The Engineer Character in Sherlock Holmes - Essay Example

The Engineer Character in Sherlock Holmes The engineer’s according to the business card he provided Dr. Watson’s maid with read Mr. Victor Hatherley, a hydraulic engineer who lived at 16A, Victoria Street on the third floor ((Doyle 225). According to Watson’s initial description of Hatherley can be termed as reserved and that of an individual deserving respect by manner of his dress which is touted as “…quietly dressed…” with a strong masculine face. (Doyle 227). Further details about Hatherley are revealed to the reader when he starts describing himself to Watson and Holmes.

He is an orphan with seven years’ experience as a hydraulic engineer with the Venner & Matheson a well-known subsidiary of Greenwich (228). This is justified by his own admittance “… that I am an orphan and a bachelor, residing alone in lodgings in London.” Watson’s observation about his masculine facial features can be explained by his revelation that he served in the army for two years before becoming an engineer. The description of self gives the reader the impression that he is a headstrong individual who is not afraid to face challenges that he encounters in his quest to fulfill his duties as an engineer as well as in life too (230).

The story’s plot also serves to further the engineer’s character as a discerning man who was conscious of his surroundings and ‘feel’ of a place as exemplified in his confession “A vague feeling of uneasiness began to steal over me” (231). His perceptive nature is portrayed by the way he described the house in which he was supposed to serve out his contract with Colonel. Hatherley is construed to be a descriptive individual by nature in the sense that he provides enough detail in the story to bring out Holmes’ deductive abilities in solving mysteries as concluded by Watson.

During Hatherley’s account of events, Holmes interjected with the following questions; “One horse? Interjected Holmes. “Yes, only one.” “Did you observe the colour? “Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the carriage. It was chestnut.” “Tired Looking or fresh?” “Oh, fresh and glossy”(231). It is through Hatherley’s detailed description of the events that led to the loss of his thumb that everyone involved linked his experience to the money minting cartel or gang that had eluded capture for a long time (238).

Hatherley is meticulous and pays close attention to detail in his endeavors in life, and professional duties. Hatherley saves himself from the hydraulic machine at the last minute by discovering concealed door to the room he was locked into aiding his last minute escape. His attentiveness reveals to him the nature of business or activities that take place in the house he was supposed to dispense his services. This aspect about his character is illustrated by his description of actions that led to the demise of his thumb; “…and I came to examine it I could see a crust of metallic deposits all over it.” (233). It can be said that he is a strong person both mentally and physically in the sense that he safely makes it back to London despite having lost considerable amounts of blood (239).

This aspect of strength in character can also be attributed to his ability to recount his experiences with an indication of any trauma that is a common proponent in such circumstances. The author effectively gives the reader enough resources to gain an intrinsic feeling of reader participation in the story by letting experience the protagonist’s emotions, which help build his character. Hatherley comes out as a strong individual with sound principles that guide him to seek fulfillment in a career as a consulting hydraulics engineer who goes out of his way to attend to his client’s demands and wants.

Works Cited Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Vol. 1. Wordsworth Editions, 1992. Print.