“listen to his not too delicate sarcasms” [SIGN]
Merriam-Webster defines sarcasm as:
the use of words that mean the opposite of what one intends to say especially in order to insult, to show irritation, or to be funny : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on ironic and usually bitter and caustic language often directed against an individual.
It is a form of humor that requires both intelligence and either a closeness with the individual on the receiving end — a relationship that will tolerate such barbs — or disdain. In the case of the disdainful, the victim may often not realize the intention as they smile and nod along.
Given Sherlock Holmes's impatience with the official police, it is surprising there aren't more than two mentions of sarcasm in the Canon. What is not surprising is that both have to do with Scotland Yard. And both take place in the early days: the very first two Sherlock Holmes stories to be published.
In A Study in Scarlet, Holmes is dealing with inspectors Gregson and Lestrade. They're interested in his conclusions after examining the body of Enoch Drebber and the room in which he died. Watson tells us "There was a world of sarcasm in his voice as he spoke."
“It would be robbing you of the credit of the case if I was to presume to help you,” remarked my friend. “You are doing so well now that it would be a pity for anyone to interfere.”
We know Sherlock Holmes was none too impressed with Athelney Jones in The Sign of Four. As Holmes, Watson, and Mary Morstan arrived at Pondicherry Lodge to find a dead Sholto, Holmes remarked:
“And I shall see what I can learn from Mrs. Bernstone, and from the Indian servant, who, Mr. Thaddeus tell me, sleeps in the next garret. Then I shall study the great Jones’s methods and listen to his not too delicate sarcasms. ‘Wir sind gewohnt, daß die Menschen verh¨ohnen was sie nicht verstehen.’ Goethe is always pithy.”
While Jones wasn't present for this remark, the Goethe reference directly indicts his inability to understand Holmes' methods and conclusions, leading Jones to use sarcasm in an uninformed way. The Goethe quote is translated as ‘We are used to people belittling what they do not understand.’
Let's see what kind of understanding is happening at Baker Street Elementary...
Baker Street Elementary follows the original adventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, as they and their friends work through the issues of elementary school in Victorian London. An archive of all previous episodes can be viewed at the Baker Street Elementary website.
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