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The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

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English Notes for Chapter 4 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Class 11 - FREE PDF Download

In Cbse Class 11 English Woven Words Notes Chapter 4, you’ll step into the clever world of Sherlock Holmes as he solves the mystery in “The Adventure of the Three Garridebs.” This story will help you understand how to spot clues, think logically, and enjoy reading English. The notes break down tricky parts, explain characters, and highlight important points so you don’t feel lost while revising.

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To make revision even easier, explore all the key topics from this chapter and more using our Class 11 English Woven Words Revision Notes. Everything is made simple and clear, so you can focus on understanding instead of memorizing.


Revising this chapter can really help boost your overall score, as it is part of a unit that’s often seen in final exams. With this help from Vedantu, you’ll feel more confident and ready to achieve your best!


Access Class 11 English (Woven Words) Chapter 4 (Prose) The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Notes

About the Author:

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930), who was a medical practitioner, is well known for his detective stories. His creations—the detective Sherlock Holmes and the chronicler, Dr Watson—are well-known the world over. The collections of his short stories include The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Return of Sherlock Holmes. The stories are full of suspense, excitement, and humour. At the same time, they develop a structure of keen, analytical intelligence, with a deep human appeal.


Synopsis

"The Adventure of the Three Garridebs" is a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery that is brief as a complex web of deception. When three men claiming to be brothers named Garrideb seek Holmes' help to claim a substantial inheritance, the detective is drawn into a puzzling case. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that the whole scenario is a carefully orchestrated ruse. The true identity of one of the Garridebs is revealed to be a dangerous criminal, and Holmes must use his deductive brilliance to prevent a tragedy. The tale culminates in a dramatic confrontation and the exposure of the criminal's plot.


Theme

The story describes the themes of deception, identity, and the consequences of criminal activities. It highlights the importance of careful observation and logical reasoning in complex mysteries. Additionally, it explores the contrast between genuine relationships and those built on falsehoods, emphasising the significance of trust and authenticity.


Character Sketches

  • Sherlock Holmes: The quintessential detective, renowned for his sharp intellect and dedication to solving cases. His powers of observation and deduction are on full display as he unravels the intricate plot.

  • John Garrideb/James Winter: A cunning criminal with a penchant for deception. He masterfully constructs a false identity and manipulates the situation to his advantage.

  • Nathan Garrideb: A seemingly innocent and unsuspecting character who becomes entangled in the web of deceit. His trusting nature contrasts sharply with the cunning of the antagonist.

  • Dr. Watson: Holmes' loyal companion and chronicler. His presence provides a relatable perspective and complements Holmes' analytical mind.


English Class 11 Chapter 4 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Summary

  • The American Garrideb visits Holmes and Watson at Baker Street, unhappy that Nathan involved a detective.

  • Garrideb claims to be a lawyer and tells a story about meeting Alexander Hamilton Garrideb, a millionaire land tycoon in Kansas.

  • Hamilton offers to transfer his fifteen-million-dollar estate to John if he can find two more Garridebs to share it with.

  • John fails to find anyone with the same name in America and comes to England, managing to find only Nathan.

  • Holmes observes discrepancies in John's story but decides not to confront him, sparking further interest in the case.

  • Holmes contacts Nathan for further investigation and visits Ryder Street, noticing Nathan's long-standing nameplate, confirming Garrideb as his last name.

  • Nathan Garrideb is a serious collector of various items but has nothing particularly valuable in his collection.

  • Holmes notes that John never asked for money or planned any action, which Nathan found unworthy of suspicion, surprising Holmes.

  • During a visit by Holmes and Watson, John Garrideb is excited about finding a third Garrideb through a newspaper advertisement placed by Howard Garrideb.

  • Holmes realises the advertisement was placed by John himself due to several Americanisms in spelling and wording.

  • Nathan rarely travels, but John insists he goes to Birmingham to meet Howard Garrideb, creating a ruse to get Nathan out of his rooms.

  • Holmes receives new information, meets Inspector Lestrade at Scotland Yard, and identifies John Garrideb as James Winter, alias Morecroft, alias Killer Evans.

  • Winter was imprisoned for shooting a man but avoided execution due to mitigating circumstances. The man he killed, Roger Prescott, a forger from Chicago, matched the description of Nathan’s home’s former occupant.

  • Holmes and Watson arm themselves with revolvers and go to Nathan’s home, hiding and watching Winter use a jemmy to open a trapdoor revealing a small cellar.

  • They capture Winter before he can shoot, though he fires twice and hits Watson in the leg. Holmes, distressed by Watson’s injury, strikes Evans with his gun’s butt.

  • Holmes vows that Evans would not leave the room alive if Watson were killed, but Watson's wound is superficial.

  • In the cellar, they find a printing press and counterfeit banknotes hidden by Prescott, whom Evans killed.

  • Winter is sent to prison, and Nathan is placed in a nursing home.


Learnings from Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Notes

  • Observation is Key: Sherlock Holmes' ability to notice minute details and inconsistencies is crucial to the case. Careful observation can reveal hidden truths.

  • Deception Can Be Elaborate: The story highlights how criminals can create intricate plans to mislead others. It's essential to maintain scepticism when faced with unexpected situations.

  • Trust But Verify: While trust is important, it's equally crucial to verify information and be cautious of people's intentions.

  • The Power of Deduction: Holmes' logical reasoning and deductive skills are instrumental in solving the case. Analytical thinking can help you break down complex problems.

  • The Importance of Teamwork: The cooperation between Holmes and Watson demonstrates the value of teamwork in overcoming challenges.


Importance of Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 4 The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Summary - PDF

  • Revision notes provide a concise summary of the lesson, saving time during revision by highlighting the main points.

  • They highlight key themes and concepts, making it easier to understand and remember the importance of the chapter.

  • Important quotes and simple explanations are included, helping students understand and remember the material better.

  • The notes explain the characters and the story clearly, making it easier for students to understand the chapter fully.

  • These notes help quickly review important points before exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared.

  • It covers the entire syllabus, ensuring that every topic is included and that the chapter is fully understood.


Tips for Learning Class 11 English (Woven Words) Chapter 4 - The Adventure of the Three Garridebs

  • Follow the Plot Carefully: Pay close attention to the introduction of characters, the development of the mystery, and the eventual resolution.

  • Identify the Main Characters: Understand the roles of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the three Garridebs in the story.

  • Analyse the Twists and Turns: Pay attention to the unexpected developments in the plot that keep the story engaging.

  • Learn About Deduction: Understand how Sherlock Holmes uses observation and logic to solve the case.

  • Identify Clues: Pay attention to the details and clues that Holmes picks up to unravel the mystery.


Conclusion

"The Adventure of the Three Garridebs" is a story of deception and deduction. Doyle expertly described a complex web of lies, only to reveal it with the razor-sharp intellect of Sherlock Holmes. Vedantu's study notes provide clear summaries and insights into the characters, helping students understand the chapter better and prepare effectively. Ultimately, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of criminal activities and the triumph of justice over evil. Download The Adventure of the Three Garridebs Notes PDF to learn more about the chapter.


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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.