3☺15☺ 4☺17☺3☺21☺ 25☺9☺ 9☺24☺21☺8☺2☺5☺19☺1☺ 17☺4☺20☺ 25☺
13☺21☺17☺8☺ 17☺ 8☺17☺20☺ 24☺17☺10
Answer: My name is Sherlock and I wear a rad hat.
Monday, 23 February 2015
Solve the Code
This code can be solved by matching a number to a letter. The numbers only go up to twenty six and each number has a smiley face to separate it from the next number. For example, if the code starts with twelve, then a = 12, b = 13 and so on. The following code can be solved starting with the number 17.
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Jefferson Hope Formal Admission to the Crime of Murder (Confession)
Statement by Jefferson Hope
I, Jefferson Hope, confess that I have killed Enoch Drebber of Salt Lake City, Utah.
It all happened about twenty-one years ago. I was driving some cattle from the Nevada mountains to Salt Lake City when I heard the neigh of a distressed horse. Looking up I saw the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. However, she would soon be crushed under the feet of hundreds of cows. I grabbed her horse and pulled it away from the wild beasts. "You're not hurt, I hope, miss" was the first thing I said to her. I can remember it as if it happened this morning. She was brave and saucy; I loved it. I had heard about the "Flower of Utah" but I never imagined meeting her this way. I knew she was the daughter of John Ferrier, whom I remember being close to my father. She invited me to meet with him which guaranteed that I'd see her again. I was ecstatic when she called me a friend; I don't remember my heart ever jumping as high as it did in that moment.
From then on, I visit John Ferrier's house so often that I became a familiar face at the farmhouse. I told them about the experiences I faced while working as a scout, trapper, silver explorer, and a ranchman. Lucy always listened to me and at rather intense parts of a story, I'd glance at her through the corner of my eye and see her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. Whenever I smiled at her, she would blush and look down; I knew that she had developed feelings for me like I had for her.
One summer evening I rode down to her house and she came out to meet me. I told her I was leaving, but that I would soon return. I knew I couldn't tell her to join me on such short notice so I asked her if she would be ready when I came back. I had already spoken to her father and he gave me his consent. As I embraced her one last time, I thought the next time I saw her, she would be my wife. Little did I know what was soon to come.
Almost two months later, I received a message from a young man who told me of the danger Lucy and her father faced. I packed as quickly as possible and set off to Salt Lake City once again. I used my hunting skills to slip past the guards and crawl up to Ferrier's house.We left the house quietly and managed to leave the city without receiving too much attention.
On the second day of travelling we began to run out of food. I found us a shelter and started a fire. After bidding Lucy adieu, I threw my gun over my shoulder and walked into the mountains. After hours of searching for prey to no avail, I finally found a large beast, cut it up, and carried large pieces with me back to the campsite. Excited, I made an echo resound through the mountains to inform Lucy of my arrival. No answer came. I yelled loudly but yet again there was no answer. A sense of dread came over me and I dropped the food and hurried back. As I rounded the corner, I saw the ashes of the dead fire but no living creature. Looking around I noticed the ground trampled by horse feet, showing that a group of men on horses had been there. Initially, I thought the men must have taken both Lucy and John back, until I laid my eyes on a pile of red soil; a shallow grave. A sheet of paper on a stick was stuck in the middle which read that John Ferrier had died. I wished I was dead as well. My beautiful maiden was gone. At that moment, I swore that the only thing that would assuage my grief would be complete retribution.
Slowly, without a horse, I made my way back to Salt Lake City. When I arrived, I met the man who had informed me of the Ferrier's problem in the past. He told me that Lucy had been married to Enoch Drebber the day before. A month later, Lucy died. I visited her body and removed the horrid ring from her finger, as my maiden will not be buried as a wife of that weasel. I dedicated my life to tormenting Drebber and Stangerson, always watching, always ready to kill. I left for a year to regain my wealth by working in the mines. When I returned, there had been a schism in the community and Drebber and Stangerson had both left.
