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How Does Watson Change Throughout The Novel

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Given the events and situations which Dr. Watson faced, the significant changes that his independence, use of expertise, and critical thinking skills underwent were inevitable. As the book began it was obvious that Dr. Watson was Sherlock Holmes's sidekick, and that his character was weaker. As soon as Dr. Watson reached Devonshire his character had to undergo changes such as his independence from being the sidekick. "“What, are you coming, Watson?" he asked, looking at me in a curious way.”That depends on whether you are going on the moor," said I. "Yes, I am." "Well, you know what my instructions are. I am sorry to intrude, but you heard how earnestly Holmes insisted that I should not leave you, and especially that you should not go alone …show more content…

The evolution was most obvious when Dr. Watson was discovering the tor and he found the makeshift abode. Had Sherlock Holmes been there with him Dr. Watson might've waited for Sherlock Holmes's signal on when to draw his revolver. “Far away came the sharp clink of a boot striking upon a stone. Then another and yet another, coming nearer and nearer. I shrank back into the darkest corner and cocked the pistol in my pocket, determined not to discover myself until I had an opportunity of seeing something of the stranger.” (Chapter 11) In this scene it is obvious that Dr. Watson reacted instinctively, proving that his experiences and expertise have evolved. In the beginning, it was obvious that Dr. Watson often relied on Sherlock Holmes to do the critical thinking. As in the beginning he would ask Holmes multiple questions but since he was alone in Devonshire he had to think critically for himself. “But facts are facts, and I have twice heard this crying upon the moor. Suppose that there were really some huge hound loose upon it; that would go far to explain everything. But where could such a hound lie concealed, where did it get its food, where did it come from, how was it that no one saw it by

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