise to prominence in the organization is a clear indicator that he will have an even greater downfall.
Probably the biggest hint that he is on to something is the way he handles the letter shared with him by Morris. The way that he takes over the matter, ensuring Morris that he will be the champion of the message, seems a bit odd and unsettling. Additionally, to keep it as secret as possible when it could mean the ruin of the organization is other strange step, and specifically requesting the best men is another sure sign. His confidence that he can lure the Pinkerton detective is another red flag. When McMurdo is questioned on this point, his overconfidence makes the situation seem fishy.
The final revelation that McMurdo is actually the detective and that he has infiltrated the ranks is brilliant, I was surprised yet pleased with myself for finding the matter suspicious. The moments leading up to the revelation are written beautifully:
Then the door opened, and McMurdo appeared, his finger upon his lip. He came to the end of the table and looked round at them. A subtle change had come over him. His manner was as of one who had great work to do. His face had set into granite firmness. his eyes shone with a fierce excitement behind his spectacles. he had become a visible leader of men. They stared at him with eager interest; but he said nothing. Still with the same singular gaze he looked from man to man (Doyle 862).
The description shows the true power that McMurdo, or Birdy Edwards, has over the criminals. He knows that they have complete trust in him, and he has them right where he wants them in his trap. It is a beautiful moment of triumph, a moment where the winner can reveal himself and shock everyone in the room. The short sentences which Doyle employs makes the scene all the more intense by creating a mood of anticipation.
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