Who Is Sherlock Holmes: The Age and Origins of a Literary Mastermind
Sherlock Holmes is one of the most enduring and recognizable characters in literature. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes first appeared in the pages of A Study in Scarlet, published in 1887. Over the years, Holmes has captivated the imaginations of countless readers and viewers, thanks to his razor-sharpened mind and keen observational skills.
The Birth of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes was born in 1859, making him 28 years old when he made his first appearance in the literary world. His exact age has been a topic of debate among fans and scholars, but based on the timeline established by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and various adaptations, we can narrow down his age with some reasonable accuracy.
Around the Early 1900s: Sherlock's Prime
By the time Sherlock Holmes leaves us in the short story 'His Last Bow' (1917), he is 60 years old. This age is consistent with the character's development throughout the stories. The character's youth, early 40s to 50s, is often portrayed in adaptations like the Benedict Cumberbatch series, where Cumberbatch was around 37 years old when he played the role. This age is reflective of the time period when the show is set, which is approximately the early 2000s, as the series depicts the war with Afghanistan around that time.
James Bond in the Sherlock World
The character of Sherlock Holmes can be likened to a modern version of James Bond, with a similar blend of physical prowess and intellect. In the modern view, Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes is seen as smooth, good-looking, charming, and cunning. Just like Bond, Holmes is an action hero with a knack for outsmarting his opponents.
Historical Context and Age Calculation
In the Conan Doyle tales, Mycroft Holmes is mentioned as being 7 years older than his brother. Martin Freeman, who plays Holmes in the Cumberbatch series, is 10 years younger than Benedict Cumberbatch. Thus, the age gap between the two brothers in the series is about 17 years, which aligns with the age difference in the books.
Mycroft Holmes is therefore likely in his early 40s, making him around 34 to 41 years old in the Cumberbatch series. If we consider the timeline of the book 'A Study in Scarlet', Watson is only a year or so older than Sherlock. Martin Freeman, who plays Watson, is five years older than Cumberbatch, making Watson approximately 35 to 36 years old in the series.
Watson's age is further supported by the timeline based on his military service. In the UK, one can join the Army at 16, but military service is usually two years for commission, plus additional training and experience. Considering Watson's expertise in medicine and his injury, his military service would likely span around 10 years. Assuming Watson joined at age 19 to 20, by the time he meets Sherlock, he is in his mid to late 30s.
Contemporary Adaptations and Character Development
The character of Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed in various ways in contemporary adaptations. While Sir Cedric pumpkin (Alan Rickman) played a prominent role in Bring It On, the Cumberbatch series is often considered the most accurate to the original character as created by Doyle. However, Cumberbatch's portrayal makes Holmes slightly more charming and personable, whereas in the original books, Holmes can be quite pompous and cold. Critics contend that Holmes' personality should lie somewhere in between these extreme portrayals.
Despite the varying interpretations, the core traits of the character—his polymathic knowledge, atheism, and underworld connections—remain consistent across the many iterations. Whether portrayed by Cumberbatch, Cusack, or even Cane, Sherlock Holmes remains a timeless and captivating figure in the world of literature and entertainment.
Whether you are a fan of the books, the series, or the broader literary landscape of this era, the age of Sherlock Holmes provides a fascinating insight into the character's development and the historical context that shaped his persona. So, the next time you read or rewatch a Sherlock Holmes story, remember the age of this literary mastermind and the many layers that make him the iconic character he is today.