The Spring meeting of the Greek Interpreters was held on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011, with twenty members and guests in attendance. The evening's quiz and discussion centered on Chapters 6 to 8 of "The Hound of the Baskevilles". The meeting opened with the customary Canonical Toasts to Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, the second Mrs. Watson and The Woman. Following a supper of roast beef or whitefish, resolution of the quiz was conducted by Bill Reusch (the chemist).
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| "Baskerville Hall", said he | Stapleton catches Watson | The Great Grimpen Mire | Barrymore at the window |
A spirited discussion ranged over many topics. Because our members are well acquainted with this famous novel, the comments and questions extended over much more than the three designated chapters. The ranking of "The Hound" relative to the other novels in the canon was explored. It was suggested that "The Valley of Fear" is a better detective novel, and that the eerie atmosphere of the former is responsible for its attraction and favorable reputation. As Dorothy Sayers noted in her introduction to "The Omnibus of Crime", Edgar Allen Poe established many of the fundamental characteristics of the modern detective story; however, Doyle's creation, Sherlock Holmes, has cemented them in our expectations. The stories in the canon are of variable quality, but in toto remain the benchmark against which others are measured.
Our former Melas, Donald Yates, has written a brilliant verse "One Minute Hound", which may be viewed by clicking on the name.
The meeting concluded with the reading of Vincent Starrett's "221B" poem, followed by our singing of The Anthem.