I traveled across the United States in search of my enemies. Luckily, one day while glancing into a shop in Cleveland, Ohio, I spotted my prey. Unfortunately, he spotted me as well and brought this dispute before the justice of peace which ended up with me being taken into custody and detained for a few weeks. After being released, I found out that Drebber and Strangerson had escaped to Europe. I was unable to follow immediately, though, as my funds were getting low. I earned more money and departed for Europe. I was constantly too late; always arriving a few days after they left. I got a job in London working as a cart driver and when I found my enemies, I followed them by cart and on foot.
One evening I saw them attempting to ride a train to Liverpool, but they had just missed it and the next one would be coming in a few hours. Drebber told Stangerson that he has a business to do and that they would meet up later. I followed Drebber to a liquor shop where he became hopelessly drunk. After, he hailed a hansom and traveled to Terrace; some time later, another man and he appeared. The man was angry and looked like he was going to attack, but Drebber managed to run away and hail my cart. Once he was inside, I was excited. He told me to stop at a gin place, and when he came out he was so far gone that he wouldn't notice anything amiss. I worked at York College a while ago and during one class, the professor discussed a poison. While they were preoccupied, I took some and worked it into soluble pills that I kept in a box with other pills that were harmless. I decided if I were to kill my enemies, I would take one as well, and it must be fate that decides who will die.
I drove to an empty house which I had previously made a key for after a man left his key in my cab. I told Drebber that it was time for him to get out and I guided him into the building. Once inside, I asked him if he knew who I was. He looked at me and I watched as horror sprung up in his eyes. He staggered backwards and I laughed loudly. My time had come to punish my enemy! My nose began bleeding from my excitement and I spoke to Drebber, making sure he knew why I was going to kill him. I offered him a pill and we both placed them on our tongues while looking into each other's eyes. The pills work quickly; Drebber gave a cry and fell to the ground, dead.
Later on, I killed Strangerson in his hotel room as well, in order to pay off John Ferrier's debt.
This was the end of Enoch Drebber; I have achieved my lifetime mission. It may seem psychotic and horrible, the extent of my planning for their deaths. However, please try to see it from my point of view. My true love, my beautiful Lucy is dead because of those men. I did nothing wrong to deserve having my love killed; they did not agree with me marrying her as I am a Gentile. These men did not even care for her as a human being; they only needed her because of the lack of women in the community. Not only that, but they killed her father, a successful, kind man. I am only returning the favour.
I, Jefferson Hope, confess that I have killed Enoch Drebber of Salt Lake City, Utah.
It all happened about twenty-one years ago. I was driving some cattle from the Nevada mountains to Salt Lake City when I heard the neigh of a distressed horse. Looking up I saw the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. However, she would soon be crushed under the feet of hundreds of cows. I grabbed her horse and pulled it away from the wild beasts. "You're not hurt, I hope, miss" was the first thing I said to her. I can remember it as if it happened this morning. She was brave and saucy; I loved it. I had heard about the "Flower of Utah" but I never imagined meeting her this way. I knew she was the daughter of John Ferrier, whom I remember being close to my father. She invited me to meet with him which guaranteed that I'd see her again. I was ecstatic when she called me a friend; I don't remember my heart ever jumping as high as it did in that moment.
From then on, I visit John Ferrier's house so often that I became a familiar face at the farmhouse. I told them about the experiences I faced while working as a scout, trapper, silver explorer, and a ranchman. Lucy always listened to me and at rather intense parts of a story, I'd glance at her through the corner of my eye and see her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. Whenever I smiled at her, she would blush and look down; I knew that she had developed feelings for me like I had for her.
One summer evening I rode down to her house and she came out to meet me. I told her I was leaving, but that I would soon return. I knew I couldn't tell her to join me on such short notice so I asked her if she would be ready when I came back. I had already spoken to her father and he gave me his consent. As I embraced her one last time, I thought the next time I saw her, she would be my wife. Little did I know what was soon to come.
Almost two months later, I received a message from a young man who told me of the danger Lucy and her father faced. I packed as quickly as possible and set off to Salt Lake City once again. I used my hunting skills to slip past the guards and crawl up to Ferrier's house.We left the house quietly and managed to leave the city without receiving too much attention.
