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When Dr. Mortimer had finished reading this singular…

“When Dr. Mortimer had finished reading this singular narrative he pushed his spectacles up on his forehead and stared across at Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The latter yawned and tossed the end of his cigarette into the fire. "Well?" said he. "Do you not find it interesting?" "To a collector of fairy-tales.” quote by Arthur Conan Doyle
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““When Dr. Mortimer had finished reading this singular narrative he pushed his spectacles up on his forehead and stared across at Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The latter yawned and tossed the end of his cigarette into the fire. "Well?" said he. "Do you not find it interesting?" "To a collector of fairy-tales.””

Arthur Conan Doyle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Sherlock Holmes dismisses a tale as mere fantasy, highlighting his pragmatic skepticism toward the supernatural.

In simple terms: Holmes sees fairy‑tales as irrelevant.

Key Takeaway

Question practicality over imagination.

Themes

skepticism pragmatism detective literature fantasy

Mood

curious analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • investigations
  • reading
  • storytelling
  • academic analysis
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

rationalism empiricism critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever dismiss ideas as “fairy‑tales” too quickly?
  • How can imagination aid detective work?
A Different Perspective

Holmes’ dismissal may overlook metaphorical insights.

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