English Notes for Chapter 4 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Class 11 - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is a quick summary of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs' for revision?
The story follows Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a peculiar inheritance case. A man, John Garrideb, claims a large fortune will be shared if he can find two other men with the same rare surname. He locates an elderly collector, Nathan Garrideb. However, Holmes quickly deduces the entire story is a ruse created by John Garrideb, a criminal, to get the innocent Nathan out of his apartment to access a counterfeiter's hidden workshop in the basement.
2. How can remembering the key characters help in a quick recap of the story?
Focusing on the main characters provides a clear framework for revision, as their motivations drive the plot. Key characters to recall are:
- Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant detective who methodically uncovers the deception.
- Dr. Watson: The loyal narrator whose injury reveals Holmes's deeply human side.
- Nathan Garrideb: The innocent and eccentric collector who becomes the unsuspecting victim of the scheme.
- John Garrideb (James Winter): The cunning antagonist who masterminds the elaborate lie to achieve his criminal goal.
3. What was the real purpose behind the elaborate search for 'three Garridebs'?
The search was a complete fabrication invented by the criminal James Winter, who was pretending to be John Garrideb. His true objective was not to find two other Garridebs for an inheritance. Instead, it was a clever ploy to get the solitary Nathan Garrideb to leave his apartment. Winter knew that the apartment's previous tenant, a forger he had killed, had hidden a counterfeiting press and notes in a secret cellar beneath Nathan's room.
4. What are the main themes to keep in mind when summarising 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
When revising this chapter as per the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus, focus on these central themes:
- Deception vs. Reality: The story highlights the contrast between the elaborate lie of the inheritance and the criminal truth.
- Greed: The antagonist's actions are driven entirely by his desire to retrieve the valuable counterfeiting equipment.
- The Power of Observation: Holmes's ability to spot small clues, like Americanisms in a newspaper ad, is crucial to solving the case.
- Trust and Betrayal: The story explores how Nathan Garrideb's simple trust is cruelly exploited.
5. How does Holmes's deduction process in this story show his unique method of solving mysteries?
This story perfectly showcases Holmes's method. He begins with scepticism, doubting the too-good-to-be-true inheritance story. He then moves to data gathering by observing details like the old nameplate on Nathan's door and the American spellings in the ad. Finally, he uses pure logical deduction to conclude that the ad was a plant and the true motive had to be connected to the apartment itself, not the family name.
6. What is an effective way to structure a revision of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
For an efficient revision, structure your recap in this logical order:
1. Begin with the initial problem: The inheritance tale presented by John Garrideb.
2. Note the key clues Holmes uncovers, such as the fake advertisement.
3. Identify the turning point: When Holmes identifies John Garrideb as the known criminal James Winter.
4. Conclude with the final resolution: The confrontation in Nathan's room and the discovery of the printing press. This sequence helps trace the plot from mystery to solution.
7. What is a common misunderstanding about the plot that students should clarify during revision?
A common misconception is that a real millionaire named Alexander Hamilton Garrideb actually existed. Students should remember that this character and the entire inheritance story were a complete fabrication by the criminal, James Winter. The motive was never about an inheritance; it was always about gaining access to Nathan's room to retrieve the hidden counterfeiting press.
8. Why is Dr. Watson's role, especially his injury, important for a complete summary of the chapter?
Dr. Watson serves as more than just the narrator in this story. His presence allows Holmes to vocalise his deductions, making them clear to the reader. Crucially, Watson getting shot is a pivotal moment that reveals a rarely seen, emotional, and fiercely protective side of Sherlock Holmes. This shows the deep friendship between them and adds an emotional climax to the story's resolution, making it an important point to remember for a full understanding.