On the second day of travelling we began to run out of food. I found us a shelter and started a fire. After bidding Lucy adieu, I threw my gun over my shoulder and walked into the mountains. After hours of searching for prey to no avail, I finally found a large beast, cut it up, and carried large pieces with me back to the campsite. Excited, I made an echo resound through the mountains to inform Lucy of my arrival. No answer came. I yelled loudly but yet again there was no answer. A sense of dread came over me and I dropped the food and hurried back. As I rounded the corner, I saw the ashes of the dead fire but no living creature. Looking around I noticed the ground trampled by horse feet, showing that a group of men on horses had been there. Initially, I thought the men must have taken both Lucy and John back, until I laid my eyes on a pile of red soil; a shallow grave. A sheet of paper on a stick was stuck in the middle which read that John Ferrier had died. I wished I was dead as well. My beautiful maiden was gone. At that moment, I swore that the only thing that would assuage my grief would be complete retribution.
Slowly, without a horse, I made my way back to Salt Lake City. When I arrived, I met the man who had informed me of the Ferrier's problem in the past. He told me that Lucy had been married to Enoch Drebber the day before. A month later, Lucy died. I visited her body and removed the horrid ring from her finger, as my maiden will not be buried as a wife of that weasel. I dedicated my life to tormenting Drebber and Stangerson, always watching, always ready to kill. I left for a year to regain my wealth by working in the mines. When I returned, there had been a schism in the community and Drebber and Stangerson had both left.
I traveled across the United States in search of my enemies. Luckily, one day while glancing into a shop in Cleveland, Ohio, I spotted my prey. Unfortunately, he spotted me as well and brought this dispute before the justice of peace which ended up with me being taken into custody and detained for a few weeks. After being released, I found out that Drebber and Strangerson had escaped to Europe. I was unable to follow immediately, though, as my funds were getting low. I earned more money and departed for Europe. I was constantly too late; always arriving a few days after they left. I got a job in London working as a cart driver and when I found my enemies, I followed them by cart and on foot.
One evening I saw them attempting to ride a train to Liverpool, but they had just missed it and the next one would be coming in a few hours. Drebber told Stangerson that he has a business to do and that they would meet up later. I followed Drebber to a liquor shop where he became hopelessly drunk. After, he hailed a hansom and traveled to Terrace; some time later, another man and he appeared. The man was angry and looked like he was going to attack, but Drebber managed to run away and hail my cart. Once he was inside, I was excited. He told me to stop at a gin place, and when he came out he was so far gone that he wouldn't notice anything amiss. I worked at York College a while ago and during one class, the professor discussed a poison. While they were preoccupied, I took some and worked it into soluble pills that I kept in a box with other pills that were harmless. I decided if I were to kill my enemies, I would take one as well, and it must be fate that decides who will die.
I drove to an empty house which I had previously made a key for after a man left his key in my cab. I told Drebber that it was time for him to get out and I guided him into the building. Once inside, I asked him if he knew who I was. He looked at me and I watched as horror sprung up in his eyes. He staggered backwards and I laughed loudly. My time had come to punish my enemy! My nose began bleeding from my excitement and I spoke to Drebber, making sure he knew why I was going to kill him. I offered him a pill and we both placed them on our tongues while looking into each other's eyes. The pills work quickly; Drebber gave a cry and fell to the ground, dead.
Later on, I killed Strangerson in his hotel room as well, in order to pay off John Ferrier's debt.
This was the end of Enoch Drebber; I have achieved my lifetime mission. It may seem psychotic and horrible, the extent of my planning for their deaths. However, please try to see it from my point of view. My true love, my beautiful Lucy is dead because of those men. I did nothing wrong to deserve having my love killed; they did not agree with me marrying her as I am a Gentile. These men did not even care for her as a human being; they only needed her because of the lack of women in the community. Not only that, but they killed her father, a successful, kind man. I am only returning the favour.
Farewell,
Saturday, 21 February 2015
Mormonism
1. What/Who are the Mormons?
Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints formed less than two hundred years ago. The Church has a following of about fourteen million people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mormons believe that their Church is the same one that Jesus had initially established. They follow the Book of Mormon which is ancient scripture that had been recorded at the same time that the Bible was being written.
2. Who is Joseph Smith and why is he important to the Mormons?
Joseph Smith is the man that originally founded Mormonism. He believed that an angel directed him to a book of religious history of ancient people which was written on gold plates. He then translated it and published it in the Book of Mormon along with other ancient scriptures. Then, he set out to restore Christianity and he sent missionaries to preach the new bible. The religion grew across America and gathered many followers along the way.
