Study Guide Questions for "The Red-Headed League" Quiz
Holmes explains to Watson how he guessed the truth. What was the purpose of Clay's hiring Mr. Wilson to copy the Encyclopedia? What was Clay doing in the cellar? How did Holmes know clay would attempt to rob the bank tonight?
Clay wanted to keep Wilson away from the store, he was digging a tunnel so he could rob the bank they weren't worried about keeping Mr. Wilson away any longer, which meant the tunnel was done, they could rob the bank, and try to make a get away
Holmes lists the "obvious facts" that he deduces from Mr. Wilson's appearance. What are they and how did Holmes know? How does Mr. Wilson react to Holmes findings? Watson?
He does manual labor, takes snuff, is a freemason, has been to China, does a lot of writing, holmes know by the size of his hands, his breastpin, his sleeves, his tattoos, and a coin he has. Wilson questioned Holmes. Watson watches Holmes understand his deduction.
Watson finds Holmes with a visitor, Mr. Jabez Wilson. Give details about his appearance. Does this appearance tell anything about him as a person? Explain why or why not.
He has a Fiery red hair, is a scout, red faced, pompous, slow, wears sloppy clothes, and has a heavy chain. Holmes is able to deduce things based on his appearance.
Why does Holmes pretend to be lost and ask the way of Mr. Wilson's assistant? What other odd thing does he do in from of Mr. Wilson's place of business?
He wants to see the assistant's knees of his pants, he bangs his cane up and down the sidewalk
Why does the situation make Holmes and Watson burst into laughter?
Its a very unusual and funny situation
Describe the work Mr. Wilson must do for the League. What exactly is it? When must he do it? What supposedly the purpose? What happens if he leaves the office during working hours?
he has to copy the encyclopedia, from 10-2pm, if he leaves he loses the position
Why do you think Spaulding wants Wilson to so badly join the league?
he is trying to get him out of the pawnshop
Why did Sherlock want to see the knees of the assistants trousers? Why do you think he beat the pavement with his cane?
he wanted to see if it looked like he'd been digging
Why do you think Sherlock wants to go to the violin concert?
he wants to see the pawnshop and meet Vincent Spraudling
Mr. Wilson is a pawnbroker, one who lends money at interest to people who give him items of personal property in exchange. What is unusual about his assistant, Vincent Spaulding? Why does he spend a lot of time in the cellar?
he works for half wages and he says he is developing pictures in the cellar
What does Mr. Wilson learn from the landlord
he's never heard of the Red-Headed league
Holmes begins to question Mr. Wilson about his assistant. List some of the things that he learns.
he's worked for him about a month, worked for half-pay, answered a newspaper ad, he's small, no facial hair, has an acid scar, has pierced ears like a gypsy
Why was Mr. Wilson surprised that the job was actually real?
it seemed too good to be true
Why did Ezekiah Hopkins start the league? Why do you think he "had a great sympathy for all red-headed men?
supposedly he was an American millionaire with red hair he died and wanted to give easy good paying jobs to men with red hair
What are some of the goals of the league
the goals are propagation and spread of red heads as well as providing them with income
What do you think is the major crime being planned?
they are planning a bank robbery
Why do you think the job came to a sudden end
they no longer needed to keep him out of the shop
Who are Mr. Jones and Mr. Merryweather? Who is John Clay?
Mr. Jones: Scotland's yard officer (police) Mr. Merryweather: Bank director John Clay: murderer, thief, smasher, forger
Describe the two people who enter the room from the hole in the floor? Do you recognize them?
One if Mr. Watson assistant, "Vincent Spaulding," who is actually a criminal named John Clay. One is "Duncan Ross," the man who hired Wilson for the Red-Headed league
What is the only requirements needed to apply for a vacancy in the Red-Headed League? What are the benefits? Why do you think only these particular men are asked to apply?
Requirements: red hair Benefits: $4 per week for easy work They say its to spread red hair people
What of special interest is hidden where they wait?
There is french gold
Who specially do you think they are waiting for? Why?
They were waiting for the bank robbers so they can arrest them
