Women in Detective Literature

Irene Adler’s role in “A Scandal in Bohemia”Cameron Philips

Thesis

Gender roles in the Victorian era

Characterization of Irene Adler

Influence on the King of Bohemia

Influence on Sherlock Holmes

Closing Statement

In class discussion

Overview

In this presentation I will go into depth and examine the significance of the character, Irene Adler, to the mystery/case in the textual and film adaptations of A Scandal in Bohemia. I will also be elaborating on how Irene Adler breaks away from the social norms at the time as well as influences the actions of the King of Bohemia and Sherlock Holmes.

Thesis

Gender Roles played an important part in how women were viewed

Women were portrait as delicate, weak and helpless Women's role in society was lesser than that of men

Gender Roles in Victorian London

Doesn’t follow societal norms

Smart, resourceful and clever

Holds a relatively higher role in society

Irene Adler Characterization

Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein (King of Bohemia)

Sherlock Holmes

In closing, Irene Adler is a crucial component to the story “A Scandal in Bohemia”. She proves significant to the story due to: Her character abolishing/disregarding the societal norms at the time, her influence on the King of Bohemia as well as the ways in which she influences/affects Holmes during the story and subsequent stories afterwards.

In Closing

Do you agree or disagree with the notion that women's roles within society remain largely the same?

Discussion Questions