3. Who is Brigham Young and why is he important to the Mormons?
Brigham Young became the leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith was killed. After conflicts in Illinois, Brigham relocated his pioneers to Nebraska, then Salt Lake City. He then became the President of the Church. He colonized and founded Salt Lake City and organized his Mormons to build roads, forts, establish public welfare, and to make peace with the Native Americans. He had them create a university called the University of Deseret. After the Utah war, he retired. Brigham Young helped to establish a place for the Mormons to call their home and headquarters.
4. What are some of the rules of the Mormon Community?
Members of the Mormon Community must dedicate some of their time to helping the poor and building the church. They must give at least ten percent of their income to the church as well as work ten to fifteen hours of unpaid service. Mormons follow the Word of Wisdom which prohibits them from consuming alcohol, coffee and tea; as well, it forbids them from viewing pornography, gambling, or partaking in any practice that is addicting. Additionally, they practice chastity very strictly.
5. What is a plural marriage? Are they legal in Canada?
Plural marriage is when a man marries more than one woman. Along with all other forms of polygamy, plural marriage is fully outlawed in Canada.
6. John Ferrier agreed to follow the Mormon rules when he was saved and he did, but in the chapter "Ferrier talks with the Prophet", now disagrees with their wishes for Lucy, what are your thoughts about his reversal? Is he justified? Is a sacred promise exactly that?
I believe that John Ferrier should not be punished to disagreeing with their wishes for Lucy. Considering all that he has contributed to the community as well as his kindness and success, he has not done anything wrong that he should be punished for. Mormonism is very strict, but I wouldn't think that it would be so black and white. It is understandable that a father, who is very protective of his daughter, would want her to be happy and not married off to a random man who has many other wives as well. In my opinion, he is justified as it is unfair that he should have to completely follow the Mormon's ways as, at the time of his rescue, he had no other option. A sacred promise should be one where the person knows what they are agreeing to and accept it. In this case, Ferrier's options were either die or become a Mormon, and he did not know the consequences of his promise that were to come.
7. How is/was polygamy acceptable in some societies, and why is it banned in Canada?
Polygamy is acceptable in some societies as, like in the Mormon faith, it might have been practiced for hundreds of years, and therefore a part of people's culture. Additionally, the practice is sometimes allowed if the man treats his wives equally and with respect. In Canada, polygamy is banned because it is seen as a way to easily cause harm to women, to children, to society and to regular monogamous marriages.
8. A "norm" is a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behaviour. What are some norms in your culture/family?
In most families, a method of regulating behaviour is through "grounding" or taking away electronics. In my family, we were just denied something, for example, ice cream or going to the mall, as well as the silent treatment where both people take time to think. The children in my family were pretty obedient so there was not a big need for controlling them. In my culture, I know that if a student wasn't listening, the teacher would hit their hand with a ruler but scolding and lectures are more common.
9. Lucy is nicknamed the "Flower of Utah"; however that nickname leads to trouble for her. Explain. What is Lucy's dilemma? How do you feel about her situation?
Being the Flower of Utah, Lucy is seen as the beautiful young girl, or a desirable wife. Since there is a lack of women in Salt Lake City, it is necessary to the Mormons that Lucy is married off, so that she can reproduce and help to populate the community. Lucy's dilemma is to either escape, leave behind their wealth and marry the man she loves or stay a Mormon, and be married off to any older man. I see how difficult her situation is as if she attempts to escape, she is risking being caught or being killed. It is unfair how the Mormons in the story treated her as an object to marry and not like an actual person.
10. There are no women in this story, other than Lucy. How does her fate suggest how women are probably treated in the community (in the story)? Doyle alludes to possible kidnappings of other women outside of the community in order to make them Mormon wives. How does Doyle portray the Mormon community?
Women in the community are treated like objects to auction off to a random rich man. They don't even consider the fact that she will be unhappy and that she wants to marry someone else. To the Mormons in the story, women are necessary only because of their reproducing capabilities. Most men have more than one wife and each one is neglected and used.
