VoF pg. 281 to End
Chapter 4 proceeds to discuss the social and political grasp that the Vermissa Lodge has over the town. Brother Morris brings up the idea that what the lodge is accomplishing is not what the Freedman's society in other locations are accomplishing, and this is a crucial token in the development of the phrase "The Valley of Fear". In fact, when Morris describes the Valley of Fear, the oppressively black and meek imagery used to communicate information about the Valley serves to convey truly how horrendous the Vermissa Lodge is to the town.
Chapter 5 also further blackens the reputation of the Vermissa Lodge, as McMurdo rises through the ranks of the organization. A willing and able killer, McMurdo is characterized as one of the worst of the worst at the Lodge, and thus is respected (or feared) by all of the members of the organization. In this chapter, Ellie's conversation with McMurdo about leaving the Valley of Fear and moving away to find peace together brings about two central ideas. Firstly, it shows that Ettie is right along the lines with Morris, as they both are aware of the horrible actions of the Lodge. McMurdo realizes this when both refer to Vermissa as "The Valley of Fear". He even states "[t]he shadow does seem to lie heavy on some of you", revealing McMurdo's apparent ignorance to the actions of the lodge. We will of course see that this is not true at the end of the novel, but it's interesting to see how well Douglas played his act while he was McMurdo.
The last two chapters of the novel are stunning pieces of art. Doyle carefully constructed a manner most effective for building suspense and tension in the work. From the discovery of the Pinkerton detective Birdy Edwards to the realization that McMurdo, Edwards, and Douglas were all the same person, it cannot be emphasized enough that Doyle created a marvelous end to this novel. Most amazingly, Douglas played his role so well throughout the second half of the novel, that it was a massive surprise when McMurdo's true identity was reveled. The ending closes off the story, but leaves room for the reader to ponder what Holmes will do next about Professor Moriarty, potentially leaving room for another story. Overall, this was an entertaining read, full of drama and mystery, and was an excellent introduction for me to the amazing life of Sherlock and Watson.
Chapter 5 also further blackens the reputation of the Vermissa Lodge, as McMurdo rises through the ranks of the organization. A willing and able killer, McMurdo is characterized as one of the worst of the worst at the Lodge, and thus is respected (or feared) by all of the members of the organization. In this chapter, Ellie's conversation with McMurdo about leaving the Valley of Fear and moving away to find peace together brings about two central ideas. Firstly, it shows that Ettie is right along the lines with Morris, as they both are aware of the horrible actions of the Lodge. McMurdo realizes this when both refer to Vermissa as "The Valley of Fear". He even states "[t]he shadow does seem to lie heavy on some of you", revealing McMurdo's apparent ignorance to the actions of the lodge. We will of course see that this is not true at the end of the novel, but it's interesting to see how well Douglas played his act while he was McMurdo.
The last two chapters of the novel are stunning pieces of art. Doyle carefully constructed a manner most effective for building suspense and tension in the work. From the discovery of the Pinkerton detective Birdy Edwards to the realization that McMurdo, Edwards, and Douglas were all the same person, it cannot be emphasized enough that Doyle created a marvelous end to this novel. Most amazingly, Douglas played his role so well throughout the second half of the novel, that it was a massive surprise when McMurdo's true identity was reveled. The ending closes off the story, but leaves room for the reader to ponder what Holmes will do next about Professor Moriarty, potentially leaving room for another story. Overall, this was an entertaining read, full of drama and mystery, and was an excellent introduction for me to the amazing life of Sherlock and Watson.
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