Doyle portrays the Mormon community as an abusive, strict group that cares more for their religion than for people's feelings. For example, they don't take in John Ferrier out of kindness; they tell him that they'll only allow him to join them if he becomes a Mormon. They rescue him to gain followers and for their own gain. As well, after John and Lucy are discovered by the Mormons again, they kill John. They didn't even try to spare him; instead they killed him and gave him a shallow grave for Jefferson to discover. Finally, when Lucy dies, Drebber doesn't even care. He sees her as disposable and he is abusive in that he neglects her and doesn't even care or comfort her.
Sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-polygamy-laws-upheld-by-b-c-supreme-court-1.856480
http://www.mormon.org/faq/beliefs-of-mormons
https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=eng
http://www.mormon.org/faq/the-mormons
http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Latter-Day-Saints/2002/01/Who-Are-The-Mormons.aspx
http://www.mormon.org/faq/mormon-lifestyle
http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/commandments
Picture: https://mormonsoprano.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/mormon_angel-moroni.gif
Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints formed less than two hundred years ago. The Church has a following of about fourteen million people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mormons believe that their Church is the same one that Jesus had initially established. They follow the Book of Mormon which is ancient scripture that had been recorded at the same time that the Bible was being written.
2. Who is Joseph Smith and why is he important to the Mormons?
Joseph Smith is the man that originally founded Mormonism. He believed that an angel directed him to a book of religious history of ancient people which was written on gold plates. He then translated it and published it in the Book of Mormon along with other ancient scriptures. Then, he set out to restore Christianity and he sent missionaries to preach the new bible. The religion grew across America and gathered many followers along the way.
3. Who is Brigham Young and why is he important to the Mormons?
Brigham Young became the leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith was killed. After conflicts in Illinois, Brigham relocated his pioneers to Nebraska, then Salt Lake City. He then became the President of the Church. He colonized and founded Salt Lake City and organized his Mormons to build roads, forts, establish public welfare, and to make peace with the Native Americans. He had them create a university called the University of Deseret. After the Utah war, he retired. Brigham Young helped to establish a place for the Mormons to call their home and headquarters.
4. What are some of the rules of the Mormon Community?
Members of the Mormon Community must dedicate some of their time to helping the poor and building the church. They must give at least ten percent of their income to the church as well as work ten to fifteen hours of unpaid service. Mormons follow the Word of Wisdom which prohibits them from consuming alcohol, coffee and tea; as well, it forbids them from viewing pornography, gambling, or partaking in any practice that is addicting. Additionally, they practice chastity very strictly.
5. What is a plural marriage? Are they legal in Canada?
Plural marriage is when a man marries more than one woman. Along with all other forms of polygamy, plural marriage is fully outlawed in Canada.
6. John Ferrier agreed to follow the Mormon rules when he was saved and he did, but in the chapter "Ferrier talks with the Prophet", now disagrees with their wishes for Lucy, what are your thoughts about his reversal? Is he justified? Is a sacred promise exactly that?
I believe that John Ferrier should not be punished to disagreeing with their wishes for Lucy. Considering all that he has contributed to the community as well as his kindness and success, he has not done anything wrong that he should be punished for. Mormonism is very strict, but I wouldn't think that it would be so black and white. It is understandable that a father, who is very protective of his daughter, would want her to be happy and not married off to a random man who has many other wives as well. In my opinion, he is justified as it is unfair that he should have to completely follow the Mormon's ways as, at the time of his rescue, he had no other option. A sacred promise should be one where the person knows what they are agreeing to and accept it. In this case, Ferrier's options were either die or become a Mormon, and he did not know the consequences of his promise that were to come.
7. How is/was polygamy acceptable in some societies, and why is it banned in Canada?
Polygamy is acceptable in some societies as, like in the Mormon faith, it might have been practiced for hundreds of years, and therefore a part of people's culture. Additionally, the practice is sometimes allowed if the man treats his wives equally and with respect. In Canada, polygamy is banned because it is seen as a way to easily cause harm to women, to children, to society and to regular monogamous marriages.
8. A "norm" is a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behaviour. What are some norms in your culture/family?
In most families, a method of regulating behaviour is through "grounding" or taking away electronics. In my family, we were just denied something, for example, ice cream or going to the mall, as well as the silent treatment where both people take time to think. The children in my family were pretty obedient so there was not a big need for controlling them. In my culture, I know that if a student wasn't listening, the teacher would hit their hand with a ruler but scolding and lectures are more common.
9. Lucy is nicknamed the "Flower of Utah"; however that nickname leads to trouble for her. Explain. What is Lucy's dilemma? How do you feel about her situation?
Being the Flower of Utah, Lucy is seen as the beautiful young girl, or a desirable wife. Since there is a lack of women in Salt Lake City, it is necessary to the Mormons that Lucy is married off, so that she can reproduce and help to populate the community. Lucy's dilemma is to either escape, leave behind their wealth and marry the man she loves or stay a Mormon, and be married off to any older man. I see how difficult her situation is as if she attempts to escape, she is risking being caught or being killed. It is unfair how the Mormons in the story treated her as an object to marry and not like an actual person.
10. There are no women in this story, other than Lucy. How does her fate suggest how women are probably treated in the community (in the story)? Doyle alludes to possible kidnappings of other women outside of the community in order to make them Mormon wives. How does Doyle portray the Mormon community?
Women in the community are treated like objects to auction off to a random rich man. They don't even consider the fact that she will be unhappy and that she wants to marry someone else. To the Mormons in the story, women are necessary only because of their reproducing capabilities. Most men have more than one wife and each one is neglected and used.
Doyle portrays the Mormon community as an abusive, strict group that cares more for their religion than for people's feelings. For example, they don't take in John Ferrier out of kindness; they tell him that they'll only allow him to join them if he becomes a Mormon. They rescue him to gain followers and for their own gain. As well, after John and Lucy are discovered by the Mormons again, they kill John. They didn't even try to spare him; instead they killed him and gave him a shallow grave for Jefferson to discover. Finally, when Lucy dies, Drebber doesn't even care. He sees her as disposable and he is abusive in that he neglects her and doesn't even care or comfort her.
Sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-s-polygamy-laws-upheld-by-b-c-supreme-court-1.856480
http://www.mormon.org/faq/beliefs-of-mormons
https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah?lang=eng
http://www.mormon.org/faq/the-mormons
http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Latter-Day-Saints/2002/01/Who-Are-The-Mormons.aspx
http://www.mormon.org/faq/mormon-lifestyle
http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/commandments
Picture: https://mormonsoprano.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/mormon_angel-moroni.gif
A Study in Masonry
1. What is Masonry? Who were the Masons?
4. What connections can you make between the fact that Brigham Young was a Mason and so was Drebber?
Brigham Young appears to have represented Masonry better than Enoch Drebber had. It is understandable that Brigham had allowed Ferrier and Lucy to join them with the exception that they join the group, as often in religious organizations members are encouraged to seek or convert others to the faith. He is not as obviously threatening as Drebber is. Brigham is only trying to protect the community and keep their system going. However, Enoch Drebber had not been as great of a Mason, as he had not respected Ferrier or his daughter. The Masonry group emphasizes the fact that followers should be kind and welcoming as well as understanding. Enoch Drebber did not follow these principles, as other members and he threatened Ferrier and were also not respectful to the Jefferson Hope, a Gentile.
5. Is there a connection between masonry and Sherlock Holmes? What about Arthur Conan Doyle?
There is evidence that Sherlock Holmes might have been a Mason. Initially, he and Dr. Watson decide to move in together after one short conversation. This could hint that they were possibly in the same fraternity which made it easier for them to trust each other enough to then immediately live together. As well, when Sherlock discovers the ring at the crime scene, he recognizes it as a ring with "Masonic device", which may mean that he has seen this device enough times to be able to identify it.
Arthur Conan Doyle was initiated as a Mason on January 26, 1887 at the age of 27 at the Phoenix Lodge No. 257 in Hampshire. Later on, he resigned and rejoined multiple times before finally leaving the Craft. He possibly incorporated Masonry into his books as a way to reference his experiences.
Masonry is a fraternal organization with the central belief in a "Supreme Being". Masons are spiritual and moral men who associate with other like-minded men for mutual benefit. They strive for self-improvement from living by the Golden Rule. Members of masonry are free to follow their own path in integrity and virtue.
2. Describe the history of the Masons.
Masonic beliefs date back to the end of the fourteenth century and is shown in masonic texts such as The Halliwell Manuscript which provides a summary of the history. The idea of the craft of masonry appeared in Egypt with the Euclid, then went to England. It is thought that the organization rose from the stonemason's guilds during the Middle Ages. The first lodges were put up in 1717 to form the Grand Lodge of England which would become a main organizational unit for the Masons.Throughout the coming centuries, Masonry became a worldwide fraternity that stood for self-discovery and social improvement through means of philanthropy. They continue to support the community by donating money to hospitals and charities and by encouraging and inspiring men and women.
3. Identify the key features of Masonry.
The most important feature of Masonry is the Masonic Lodge which forms the backbone of the organization. The lodge often meets to discuss every day matters such as paying bills or electing new members. As well, there is usually a schedule in which Masons are required to fulfill their share of contributing to the community through donating money or volunteering.
Another feature includes Masonic rituals which is basically the initiation process. A Mason joins the craft by being initiated, passed and raised into three levels of the organization. The person is educated on lodge symbols, basic terminology, and the beliefs of the Masonry. Often at the end of the process, the candidate must swear an oath dedicating himself to his brothers and the organization.
4. What connections can you make between the fact that Brigham Young was a Mason and so was Drebber?
Brigham Young appears to have represented Masonry better than Enoch Drebber had. It is understandable that Brigham had allowed Ferrier and Lucy to join them with the exception that they join the group, as often in religious organizations members are encouraged to seek or convert others to the faith. He is not as obviously threatening as Drebber is. Brigham is only trying to protect the community and keep their system going. However, Enoch Drebber had not been as great of a Mason, as he had not respected Ferrier or his daughter. The Masonry group emphasizes the fact that followers should be kind and welcoming as well as understanding. Enoch Drebber did not follow these principles, as other members and he threatened Ferrier and were also not respectful to the Jefferson Hope, a Gentile.
5. Is there a connection between masonry and Sherlock Holmes? What about Arthur Conan Doyle?
There is evidence that Sherlock Holmes might have been a Mason. Initially, he and Dr. Watson decide to move in together after one short conversation. This could hint that they were possibly in the same fraternity which made it easier for them to trust each other enough to then immediately live together. As well, when Sherlock discovers the ring at the crime scene, he recognizes it as a ring with "Masonic device", which may mean that he has seen this device enough times to be able to identify it.
Arthur Conan Doyle was initiated as a Mason on January 26, 1887 at the age of 27 at the Phoenix Lodge No. 257 in Hampshire. Later on, he resigned and rejoined multiple times before finally leaving the Craft. He possibly incorporated Masonry into his books as a way to reference his experiences.
Sources:
http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artoct02/sherlock_holmes_and_freemasonry.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/cooke.html
http://grandlodge.on.ca/home/about-freemasonry/who-are-masons.html
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/beresiner10.html
http://themastersmasons.homestead.com/masons.html
http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp
Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Freemasonry_Barnstar.jpg
http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artoct02/sherlock_holmes_and_freemasonry.htm
http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/cooke.html
http://grandlodge.on.ca/home/about-freemasonry/who-are-masons.html
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/beresiner10.html
http://themastersmasons.homestead.com/masons.html
http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp
Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Freemasonry_Barnstar.jpg
Friday, 20 February 2015
Six Key Elements of Detective Fiction
Detective fiction is a branch of crime and mystery fiction which focuses on the investigation of a crime by an investigator or a detective. Though there are numerous ways of writing detective fiction, there are six basic features that are essential to a quality story:
1.) The detective must be clever.
2.) The crime must be significant and worth the detective's efforts.
3.) The criminal must have a reason for the crime committed.
4.) The criminal must be a worthy opponent.
5.) Clues discovered by the detective must be available to the reader.
6.) The solution must be logical and obvious; it should be explained in detail by the detective.
1.) The detective must be clever.
2.) The crime must be significant and worth the detective's efforts.
3.) The criminal must have a reason for the crime committed.
4.) The criminal must be a worthy opponent.
5.) Clues discovered by the detective must be available to the reader.
6.) The solution must be logical and obvious; it should be explained in detail by the detective.
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